Franz Joseph Haydn
1732- 1809

Joseph Haydn, a famous Austrian composer, was the second child to working class parents.  His father was a wheelwright (someone who makes wheels) and his mother was a cook before her marriage.  

From a very early age Haydn showed musical ability. A cousin who was a school principle and choirmaster offered to bring Haydn up and train him.  His parents agreed to this.

Haydn learned to play lots of different musical instruments.  When he was 8 the musical director of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna saw the boy and offered him a place as a chorister at the Austrian capital's most important church.  Here Haydn develop a great practical and theoretical understanding of music. He stayed here until his voice broke and he was expelled.

Haydn had no money, and he remained poor, surviving on odd musical jobs, until he was offered a position to serve the Prince Esterhazy.  He became musical director.  During his time here Haydn composed a wide variety of music including symphonies, string quartets and other chamber music for the court.  Haydn served here for almost 30 years.

When he left this position Haydn decided to travel.  During his travels Haydn met Mozart and formed a close friendship.  This friendship influenced the works of both composers.  Haydn visited London in 1792 where he composed the famous symphonies, The Surprise (No. 94), Military (No. 100), The Clock (No. 101) and Drumroll (No. 103).

In 1792 he left London to go to Germany.  On his way he met the young Beethoven.

Haydn was an extremely prolific composer and his works include:

Last updated 21 January 2001