Eisenstadt, Austria - Tranquil little Eisenstadt will come alive to the sound of classical music in 2009 when the picturesque Austrian town near the Hungarian border celebrates the 200th anniversary of the death of its once native composer Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). The "Father of the Symphony", as he is sometimes known, was the most celebrated citizen of the Burgenland capital, some 50 kilometres east of Vienna. Eisenstadt boasts plenty of charming cobblestone streets and the magnificent Esterhazy Castle. Alas, tourists are conspicuous by their absence.
Haydn died aged 77 on May 31, 1809 after an illustrious career, 30 years of which was spent as court musician with the Hungarian Esterhazy family, one of the wealthiest noble clans of central Europe. It was during this period that the composer divided his time between Eisenstadt and their remote ancestral seat in Hungary.
"Haydn and Eisenstadt go together like Mozart and Salzburg", said Burgenland provincial governor Hans Niessl. Many of Haydn's works were composed in the region and first performed at Esterhazy Castle. The local tourist board is using the opportunity to offer several months' of activities which make Eisenstadt an attractive destination, and not just for music-lovers.
The programme begins on March 31, Haydn's birthday. The baronial Haydn Hall at Esterhazy Castle is the venue for the a performance of four symphonies by the maestro with Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducting. Easter will witness concerts of Haydn's sacred works in the Bergkirche church, which contains Haydn's white marble tomb, in the chapel of Esterházy Castle and at Eisenstadt Cathedral from April 9- 12.
Other highlights are bound to be the "Triothlon" chamber music concerts, a set of musical remembrance days at the end of May, a symphonic festival in June entitled "Storm and Stress" after the emotive movement in German music and literature of the same name and the "International Haydn Days" with a roster of the composer's works at various venues in September. "The Haydn Phenomenon" exhibition meanwhile aims to show visitors how Haydn's life in Eisenstadt influenced both his personality and work.
The people of Burgenland are proud of their cuisine and particularly their wines which have so far gained little recognition beyond a small circle of wine lovers. Haydn was fond of the products of local wineries and allegedly received a portion of his pay in liquid kind. His regular evening meal was said to consist solely of bread and wine. By sampling a bottle of a local brand known as "Die Schöpfung" (The Creation) after one of Haydn's works, gourmets can combine both their love of music and wine.
A number of Haydn-related events are also taking place in the western Hungarian city of Sopron, another location with strong links to the Esterhazy family. A calendar of concerts will be staged here from Easter until December. From Sopron it is not far to Fertoed, where the Esterhazys maintained yet another palatial summer residence where Haydn once worked.
Internet: www.haydn2009.at, www.eisenstadt-tourism.at
