Joseph Haydn, The Merry Little Peasant

by Opal Wheeler and Sybil Deucher
Available from Amazon and The Book Peddler
*****

This is such a sweet little book for children, and adults will enjoy reading through it as well. The way Haydn’s childhood and early years are portrayed is delightfully entertaining, as well as educational. If this had been a little tale invented to amuse children instead of a factual biography, it could hardly be more enchanting. Readers will find it easy to remember these interesting details of Haydn’s life because they will be in sympathy with him in his escapades, disappointments, and successes. In addition to describing the life of this composer, the authors also attempt an introduction to his music. Several musical pieces are included for the reader to play on the piano to see for themselves how charming Haydn’s music is. Musical terms are also explained, such as, “A sonata, you know, is music written for solo instruments with an accompaniment”, or “A symphony is music written for an orchestra and is divided into several parts.”

I heartily recommend this excellent book, especially for children who may be learning Haydn's music in their lessons. The authors have done an outstanding job, and I will be looking for their other works.