Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn, (March 31 or April 1 1732 – May 31 1809) was a leading composer of the Classical period, called the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet". Although he has come to be popularly known as "Franz Joseph Haydn" (with many published scores and recordings using this full name), Haydn used his second name much of his life, spelling it in German as "Josef" and signing letters and documents as "Josef Haydn".

Related Topics:
March 31 - April 1 - 1732 - May 31 - 1809 - Composer - Classical

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A life-long resident of Austria, Haydn spent most of his career as a court musician for the wealthy Eszterházy family on their remote estate. Being isolated from other composers and trends in music until the latter part of his long life, he was, as he put it, "forced to become original". In his older age, he was revered throughout Europe, journeyed to perform concerts in Paris and London, and died in Vienna.

Related Topics:
Austria - Court - Eszterházy

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Franz Joseph Haydn was the brother of Michael Haydn, himself a highly regarded composer, and Johann Evangelist Haydn, a tenor singer.

Related Topics:
Michael Haydn - Johann Evangelist Haydn - Tenor - Singer

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