Beethoven and Haydn

[spaceray]

Did Haydn invite Beethoven to England in 1793.Why didn't Beethoven go?

[Peter]

Haydn didn't in fact depart for London the second time until 1794. There are several reasons why Beethoven wouldn't have accepted an invitation (if he was indeed asked). Firstly by this time Beethoven had become disillusioned in Haydn as a teacher so Haydn's departure would have come as a welcome relief. Also I doubt Beethoven would have wanted to play 2nd fiddle to Haydn who was at the height of his success and powers.

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'Man know thyself'

[spaceray]

So you don't think an actual invitation was offered by Haydn.Why so much speculation about this then in Thayer?

[Peter]

Originally posted by spaceray:
So you don't think an actual invitation was offered by Haydn.Why so much speculation about this then in Thayer?

I'm not sure whether he was asked or not (years since I read Thayer, so can't comment on the speculation), just putting forward possible reasons for Beethoven not going if he was asked.

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'Man know thyself'