Did Beethoven and Haydn Know Each Other? Their Encounters and Musical Perceptions

The relationship between Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Joseph Haydn is a fascinating subject in the annals of classical music. Historians and musicologists have explored the dynamics of this mentoring relationship and the perceptions each great composer had of each other's work.

The Encounter in Vienna

When Beethoven moved to Vienna from Bonn, his primary intention was to study under Haydn, who was recognized as one of the leading figures of classical music at the time. This aspiration came about after the premature demise of Mozart, who was once Beethoven's idol. Although Beethoven's initial goal was to learn from the master, his perception of Haydn as a teacher was not entirely positive.

Beethoven’s relationship with Haydn was characterized by a significant age gap, with Haydn being 38 years older. Despite this, their interactions were brief. Beethoven soon found no benefit from Haydn's instruction, deeming his own pursuit as more about standing out as a revolutionary rather than being influenced.

Haydn's Perspective

Haydn's reaction to Beethoven’s music was not wholly favorable. He did not completely reject Beethoven's work but viewed it with a certain skepticism. Haydn lived long enough to witness the immense recognition and fame that Beethoven achieved during his lifetime. Yet, he never openly commented on Beethoven's music, often choosing to maintain a professional distance rather than expressing his thoughts.

Mozart’s Influence and Friendship

While Beethoven's relationship with Haydn was tenuous, his interactions with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were more stable and productive. There is debate over whether Beethoven ever met Mozart, with some sources suggesting a brief encounter, though this remains disputed. The genuine friendship between Mozart and Haydn was notable, with Haydn often recommending Mozart to fulfill any composing requests he couldn't handle.

Musical Perceptions and Assessments

Beethoven’s attitude towards Haydn's music was marked by skepticism. He recognized Haydn as a respected composer of earlier times but did not consider him to be a contemporary influence. On the other hand, Haydn’s reception of Beethoven’s revolutionary approach to composition was lukewarm at best.

Despite the different outlooks and reactions, the legacy of these three composers remains intertwined in the history of classical music. Haydn, who lived long enough to observe Beethoven's rise to fame, never commented extensively on it. Instead, he maintained the stance that he did not 'understand' his former student's music. In the final analysis, Beethoven is often seen as having surpassed Haydn in terms of innovation and influence, with some even suggesting that his genius might have even surpassed that of Mozart himself.