Joseph Haydn

(Franz) Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was an Austrian composer of classical music.

He perfected and popularised two major forms of music: the string quartet, of which he wrote 83, and the symphony, of which he wrote 107.

He was a major influence on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He taught Ludwig van Beethoven, but Beethoven later claimed to have learnt nothing from him.

Life

Haydn had a fine voice and at the age of five joined the Choir School of St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna. He left the choir when his voice broke, at the age of 16.

In 1762, he became court composer to Prince Nicholas Esterhazy; he held that post until the prince died in 1790. He had great freedom to compose as he wished, and he developed a distinctive style. He was much influenced by the 'Sturm and Drang' (storm and stress) movement. His reputation spread rapidly throughout Europe, and he received commissions from several countrues.

Following Esterhazy's death, his successor Anton was uninterested in music, so Haydn accepted an invitation from the German-born violinist and impresario, Johann Peter Salomon, to visit England (1791-1792). The visit was a great success, and Haydn composed his last thirteen symphonies in England, the Oxford (to thank Oxford University for awarding him an honorary degree) and the twelve London Symphonies.

Anton died in 1795 and was succeeded by Nicholas II, who invited Haydn to return. Nicholas asked Haydn to compose a new setting of the mass every year. Haydn did so until 1804, when his increasing ill-health ended his composing career. He retired to Vienna.