FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN
Everything you ever wanted to know, and more, about...
The Facts Born in 1732, died in 1809
Composer of the Classical era (1750 – 1820)
Born in Rohrau, Austria
Musical family
Though very gifted musically, Haydn could not receive any training in Rohrau
Growing up with the Frankhs Haydn moved in with Johann Frankh,
several miles from his hometown, at age 6Became Frankh’s musical apprenticeEarned his keep by doing chores
Frequently underfed, underclothed, lonely Studied harpsichord, violin and singing
with Frankh, who was a very gifted musician himself
Vienna waits for Haydn In 1740, Haydn’s singing voice comes to the choir
director of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna
Performed an excellent audition and moved to Vienna to sing in the church’s choir
Joined shortly thereafter by his brother
Continued to study music with Reutter, the choral director, and absorbed all he could from Vienna (which was a musical and cultural hubcap at the time) until 1749 when he was dismissed
Haydn: The (Temporarily) Lost Boy Freelance musician after
leaving the choir
Found he did not understand the basicsof harmony well enough towrite
Studied Fux and C.P.A. Bach’s writings on counterpoint to improve his musicAttributed many positive qualities of his compositions to
their work
Haydn: King of the Castle Haydn’s compositions improving increased
public interest in his music Patronage from aristocrats
Taught music lessonsIncreased respect from the community
Settled down and got marriedBecame Kapellmeister of the court of Count
Morzin 1757Married the sister of a girl he was in love withUnhappy marriage, though it is not reflected in his
music
Haydn: King of Another Castle 1761 Vice Kapellmeister in the court of the
Esterhazys (HUGELY important Austrian family!)Promoted in 1766
As Kapellmeister:Lived and travelled with the familyComposed court, church, occasional and art music for
the family
A challenging and welcome opportunity for Haydn
Lived and worked with the Esterhazys for 30 years
The Esterhaza Palace
Nikolaus Esterhazy I
Great love of music Appreciated Haydn’s
talent and ambition
Gave Haydn access to any musical instruments, ensembles and resources he would ever need
Provided Haydn with the time, means and space to write, rehearse and stage all of his compositions
Papa Haydn: Father of the Symphony and the String Quartet
Best – known for his many, many symphonies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLjwkamp3ll
ParisLondonMilitarySurprise
Well known for his contribution to the string quartet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc34Jr9udlU
EmperorsSunrise
Post-Esterhaza After Nikolaus I’s death, Haydn
visits London as a conductor
Warmly received by London audiences
Acting as a musical mentor to Mozart and Beethoven
Musical and financial success in London prompts Haydn to produce some of his finest work:London, Surprise, Oxford symphoniesMultiple string quartetsGypsy piano trio
The Final Years Return to Vienna
From 1795 onwards, Haydn composed a substantial amount of sacred music Oratorio, mass The Creation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Jkktpp9QI
Still composing music for his beloved Esterhazy family
Becomes ill early in the 1800s and finds writing music physically painful
Died in 1809 – his last words were words of comfort to his distressed servants as Vienna was attacked by Napoleon’s army
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