In Search of Haydn – review

Following his excellent films on Mozart and Beethoven, the British documentarist Phil Grabsky completes an admirable trilogy with this riveting study of Haydn. As with the earlier films there are no phoney reconstructions and dramatisations, just a lucid chronological account of a life using contemporary prints and new film of the places where he worked; some beautiful music by a variety of performers; informative, unpretentious contributions from musicians, critics and historians; and a commentary nicely spoken by Juliet Stevenson. It's a quieter, less dramatic career than Mozart's and Beethoven's, but longer, no less significant, and one of great dedication and probity. I learned much about this likable man (including the fact that there's only one picture of him without a wig and that he never appeared with his head uncovered), and I intend to hear more of his music.