Austrian composer Joseph Haydn (1732 –1809) was one of the greatest and most innovative composers of the classical period, the so-called father of the symphony and the string quartet.

Published to coincide with the anniversary year of the composer’s death, The Faber Pocket Guide to Haydn assesses what Haydn’s music means to us today, and challenges some of the myths that have grown up around the composer. With suggestions for further reading and recommended CD recordings, Richard Wigmore’s crisp and concise guide explores each of Haydn’s key works, from his symphonies to his quartets and from his choral works to his sonatas, and invites a new generation of listeners to discover the depth and dazzling ingenuity of this most humane and life-affirming composer. And for the many thousands of music lovers who will be attending the many events and celebrations planned in 2009 The Faber Pocket Guide to Haydn will help them understand and enjoy Haydn’s music all the more.

Richard Wigmore is a distinguished musicologist, specialising in the Viennese Classical period, and has written many CD notes, concert programme notes, newspaper and magazine articles on Haydn. He writes regularly for Gramophone, BBC Music Magazine and The Daily Telegraph, and is a frequent broadcaster on BBC Radio 3.