The Most Gallant Haydn...

This is a good, possibly apocryphal, story of Josef Haydn’s time in London sometime between 1791 and 1795.

“When in London, Haydn once visited the studio of that celebrated portrait painter, Sir Joshua Reynolds. He there saw a picture of Mrs. Billington, one of the best-known singers of her day. Reynolds had represented her listening to the song of the angels. On being asked for his opinion of the painting, Haydn remarked:

"Yes, it is a beautiful picture; it is just like her; but there is one strange mistake."

"A mistake! How is that?" exclaimed Reynolds, who could hardly believe his ears.

"Why," said the gallant composer, "you have made Mrs. Billington listening to the angels, when you ought to have painted the angels as listening to her!””

From Anecdotes of Great Musicians by W. Francis Gates (1895)

Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) was a prominent English painter, renowned for his portraiture. Born in Plympton, Devon, he was a founder and the first president of the Royal Academy of Arts. Reynolds promoted the “Grand Style” in painting, emphasizing idealization over mere representation. His works often depicted prominent figures of his time, blending classical influences with contemporary subjects. Reynolds’ contributions to art theory, particularly through his Discourses on Art, significantly influenced British art. Knighted by King George III in 1769, Reynolds remains a key figure in the history of Western art.

Elizabeth Billington (1765-1818) was a renowned British opera singer, celebrated for her extraordinary vocal talent and stage presence. Born Elizabeth Weichsel in London, she was the daughter of Carl Weichsel, a principal oboist, and Frederika Weichsel, a successful vocalist. Billington made her stage debut in Dublin and quickly gained fame across Europe. Known for her powerful and sweet voice, she performed at prestigious venues like Covent Garden and Drury Lane. Despite personal challenges, including a tumultuous marriage, Billington’s career flourished, making her one of the most acclaimed sopranos of her time.