A HANDWRITTEN score of a musical work on loan from the National Library of Austria was unveiled at the Chester Beatty Library yesterday as part of an exhibition commemorating the bicentenary of the death of Austrian composer Joseph Haydn (1732-1809).
The library is displaying several first editions of Haydn’s published work, including one early Dublin edition, alongside the manuscript.
The manuscript, the second Cello Concerto in D major, was re-discovered in 1951 and settled a long running dispute over who had actually written it.
It was published in 1804 under Haydn’s name but was later attributed to Anton Kraft, a cellist at Esterhazy who Haydn had written the piece for.
The manuscript was found to be in Haydn’s handwriting and is signed by him, thus ending the dispute.
“It’s a great privilege to have such an important manuscript under our roof,” said Michael Ryan, director of the Chester Beatty Library.
Martin Mansergh, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, spoke at the opening along with Johanna Rachinger, director general of the Austrian National Library.
“I am hoping that this coming year will at last bring around an appreciation of one of the most brilliant, creative, attractive and enjoyable composers,” Mr Mansergh said. The exhibition will be on display until August 2nd. Other commemorations include a documentary exhibition named “Haydn on Tour” at the Office of Public Works from May 12th to June 10th.