Franz Joseph Haydn

The musicians he conducted nicknamed him “Papa,” but the nickname was misleading. It suggested that the music he composed was mild and pleasant, and that the conditions that he worked under were calm and peaceful; however, Haydn struggled from early childhood for the chance to compose at all. He was the last eminent composer to live in the service of a nobleman. He died in 1809, revered by his countrymen and acknowledged throughout Europe as the premier musician of his time.

Nothing in Haydn's early years or in his family history indicated that he might become famous. He was born in 1732 in the Austrian village of Rohrau. His great-grandfather had been the first Haydn to settle in Austria aroun

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Samachson, Dorothy and Joseph Samachson.

In 1761, Haydn entered the service of the Esterhazys, a very wealthy Hungarian family. On his trips he was made fully aware of this art form. When he cut off another choirboy’s pigtail, Haydn was discharged from St. Every day the composer had to confer with the Prince on that day's music. He continued to learn music there for ten years, but he still endured the poverty and strict discipline of the choirmaster who treated the choirboys as slaves. His patriotism was shown in 1809 when Napoleon’s armies captured the city of Vienna after an intense fight. His sixth child, Michael, would become a noted composer, conductor and teacher. His music is graceful, humorous, sometimes powerful, and always with a folk music character.

Haydn made two visits to England (1791 and 1794), where he conducted his works. He also composed over 100 symphonies throughout his career.

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Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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