Haydn Wood: Paris Suite (1937)

Haydn Wood (1882-1959) was an English composer, renowned for his contributions to both light and classical music. Born in Slaithwaite, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, he moved to the Isle of Man at an early age. This beautiful island often inspired his music. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London, where he excelled in violin and composition under the guidance of Charles Villiers Stanford and Enrique Fernández Arbós.

Wood’s career was marked by his versatility and prolific output. He wrote over two hundred ballad-style songs, including the famous Roses of Picardy, which became extremely popular during the First World War. His orchestral works, characterized by their lyrical melodies and rich harmonies, include suites, rhapsodies, and concertos.

In addition to his compositional achievements, Wood was a celebrated violinist and conductor, often performing his own music. 

Best recalled for his evocation of London with suites such as Snapshots of London, London Cameo, and Landmarks of London, he was also inspired by places further away. There was the Suite: Cities of Romance (1937), where Budapest, Venice and Seville were evoked, and an Egyptian Suite (1927) with movements dedicated to the Valley of the Kings, the Court of Pharoah, and a Slave Dance. In 1935 he turned his sights on Gay Paris, with a redolent portrayal of Parisians sights and characters.

The Paris Suite opens with a Waltz subtitled Apache Life. The Paris Apaches were a notorious subculture of violent criminals, hooligans, and street gangs that emerged in early 20th century Paris during the Belle Époque era. Known for their brutal muggings, inter-gang warfare, and general hooliganism, they became a symbol of urban menace and lawlessness. Their notoriety was amplified by the media, which often exaggerated their exploits, creating a lasting image of the Apaches as a significant threat to public safety. Haydn Wood has presented a sanitised picture of these unsavoury characters and has given a largely romantic view of their exploits. The Waltz opens with a typically ballroom strain before embracing little bit of “knockabout pseudo-violence” thereby balancing “the tender and the frenetic.”

The second movement is Meditation: In the Tuileries Garden. This popular spot, over half a mile long, is located on the banks of the Seine, between the Louvre Museum and the busy Place de la Concorde. They were established in 1564 by Catherine de’ Medici as a private garden for the Tuileries Palace. This edifice was set on fire during the Commune in 1871 and was demolished in 1883. The gardens were reimagined in the 17^th century by the French landscape architect and the principal gardener of King Louis XIV of France, André Le Nôtre (1613-1700) becoming a public park in 1667. Today, it features beautiful landscapes, sculptures, fountains, and walking paths, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the bustling city. Haydn Wood has created a sympathetic evocation of this magical spot. He gives the music romance with just a touch of sentimentality present in the “big tune.” It is really an Englishman- Abroad’s take on these famous gardens.

When I first went to Paris back in 1979, I was keen to visit Montmartre. It was a place associated with artists and authors whom I had been studying and reading. I guess everyone at that time was obsessed with Gustav Flaubert, Guy de Maupassant, and Andre Gide, as well as Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas, and Van Gogh. Montmartre, located in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, is an historic and picturesque quarter known for its artistic heritage and bohemian charm. Once a village outside the city, it became part of Paris in 1860. It is famous for its cobbled streets, the stunning Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and its vibrant nightlife, including the iconic Moulin Rouge. The “lively and spirited” March: Montmartre does not echo the military parade ground. Rather, it reflects on the vibrant social atmosphere of this district as a playground, with its theatres, cafes, and other entertainments.

Haydn Wood’s Paris Suite can be heard on Marco Polo CD 8.223605 issued in 1993. It is played by Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava) under Ernest Tomlinson.