Franz Joseph Haydn (photo) (audio)

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Composing well over one hundred symphonies, Haydn is, without contest, the father of symphonies as well as string

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quartets. He created the Viennese Classical School which consisted of Mozart and Beethoven. Living at the beginning of the classical period to the end, Haydn introduced some baroque elements into the classical period. His style also included gallantry from Italy and France and the sensitive style of Germany.

Born on March 31st, 1732 in Rohrau, Austria, Haydn entered the choir

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school of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral at the age of seven. Having no formal training, Haydn decided to compose and did so fervently. His fame soon spread throughout Europe and he became the director, conductor and composer of the Esterhazy family.

Soon, Haydn found a job with Johann Peter Salomon in which he made a contract to compose twelve pieces to be played in London. Venerated in London, Haydn stayed there for eighteen months. His “Salomon” and “London” symphonies which encompassed Symp. 93 to Symp. 104 is among his greatest work. Haydn was also a musical prankster or joker as can be seen in his “Surprise Symphony”.

Haydn composed a mind-boggling one hundred and seven symphonies, eighty-four string quartets, fifty-eight piano sonatas, fifty divertimentos and thirteen masses.