Joseph Haydn (1732 – 1809)

Joseph Haydn was an Austrian composer of the Classical period. He was born on March 31, 1732, in Rohrau, a small village in Lower Austria. Haydn is known as the "Father of the Symphony" and the "Father of the String Quartet" for his significant contributions to these forms of classical music.

Early Life and Education:

Haydn was born to a wheelwright named Mathias Haydn and his wife, Maria. He had two younger siblings, Michael and Johann Evangelist. At the age of six, he was sent to live with his cousin Johann Matthias Frankh in Hainburg, where he received his first musical training. Frankh was a schoolmaster and a musician, and he taught Haydn how to play the harpsichord and violin.

In 1740, Haydn's parents took him back to Rohrau, where he continued his musical studies with his father. At the age of eight, he joined the choir at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna as a boy soprano. He received a thorough education in music theory and composition from Georg von Reutter, the director of the choir.

Career:

In 1752, Haydn left the choir and became a freelance musician. He worked as a music teacher and composer in Vienna, where he became known for his operas, keyboard music, and instrumental music. He also worked as a court musician for the wealthy Esterházy family.

Haydn's career flourished when he became the Kapellmeister (music director) for the Esterházy family in 1761. He served as the family's court composer for almost thirty years, composing music for the family's private concerts and public performances. During this time, he composed many of his famous symphonies, string quartets, and operas.

In 1790, Haydn left the Esterházy family and traveled to London, where he was celebrated as a composer and conductor. He gave concerts and composed new music, including his famous "London" symphonies. He returned to Vienna in 1792 and continued to compose until his death in 1809.

Musical Style:

Haydn's musical style is characterized by clarity, balance, and elegance. He was known for his use of the sonata form, a structure that became the basis for many symphonies and chamber works. Haydn was also known for his use of humor and wit in his music, which often included unexpected pauses, false endings, and sudden changes in dynamics.

Haydn's compositions are divided into three periods. The first period includes his early works, which are characterized by their simple melodies and structures. The second period includes his mature works, which are more complex and sophisticated. The third period includes his late works, which are characterized by their introspective and contemplative nature.

Haydn's most famous works include his "London" symphonies, the "Surprise" symphony, the "Farewell" symphony, and the "Emperor" quartet. His music had a profound influence on the development of classical music, and he was a major influence on the works of Mozart and Beethoven.

Personal Life:

Haydn never married, but he had several close relationships with women throughout his life. He was a member of the Freemasons and was initiated into the Lodge Zur Wahren Eintracht in 1785. He was also a devout Catholic and composed many works for the church, including masses and oratorios.

Legacy:

Haydn's contributions to classical music have earned him a place among the most influential composers in history. His music had a significant impact on the development of the symphony, the string quartet, and the sonata.