Joseph Haydn  

    Joseph Haydn was born in Austria on 31^st March, 1732.  His family knew little about music, although the family often sang together for fun - his father liked folk music and had taught himself the harp.  His parents were not well off, but Haydn’s musical talent was evident.  Before he was 6, they sent Haydn away to be apprenticed in music.

As a young apprentice, Haydn was poorly treated, hungry and badly clothed.  However, he did learn to sing, play violin and play harpsichord.  He began performing with the church choir and was well liked. 

At 17 years of age, Haydn’s voice had broken and he was no longer able to sing with the youth choir.  He was thrown out onto the streets with nowhere to go, no food or possessions.  Haydn turned to music as a means of self-support, as a freelance performer and teacher.  To improve his skills, he taught himself keyboard technique and composition.  He was an excellent teacher, and his name became known as teacher and performer.  Eventually, he came to the attention of an aristocrat, Countess Thun, and received financial support that allowed him to work seriously as a composer.

In 1759, Haydn was appointed as music director for Count Morzin, conducting and playing with the count’s ensembles and composing symphonies and operas.  For the first time in his life, he had financial and occupational security.  In this position, he was increasingly popular, produced many works of many styles, and married.

In 1781, Haydn made friends with the young Mozart and helped him learn composition.  Haydn also influenced Beethoven, working as his teacher for some time.

Haydn made several visits to London between 1790 and 1800, a period during which he composed some of his best known works – the Surprise, Drum roll, Military and London Symphonies.  Throughout his life, Haydn wrote a massive number of works for many different instrument and voice combinations.  He might have been the most productive and versatile Classical composer.  He developed several new musical forms, including the Sonata, and wrote the first lengthy orchestral symphonies.    

Haydn was a kind, witty and resilient person who was well liked by many.  He was often engaged in pulling off practical jokes and enjoyed laughter.  Many of his compositions show this innocent, playful personality.  They are delightful – although he also wrote serious oratorios.

Haydn died of a long-term illness in May of 1809, his good nature showing to the end.  He died during an attack on Vienna by Napoleon’s army.   Among his final words, it is recorded that he was reassuring his attendants when a cannon ball fell on the neighbourhood.    

Last modified: April 13, 2009