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 Franz Joseph Haydn whose birthday was March 31 (1732-1809), was an Austrian composer of the Classical period, his fatherly character earned him the nickname of "Papa." Even Mozart called him that, his "Papa Haydn." Considered his most famous work is the oratorio "The Creation."
Regarded the father of symphony, he is famous for the special names he gave to his symphonies, for example, his No. 94 in G is "The Surprise." Others are No. 100, "The Military," and No.101, "The Clock."
Except for his younger brother, Michael Haydn, there was no tradition of music in the family. At the age of 8, he became a chorister at St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, staying there until he was 16, when his voice broke. He did not come from a well-off family so he continued to teach himself music. Later, he became a Musikdirector for a meager salary.
His real break came when he was employed by the Esterházy family. It was in 1761 when Prince Esterházy employed him as second Kapellmeister, and eventually the sole one after 5 years, remaining in full employment until 1790.
Haydn met Mozart between 1781 and 1782, as it was in 1781 when the young man Mozart, aged 25, decided to leave Salzburg forever, and went solo, a freelance musician in Vienna. Haydn and Mozart held each other in high esteem. The young Beethoven became his pupil.
When the Prince died in 1790, he left Haydn a good pension. Sadly, the new Prince, Esterházy's son stopped the musical establishment. Haydn moved to Vienna. The following year, he was persuaded to go to England by the situation which he did. In London, he met with great success. 1791 was the same year that his young friend Mozart died.
In spite his wide acclaim in symphonies, he also composed great string quartets, piano trios and keyboard sonatas, among others. After "The Creation" he wrote another oratorio "The Seasons." Franz Joseph Haydn died in Vienna, 31 May 1809.
Related Links:
Suggested CDs:
Top Ten Haydn CDs
Leonard Bernstein Conducts Haydn CD, Haydn & Bernstein, Sony Classical UK, box set (Available by April 7, 2009)
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