Haydn was blissfully happy over the realization of his highest hopes.  In his wildest dreams he had never imagined such magnificence as he found at the palace of Eisenstadt.  The great buildings, troops of servants, the wonderful parks and gardens, with their flowers, lakes and fountains almost made him believe he was in fairyland.  Of course there would be some hard work, though it would not seem hard amid such fascinating surroundings and there would be plenty of leisure for his own creative activities.  Best of all his wife could not be with him.

Prince Paul Anton passed away after a year and his brother Nikolaus succeeded him.  He advanced Haydn still further, and increased his salary.  Werner, the old Capellmeister, died in 1766, and Haydn succeeded to the full title.  This was the father’s dream for his boy Josef, and it had been abundantly realized.  His mother had passed away, but his father was living, and had come, on one occasion, to Eisenstadt to see him.  His brother Michael who had now become Concertmeister in Salzburg, spent several happy days with him also.

The summer residence of Prince Nikolaus at Esterhazy had been rebuilt, enlarged and was more magnificent than Eisenstadt.  The music was more elaborate.  The Prince was so fond of the life there that he postponed his return to town till late in the autumn.

In order to give him a hint through music, Haydn composed what he called the “Farewell Symphony,” in which, toward the close each pair of players in turn rose, extinguished their candles and passed out, until only the first violinist remained.  He last of all blew out his light and left, while Haydn prepared to follow.  The Prince at last understood, and treating the whole as a joke, gave orders for the departure of the household.

In 1790 Haydn lost the master to whom he was so devotedly attached.  He received a pension of a thousand florins on condition that he would retain his post.  But Prince Anton, who succeeded his brother, cared nothing for music; Haydn was not obliged to live at the palace and returned to Vienna.  Several attempts had already been made to induce him to visit London, but he always had refused.  Now there seemed to be no obstacle in the way.  One day a visitor called.  “My name is Salomon; I have come from London to fetch you; we will settle terms to-morrow.”  On the sail from Calais to Dover, the composer first saw the sea and was reminded of his boyish efforts to describe it in tones.

London welcomed Haydn warmly, for his fame had preceded him and his music was familiar.  The first concert was given March 11, 1790 at the Hanover Square Rooms, and was a great success.  This was followed by a series of concerts, and at last a benefit for the composer on May 16, which was an ovation and realized three hundred and fifty pounds.  He heard the “Messiah” for the first time and when, at the “Hallelujah Chorus,” the audience sprang to its feet, he burst into tears, exclaiming “He is the master of us all!”