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People In Music History

Haydn, [Franz] Joseph (1732-1809)  Austrian composer (not, despite some
writers, of Croatian descent). Born at Rohrau; cathedral choirboy in Vienna;
became pupil of Porpora; married an unappreciative wife, 1760. Took post with
Hungarian noble family of Esterhazy, 1761-1790, first at Eisenstadt (Austria)
then at Eszterhaza (Hungary). Achieved European reputation there, especially
for his symphonies and string quartets; he established the now "classical"
concept of both these types. Visited Britain 1791-1792 and 1794-1795,
presenting in London the last 12 of his 104 catalogued symphonies and also
other works; received honorary Oxford degree. Handel's oratorios in London
influenced him toward his own The Creation and The Seasons, written on his
return to Vienna, where he died. Nicknames have been given to many of his
symphonies (see Bear, Clock, Drum-roll, Farewell, Hen, Horn Signal, Hunt,
Imperial, Lamentation, Laudon, London, Maria Theresa, Military, Miracle,
Morning, Mourning, Oxford, Passion, Philosopher, Queen, Roxolane, Schoolmaster,
Surprise) and to his Masses (see Drum Mass, Creat Organ, Little Organ, Nelson
Mass, Wind-Band Mass), in which he characteristically combines cheerfulness and
devotion. Also wrote 2 cello concertos, various other concertos, about 80
string quartets (see Emperor, Fifths, Frog, Lark, Razor, Tost), 125 trios with
Baryton, more than 20 Italian and German operas (e.g., Armida, The World of the
Moon, Deceit Outwitted, It. L'lnfedelta delusa); songs, some in English;
Emperor's Hymn; The Seven Last Words; etc. (Very prolific throughout unusually
long career.) See Toy Symphony for a work mistakenly ascribed to him. Brother
of Michael Haydn. Six string quartets called Haydn's op. 3 are now thought to
be not by him but by Hoffstetter. His works are indexed by Hob. numbers
(Hoboken).