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Haydn's Diploma Piece At Oxford


During his stay in England, Haydn was honoured by the diploma of Doctor

of Music from the University of Oxford--a distinction not obtained even

by Handel, and it is said, only conferred on four persons during the

four centuries preceding. It is customary to send some specimen of

composition in return for a degree; and Haydn, with the facility of

perfect skill, sent back a page of music so curiously contrived, that in

whatever way it was read--from the top to the bottom or the sides--it

exhibited a perfect melody and accompaniment.



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