Haydn Speaks by Various, šeš 15 spa 2022, Nuo (2022/2022), Berry School of Arts, Berry, Australia

In the face of his prodigious output of consistently fine music, it’s easy to take Haydn for granted. We enjoy triumph over adversity, struggle, unjust neglect, and lives cut tragically short, none of which he suffered. But the story of how a boy with a good voice, one of twelve children born to a poor wheelwright and his wife, became the toast of Vienna, then London, then the known world, and how fame never swelled his clever head, makes the plot of Slumdog Millionaire look commonplace. Iconic Australian actor John Bell is nearing “Papa” status himself. Who better to personify the spirit of this extraordinary humble Joe in a new musical/theatrical/ biographical entertainment by young playwright Rachel McDonald? Concerts illustrated with a smattering of letters are nothing new. This evening goes much deeper and has to, because Haydn was too busy writing music to bother with many letters. In fact after he died, a burgeoning French novelist pen-named Stendhal, invented some on his behalf. Fake news. Beautifully written, but fake nonetheless. McDonald skilfully weaves historically confirmed sources, real letters and such romantic re-imaginings into a piece that allows the ever-present, selfdeprecating and funny Haydn to recount his life, comment on his posthumous reputation and poignantly reveal some bedroom secrets. Oh yes, and to re-encounter and admire some of his greatest work, as performed with impeccable eighteenth-century finesse by AHE. You will hear it afresh too, through the ears of its creator. A unique and unmissable event.