Early years
Haydn was born on March 31, 1732 in Rohrau, Austria. His musical orientation began at a very early age: at 6 he became an apprentice to a relative in Hainburg, and he finally learned how to play harpsichord and violin and sing in the city church choir. of 8, he moved to Vienna to study under the direction of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. He was there until 1749, when he left, started freelancing as a musician, trained himself in music theory and composition while doing so.
Music director
By the mid-1750s, Haydn’s skill and popularity had become noticeable enough to attract the attention of the aristocracy, eventually landing him as a music teacher. In 1757, Haydn landed his first full-time performance under Count Morzin, beginning the first of his 106 symphonies. From there, Haydn moved on to become deputy conductor (music director) to the wealthy Esterhazy family in 1761, and then full conductor in 1766.
Here Haydn was astonishingly diligent and busy, driving throughout Esterhazy’s palace. , although he had a secure job, he was still freelance, the results of which produced works such as the Paris Symphonies (1785-1786) and ‘The Last Seven Words of Christ on the Cross’ (1786) commissioned by French and Spanish patronage, respectively.
Visit to Englan d
In 1790, the new head of the household closed the entire music program in Esterhazy’s residence. But at this time Haydn enjoyed enormous popularity as a masterful and prolific composer, so he capitalized on his freedom by making trips to England where he gave concerts and composed some of his best and most famous works. His most famous piano trio, named ‘Gypsy Rondo’, was composed there in 1795, as were his twelve parts ‘London Symphonies.’
Final Years
In 1795, Haydn returned to Vienna where he spent his twilight, rich from his years of musical service. He was still productive during this period, as evidenced by nine string quartets and two oratorios, among other works. Unfortunately, a progressive disease in 1802 has reduced its proliferation. He died on May 31, 1809, at the age of 77, shortly after a Napoleon-ruled French army attacked the city.
Legacy
Haydn is considered one of the creative or formative figures in symphony, sonata and string quartet. His music is remarkable with humor: ‘Surprise’ symphony (1791), which for example was a task in ‘London Symphonies’, is most notable for its sudden high chords to make the audience drowsy during the slower parts of the music. It is estimated that Haydn composed more music than virtually all composers in the last 150 years. He was close friends with Mozart, and Beethoven was one of his students. An Austrian composer, Franz Joseph Haydn, is one of the great figures in Western classical music, especially during classical times – a time when Western European art was inspired by art and culture from ancient Greece and Rome. During his lifetime he was the most popular composer in Europe.
Source:danspela.com