Franz Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn's Resume austrian, born in Rohrau Haydn had two brothers , both of whom became musicians. Haydn also had three sisters. Hayden had several patrons in Vienna before becoming employed by the Hungarian Esterhazy family when he was 29. In 1761, he became the Kapellmeister for the family, the most important musical position. Haydn remained with this royal family for almost 30 years. He conducted, trained musicians, composed, taught music to the family and generally co-ordinated the musical life of the palace. After Prince Esterhazy's death in 1791, Haydn spent the rest of his life composing in Vienn\a and made tow trips to London. Haydn's wife died in 1800 and his two brothers passes away within the next six years. during his years at the Esterhazy's country extate he met many viennese composers, including Mozart and Beethoven. Haydn retired to Vienna and died there during the French invasion of the city at the age of 77. Debussy died in Paris in 1918 during the German invasion of the French capital. Haydn's positive attitude and sense of humour made him a favourite among musicians. Mozart looked to 'Papa Haydn" as a mentor a nd the master of the string quartet form. Haydn's sense of humour was often evident during his years with the Prince Esterhazy. One story is that the Prince somtimes fell asleep while listening to Haydn's music. Haydn decided to create a symphony that would get the Prince's attention. The second movement of this particular symphony was designed to be so soothing that the Prince would surely fall asleep, which he did. Then, suddenly, a loud chord leapt out of the music and the Prince awoke with a jump! Haydn's most illustrious pupil, Beethoven, was the direct beneficiary of Haydn's musical imagination, though the two often had a stormy relationship due to differences in age and personality. Being Austrian, Haydn grew up with fold songs and dances of contrasting dynamics and colours as part of his heritage. Haydn combines these melodies with his own stylistic techniques. Haydn's music was not always light; he frequently brought a dramatic style to his compositions. The quartets are central in Haydn's compositions, He is regarded by many as the father of the modern string quartet. After hearing Handel's oratorios, Haydn wrote one of his own ; The Creation, perhaps his greatest and most ambitious work. Haydn was influenced by folk music which is evident in some of his rhythmic and melodic coices. He featured different instruments in different passages in his sympnonies, thus developing the idea of instrumental colour. Haydn used humour in his music by providing the unexpected. Untexpected modulation or pause, syncopation or instrument which suddenly speaks up, the result is usually humorous for the listener.