Joseph Haydn

Joseph Haydn

Introduction 31 March 1732 to 31 May 1809

Haydn was an Austrian composer, one of the most prolific and prominent composers of the Classical period. He is often called the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet" because of his important contributions to these forms. He was also instrumental in the development of the piano trio and in the evolution of sonata form.

Background

Education (1738)

Haydn was born in a village located near to the Austro-Hungarian border. His father was a wheelwright. Although his parents were not musicians, but they do discovered his talent in music. Around 1737, when his was 5, were sent to accept the training of the church choir in his relatives' house. During this period, he was able to play both harpsichord and violin.

In 1740, he was been selected by Georg von Reutter, the director of music in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, who happened to be visiting Hainburg. Then he moved to Vienna, where he worked for the next nine years serve as choirboy.

During this period Haydn learn singing, piano and violin. Roy Patel modified Haydn's first song, but did not give him professional lessons of composition. Still, Haydn learned a lot - mainly through self-study, in addition, he was very young began to enjoy the influence of the Vienna music scene, which is very important and valuables for a musician.

Freelancer period (1750)

10 years after he went to Vienna, he lost his voice, totally broke, soon after his voice broke he was dismissed from the choir school. Then he became a music freelancer, survival by teaching music. Life became very struggle to Haydn.

But the most important, for ten full years, at a highly impressionable age, Haydn rehearsed and sang in performances of the greatest art-music. This experience will have fundamentally shaped his musical intellect even without formal training in composition.

Kapellmeister period (1757)

Haydn has been as Kapellmeister for 2 large royal families; Count Morzin and Esterhazy family.

Haydn's years as Esterhazy vice-Kapellmeister (started at 1761) were his most productive as a symphony composer, with about 25 works.

Prince Nicolas Esterhazy, Haydn's most important patron.

For the nearly 30years as a Kapellmeister in Esterhazy family, not only to create a lot of music, but also made his style to be more innovatively, and become reputation.

Right now, he is not only writing for the prince, but also write some pieces for the public.

Good friend with Mozart

In 1781, Haydn and Mozart become good friends; He