The life of Joseph Haydn

Summary

Franz 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.