Haydn, (Franz) Joseph (1732, 1809)

The Austrian composer "Papa" Haydn was universally loved and an important figure in the development of the classical symphony and string quartet.



Haydn’s father was a poor wheelwright who sent him, at the age of eight, to Vienna to be trained as a chorister at St. Stephen's Cathedral, where he became known for his fine voice.



In 1759 Haydn was appointed music director of the small musical establishment of Count Morzin.



In 1761 he became conductor of Prince Esterházy’s private orchestra and was appointed kapellmeister on the death of his predecessor and immediate superior Gregorius Werner in 1766.



This post, which he filled for almost thirty years, was ideal for Haydn because it gave him the opportunity to work with a group of fine musicians.



During his years at the Esterházy country estate, Haydn met many Viennese artists including Wolfgang Mozart.



The death of Prince Nicholas in 1790 left Haydn free to come and go as he pleased and he accepted a contract to appear in London where he was hailed as a genius.



Mozart is said to have begged him not to go to England because he spoke so few languages, to which Haydn replied: "The language I speak is understood the world over".



Haydn retired to Vienna and died there during the French occupation of the city.