Pedantic pupil frustrates Haydn.

Between 1791 and 1795, Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) made two triumphant visits to London, transforming his reputation from court composer to international celebrity. Invited by impresario Johann Peter Salomon [1], Haydn arrived to find his music already beloved by English audiences. 

He composed twelve 'London' Symphonies [2], including the famous Surprise and Miracle, which captivated listeners with their wit and innovation. Haydn was feted by royalty, mingled with literary and musical elites, and enjoyed a romantic friendship with widow Rebecca Schroeter [3]. 

These years revitalized his creativity and marked a golden chapter in his career, culminating in works like The Creation, inspired by London’s vibrant culture. One anecdote talked about Haydn’s dealings with a would-be pupil:-

“Haydn was delighted with London in most of its aspects, but we have an idea that there was one kind of pupil that he was perfectly willing to leave behind when he returned to his beloved Vienna. But probably he found them there as well as in London. They are not limited to England.

One day a nobleman called on him and, expressing his fondness for music, said he would like Haydn to give him a few lessons in composition at one guinea per lesson. [4]

Haydn promised to gratify him and asked when they should begin.

"At once, if you have no objection," said he, drawing from his pocket one of Haydn's quartets.

"For the first lesson let us examine this quartet and you tell me the reasons for some modulations and certain progressions [5] that are contrary to all rules of composition."

Haydn could offer no objection to this. They then set to work to examine the music. Several places were found which, when asked why he did this and that, Haydn could only say he wrote it so to obtain a good effect.

But ‘My lord’ was not satisfied with such a reason and declared unless the composer gave him a better reason than that for his innovations, he should declare them good for nothing. Then Haydn suggested that the pupil rewrite the music after his own fashion; but this he declined to do, though he persisted in his question, " How can your way, which is contrary to all rules, be the best.”

At last Haydn lost all patience with this noble critic, and said:

"I see, my lord, that it is you who are so good as to give lessons to me. I do not want your lessons, for I feel that I do not merit the honour of having such a master as yourself. I bid you good morning.””
From Anecdotes of Great Musicians by W. Francis Gates (1895), p.91.

Notes:
[1] Johann Peter Salomon (1745–1815) was a German-born violinist, composer, and impresario. Renowned for bringing Haydn to London, he organized the premieres of Haydn’s “London” symphonies. Salomon also worked with Mozart and Beethoven and was one of the founder members of the Philharmonic Society.
[2] Refers to the twelve symphonies Nos.93-104 composed between 1791-1792 and 1794-1795. The latter, the London, being his final offering in this genre.
[3] Rebecca Schroeter (1751–1826) was a Scottish-born amateur musician and patron of the arts in London. She married German composer Johann Schroeter, defying her family's wishes. Widowed in 1788, she later developed a close, affectionate relationship with Joseph Haydn during his London visits. Their preserved correspondence reveals deep emotional intimacy and mutual admiration. Rebecca lived at No.6 James Street, Buckingham Gate.
[4] “Progression” means chord sequence, tonal movement, resolution, tension, cadence, modulation, function, voice-leading, structure, flow etc.
[5] About £105 at today’s value.