Haydn's Employment Contract
Despite an incredible international reputation, excerpts of Haydn's contract with his employer, the Prince of Esterhazy, reads as follows:
"Haydn must be temperate, not showing himself overbearing toward his musicians, but mild and lenient, straightforward and composed. It is especially to be observed that when the orchestra shall be summoned to perform before company, the Vice Kapellmeister (Haydn) and all the musicians shall appear in uniform, and the said Joseph Haydn shall take care that he and all the members of his orchestra follow the instructions given, and appear in white stockings, white linen, powdered, and with either a pigtail or a tiewig.
Whereas the other musicians are referred for directions to the said Vice Kapellmeister (Haydn), he shall therefore take the more care to conduct himself in an exemplary manner, abstaining from undue familiarity and mates to preserve such harmony as is becoming in them, remembering how displeasing the consequences of any discord or dispute would be to his Serene Highness.
The said Vice Kapellmeister (Haydn) shall be under obligation to compose such music as his Serene Highness may command and neither to communicate such compositions to any other person, nor to allow them to be copied, but he shall retain them for the absolute use of his Highness, and not compose for any other person without the knowledge and permission of his Highness."