Synopsis
Franz Joseph Haydn was among the creators of the fundamental
genres of classical music, and his influence upon later composers is immense.
Haydn’s most celebrated pupil was Ludwig van Beethoven, and his musical
form casts a huge shadow over the music of subsequent composers such as
Schubert, Mendelssohn and Brahms.
Franz Joseph Haydn was recruited at age 8 to the sing in the choir at St. Stephen's Cathedral in
Haydn soon became an assistant to composer Nicola Porpora in exchange for lessons, and in 1761 he was named Kapellmeister, or "court musician," at the palace of the influential Esterházy family, a position that would financially support him for nearly 30 years. Isolated at the palace from other composers and musical trends, he was, as he put it, "forced to become original."
The Mature Artist
While Haydn rose in the Esterházy family's esteem, his popularity outside the palace walls also increased, and he eventually wrote as much music for publication as for the family. Several important works of this period were commissions from abroad, such as the
Audiences flocked to Haydn's concerts, and during his time in
Later Years
Haydn returned toVienna
in 1795 and took up his former position with the Esterházys, although only
part-time. At this point, he was a public figure in Vienna , and when he wasn't at home composing,
he was making frequent public appearances. With his health failing, his
creative spirit outlasted his ability to harness it, and he died at age 77.
Haydn is remembered as the first great symphonist and the composer who essentially invented the string quartet. The principal engineer of the classical style, Haydn exerted influence on the likes of Mozart, his student Ludwig van Beethoven, and scores of others.
Haydn returned to
Haydn is remembered as the first great symphonist and the composer who essentially invented the string quartet. The principal engineer of the classical style, Haydn exerted influence on the likes of Mozart, his student Ludwig van Beethoven, and scores of others.
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