"Joseph Hayden (1732-1809) was born in Rohrau, a tiny Austrian village. Until he was six, his musical background consisted of folk songs and peasant dances (which later had an influence on his style); but then his eager response to music was recognized and he was given training. At eight, he went to Vienna to serve as a choirboy in the Cathedral of St. Stephen.
"When his voice changed, Hayden was dismissed, penniless, from St. Stephen's, he gave music lessons to children, struggled to teach himself composition, and took odd jobs (including playing violin in street bands). But gradually, aristocratic patrons of music began to notice his talent; and in 1761, he entered the service of the Esterhazys, the richest and most powerful of the Hungarian noble families. For nearly thirty years, most of his music was composed for performances in the palaces of the family, especially Esterhaza--which contained an opera house, a theater, two concert halls, and 126 guest rooms.
"As a highly skilled servant, Hayden was to compose all the music requested by his patron, conduct the orchestra, coach singers, and oversee the instruments and the music library. This entailed a staggering amount of work; there were usually two concerts and two opera performances weekly, as well as daily chamber music. Though today this sort of patronage seems degrading; it was taken for granted at the time and had definite advantages for composers: they received a steady income and their works were performed. Hayden was conscientious about his professional duties, concerned about his musicians' interests, and --despite an unhappy marriage--good-humored and unselfish.
"Word spread about the Esterhazys' composer, and Haydn's music became immensely popular all over Europe. In 1791-1792 and again in 1794-1795, Haydn was wined and dined by the aristocracy, given an honorary doctorate at Oxford, and received by the royal family.
"In 1795, he returned to Vienna rich and honored. At this time--in his late sixties--he composed six masses and two oratorios, The Creation (1798) and The Seasons (1801), which were so popular that choruses and orchestras were formed for the sole purpose of performing them. He died in 1809, at seventy-seven.
Haydn's Music
"Haydn was a pathfinder for the classical style, a pioneer in the development of the symphony and the string quartet. Both Mozart and Beethoven were influenced by his style. His music, like his personality, is robust and direct; it radiates a healthy optimism. Many of his works have a folk flavor, and The Creation and The Seasons reflect his love of nature.
"Haydn was a master at developing themes; he could build a whole movement out of a single main theme, creation contrasts of mood through changes in texture, rhythm, dynamics, and orchestration. The contagious joy that springs from his lively rhythms and vivid contrasts makes it clear why London went wild. Haydn's 104 symphonies--along with his 68 string quartets--are considered the most important part of his enormous output. Many of them have nicknames, such as Surprise (No. 94), Military (No. 100), Clock (No. 101), and Drum Roll (no. 103).
"Some scholars believe that Haydn invented the string quartet form. He began writing the first of his lifelong series of string quartets for good reason--only three other musicians (two violinists and a cellist, in addition to Haydn as violist) were on hand during the summer of 1757, when he was invited to take part in chamber music performances at a castle.
"Haydn's output also includes piano sonatas, piano trios, divertimentos, concertos, operas, and masses. The variety in his works is astounding. He was a great innovator and experimenter who hated arbitrary "rules" of composition. 'Art is free,' he said. 'The educated ear is the sole authority. . . and I think I have as much right to lay down the law as anyone.'"
The above is from Music an Appreciation by Roger Kamien, Brief Edition, McGraw Hill Companies, Inc. Pages 135-137.
Haydn Good site. Extensive information.
Joesph Haydn and the Classical Era Another good site with many links.
Haydn Quiz
Franz Josef Haydn
Josef Haydn
