had a much higher purchasing value in those days, the figures
here quoted do not seem princely when we consider the extent and
nature of Haydn's duties, but to a man of Haydn's simple tastes
they would appear ample enough. At least, they would save him
from lying on straw and drinking bad whisky, which Wagner
regarded as among the things that are inimical to the creative
genius.

Artistic Advantages

These were the material advantages of the Eisenstadt appointment.
The artistic advantages were even more important, especially to a
young and inexperienced artist who, so far, had not enjoyed many
opportunities of practically testing his own work. Haydn had a
very good band always at his disposal, the members of which were
devoted to him. If he wrote part of a symphony over-night he
could try it in the morning, prune, revise, accept, reject. Many
a young composer of to-day would rejoice at such an opportunity,
as indeed Haydn himself rejoiced at it. "I not only had the
encouragement of constant approval," he says, speaking of this
period of his career, "but as conductor of an orchestra I could
make experiments, observe what produced an effect and what
weakened it, and was thus in a position to improve, alter, make
additions and omissions, and be as bold as I pleased."

Some Disadvantages

No doubt there were some disadvantages in counterpoise. After the
gay life of Vienna, Eisenstadt must have been dull enough, and
there is plenty of evidence to show that the young artist