The life of Joseph Haydn

leduj

2 Feb 202105:20

Summary

TLDRFranz Joseph Haydn, born on March 31, 1732, in Austria, is renowned as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet. Despite being overshadowed by Mozart and Beethoven, Haydn greatly influenced classical music's foundational genres. His lifelong musical journey began as a choirboy, followed by years of self-study and a fruitful career under the Esterházy family. Haydn composed iconic works like the 'Paris' and 'London' symphonies, and the 'Farewell' symphony. His final years in Vienna were marked by public recognition, with his creative spirit lasting until his peaceful death on May 31, 1809.

Takeaways

🎶 Franz Joseph Haydn, born on March 31, 1732 in Austria, is celebrated as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet.
📜 Haydn played a key role in establishing the fundamental forms and styles of classical music, influencing later composers like Beethoven and Mozart.
👨‍👦 Though Haydn's fame was overshadowed by composers like Beethoven and Mozart, he remains one of the greatest musicians in history.
🎻 Haydn was responsible for shaping the string quartet and symphony during the 18th century, setting the foundation for future classical music.
👶 At age 8, Haydn began his musical career as a choirboy at Saint Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, where he gained practical music experience.
🎩 Haydn's mischievous behavior and voice change led to his expulsion from the choir school at age 17, leaving him to fend for himself.
🎹 Haydn self-taught music theory and composition while working various musical jobs, eventually becoming an assistant to composer Nicola Porpora.
🏰 In 1761, Haydn secured a long-term position as court musician for the Esterházy family, where he developed his original musical style.
🌍 Haydn gained international recognition, with significant works like the Paris Symphonies and the Seven Last Words of Christ gaining fame abroad.
🎼 Haydn's final years were marked by public fame in Vienna, but declining health. He passed away peacefully on May 31, 1809, after playing his last piece, the Emperor's Hymn.

Q & A

Who was Joseph Haydn, and why is he significant in the history of classical music?
-Joseph Haydn, born on March 31, 1732, in Austria, is known as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet. He was instrumental in creating the fundamental genres of classical music and influenced composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
What did Haydn contribute to the development of the symphony and string quartet?
-Haydn established the forms and styles for the symphony and the string quartet during the 18th century, which became essential foundations for classical music composition.
How was Haydn's fame during his lifetime compared to other composers like Mozart and Beethoven?
-Although Haydn was very influential and respected, his fame was somewhat overshadowed by his close friend Mozart and his apprentice Beethoven. Nonetheless, he is still regarded as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
What was Haydn's early life like, and how did he begin his musical career?
-Haydn was sent to Vienna in 1740 to sing in a church choir and learn music. By age seven, he was invited to serve as a chorister at Saint Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, where he gained practical musical knowledge through performances but received little formal instruction in music theory.
Why was Haydn expelled from the choir school at Saint Stephen's Cathedral?
-Haydn was expelled from the choir school when his voice changed during puberty, and due to an incident where he pranked his fellow choir members by cutting their wigs.
How did Haydn continue his musical education after being expelled from the choir?
-After his expulsion, Haydn pursued a course of self-instruction by studying musical works and theory manuals. He later became the accompanist for the Italian composer Nicola Porpora, who mentored him in composition.
What was Haydn's role with the Esterházy family, and how did this position impact his career?
-In 1761, Haydn was named Kapellmeister (court musician) at the Esterházy family's palace, where he served for nearly 30 years. Isolated from other composers, Haydn was 'forced to become original,' leading to significant creative output.
What were some of Haydn's notable works during his time with the Esterházy family?
-Some of Haydn's famous works from this period include the 'Paris Symphonies' (1785-1786), the original orchestral version of 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' (1786), and the 'Farewell Symphony.'
What was Haydn's connection to England, and how did his career evolve during his time there?
-Haydn became well known in England, where his concerts drew huge crowds. He made multiple trips to London, with his 'London Symphonies' being particularly celebrated during his visits.
How did Haydn's life come to an end, and what were his final moments like?
-Haydn's health declined in his later years, but his creative spirit endured. During the siege of Vienna in 1809, despite the bombardment of his neighborhood, Haydn reassured those around him and played his last piece, the 'Emperor's Hymn,' before passing away peacefully on May 31, 1809.

Outlines

00:00

🎼 The Life of Franz Joseph Haydn: Early Beginnings

Franz Joseph Haydn, born on March 31, 1732, in Austria, is recognized as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet, contributing significantly to classical music. Although his fame was often eclipsed by contemporaries like Beethoven and Mozart, his influence remains significant. Haydn's works helped establish key forms in classical music, particularly the symphony and string quartet. Despite being lesser-known than his peers, his legacy and influence on later composers like Mozart and Beethoven endure. He lived a long, impactful life, starting his musical journey at a young age.

05:02

🎶 Choir Boy to Self-Taught Musician

At just seven years old, Haydn moved to Vienna to join the choir at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, where he spent nine years performing regularly, gaining practical music experience, though he lacked formal training in music theory. Haydn’s mischievous behavior, including a prank on fellow choir members and his voice change during puberty, led to his expulsion at age 17. Left to fend for himself, he took on various musical jobs and studied musical theory independently.

🎵 From Struggling to Thriving: Haydn's Self-Education and Early Career

Haydn's fortunes improved when he met Italian composer Nicola Porpora, who offered him a job as an accompanist in exchange for lessons. With perseverance, Haydn developed his compositional skills. His hard work paid off, and in 1761, he secured a prestigious position as a court musician for the influential Esterházy family, a role that would sustain him for nearly 30 years. Despite being isolated at the Esterházy court, Haydn's originality flourished, and he gained widespread recognition for his compositions.

🎻 Rising Fame and Masterworks

As Haydn's popularity grew, he composed both for the Esterházy family and international commissions, such as the Paris Symphonies (1785–1786). Notable works from this period include the 'Farewell Symphony' and the orchestral version of 'The Seven Last Words of Christ' (1786). His innovative compositions, such as the 'Surprise Symphony,' showcased his mastery of symphonic and chamber music forms, cementing his status as one of the great composers of his time.

🇬🇧 Haydn’s Success in London and Return to Vienna

Haydn's fame extended beyond Austria, particularly in England, where his concerts drew large crowds. In 1794, after being released from his full-time duties with the Esterházy family, Haydn returned to London, further enhancing his international reputation. In 1795, he settled back in Vienna, maintaining part-time work with the Esterházys while enjoying public acclaim. His health began to decline, but his creative spirit remained strong.

⚔️ The Final Years: Resilience and Legacy

In the final years of his life, Haydn endured the Napoleonic siege of Vienna in 1809. As Napoleon's forces bombarded the city, Haydn comforted those around him with his resilience, declaring that no harm would come to them. Despite his failing health, Haydn continued to compose and play music, including his famous 'Emperor’s Hymn.' He passed away peacefully at 12:40 AM on May 31, 1809, leaving behind an enduring legacy.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Franz Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn is the central figure of the video, a renowned Austrian composer born in 1732. He is known as the 'Father of the Symphony' and 'Father of the String Quartet' due to his pioneering contributions to these genres. His influence on composers such as Mozart and Beethoven makes him a cornerstone in classical music history.

💡Father of the Symphony

This title refers to Haydn's groundbreaking work in developing the symphony as a major genre of classical music. He helped to establish the formal structure and expressive scope of symphonic music, setting a standard that later composers, like Beethoven, followed and expanded upon.

💡String Quartet

The string quartet is a chamber music ensemble consisting of two violins, a viola, and a cello. Haydn is credited with solidifying this form, establishing its structure and style during the 18th century. His work in this genre greatly influenced later composers, including his close friend Mozart.

💡Esterházy family

The Esterházy family was an influential aristocratic family in Austria for whom Haydn worked as a court musician (Kapellmeister) for nearly 30 years. This position provided him with financial stability and creative freedom, although it also isolated him from contemporary musical trends, pushing him to develop his own original style.

💡Vienna

Vienna was a central city in Haydn's life and career. It was here where he first received musical training, sang in a choir, and later returned to become a public figure. Vienna was a hub for musical talent during Haydn’s time, also hosting figures like Mozart and Beethoven.

💡Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a close friend and contemporary of Haydn. Although Mozart’s fame often overshadowed Haydn’s, the two shared a mutual respect, with Mozart being influenced by Haydn’s string quartets and other works. Their relationship exemplifies the collaborative and competitive spirit of the classical music scene in the 18th century.

💡Napoleon’s Siege of Vienna

The video mentions Napoleon’s forces bombarding Vienna during the final days of Haydn’s life. This event, which occurred in 1809, symbolized a moment of turbulence in Haydn’s later years. Despite the chaos, Haydn remained calm, playing his famous 'Emperor’s Hymn' to reassure those around him.

💡The Seven Last Words of Christ

This orchestral work, composed by Haydn in 1786, is one of his significant religious compositions. It consists of musical meditations on the seven final utterances of Christ on the cross. The piece was commissioned from abroad, reflecting Haydn’s growing international recognition during this period.

💡Self-instruction

Self-instruction refers to Haydn’s early efforts to educate himself in music theory and composition. After being expelled from his choir school, Haydn worked various musical jobs while studying works and theoretical manuals on his own, showing his determination and discipline in mastering his craft.

💡Surprise Symphony

The 'Surprise Symphony,' officially known as Symphony No. 94, is one of Haydn's most famous works. Composed in 1791, it is notable for its sudden loud chord in the second movement, which was intended to startle the audience. This reflects Haydn's wit and creativity in composition.

Highlights

Joseph Haydn was born on March 31, 1732, in Austria and is known as the 'Father of the Symphony' and the string quartet.

Haydn's fame was overshadowed by other great composers like Beethoven and Mozart, but he is still regarded as one of the greatest musicians ever.

He was influential in shaping the symphony and string quartet forms during the 18th century, mentoring composers like Beethoven.

Haydn's early musical education began in Vienna, where he sang in the choir of Saint Stephen's Cathedral and acquired practical music knowledge through performances.

He was expelled from the choir at age 14 due to a prank and his changing voice, which left him with no formal support at age 17.

Despite limited formal education, Haydn undertook self-instruction, studying musical works and theory manuals to improve his skills.

A fortunate meeting with Italian composer Nicola Porpora provided Haydn with guidance in composition and a role as an accompanist.

In 1761, Haydn was named Kapellmeister (court musician) for the Esterházy family, a position that financially supported him for 30 years.

During his time with the Esterházy family, Haydn was isolated from other composers, which led him to develop an original style of composition.

Haydn's international reputation grew, with notable works such as the Paris Symphonies (1785–1786) and The Seven Last Words of Christ (1786).

He composed famous works such as the 'Farewell Symphony' and the 'Surprise Symphony,' known for their inventive elements.

Haydn's 'London Symphonies' and other works attracted large audiences during his visits to England.

Haydn returned to Vienna in 1795, continuing part-time work for the Esterházy family while enjoying fame as a public figure in the city.

As his health declined, his creative output slowed, but he remained a beloved public figure, even during the siege of Vienna by Napoleon's forces.

Haydn passed away peacefully at 12:40 a.m. on May 31, 1809, shortly after playing his last piece, the 'Emperor's Hymn.'