Joseph Haydn

Date of Birth: March 31, 1732

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: May 31, 1809

Biography

Joseph Haydn, born Franz Joseph Haydn, was an Austrian composer who played a crucial role in the development of chamber music such as the piano trio and his contributions to symphonic and string quartet forms. He was born on March 31, 1732, in Rohrau, Austria, and is often referred to as the “Father of the Symphony” and “Father of the String Quartet” due to his significant contributions to these musical forms. Throughout his career, Haydn composed over 100 symphonies, 68 string quartets, 32 piano trios, 14 masses, and numerous other works, including operas and concertos. Haydn spent much of his career as a court musician for the wealthy Esterházy family on their remote estate. This isolated him from other composers and trends in music until the later part of his life, but it also gave him the freedom to experiment and develop his skills. His later years were marked by two significant visits to London, where he achieved great success and financial stability. Haydn’s music is characterized by its wit, elegance, and inventiveness. He was a close friend and mentor to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and a teacher to Ludwig van Beethoven, making him a central figure in the Classical period of music. He passed away on May 31, 1809, in Vienna, Austria.

5 Interesting Facts about Joseph Haydn

1. Haydn composed 104 symphonies, more than any other major composer.

2. He was instrumental in the development of the sonata form, which became the basis for much of Western classical music.

3. Haydn’s “Surprise Symphony” (Symphony No. 94) is famous for its sudden loud chord in the slow movement.

4. He was a member of the Freemasons, a society that many other prominent composers, including Mozart, were also part of.

5. Haydn’s music was greatly influenced by folk songs and dances from his native Austria.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joseph Haydn

1. “There was no one near to confuse me, so I was forced to become original.”

2. “My language is understood all over the world.”

3. “I listened more than I studied… therefore little by little my knowledge and ability were developed.”

4. “I was cut off from the world. There was no one to confuse or torment me, and I was forced to become original.”

5. “I know that God has favoured me in this way that I have been able to make people happy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth Joseph Haydn achieved was substantial for his time, largely due to his successful London tours and long-term employment with the Esterházy family. However, exact figures are not readily available. Adjusted for today’s economy, estimates suggest he would have been worth several million dollars.

Children

Joseph Haydn did not have any children. He was married to Maria Anna Aloysia Apollonia Keller, but their marriage was reportedly unhappy and childless.