Composer of the Month:
September
Franz Joseph
Haydn
“I was never a quick writer, but composed with great care and efforts.”
-Joseph Haydn
www.brainyquote.com
Born March 31, 1732 in Rohrau, Austria
Died May 31, 1809 in Vienna, Austria
How many birthdays did he have??
Joseph as a child
When Joseph was 8, he went
to school at St. Stephen’s
Cathedral in Vienna. He also
sang in the boys choir. His
younger brother Michael
joined him when he was old
enough. Joseph liked to play
jokes on people and was
often in trouble at school.
However, his teachers realized
he was also a very good
musician.
Joseph as an adult
Making a living as a composer
wasn’t easy at first for Joseph.
But then a rich and powerful
family hired him to write
music and conduct their
orchestra. While working for
the Esterhazy princes, Joseph
would compose all kinds of
music, including one of his
most famous symphonies.
Do you know what
the surprise is??
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London
“Father of Symphony”
Joseph was famous during the Classical Period and was even given the
title “Father of Symphony”. A symphony is a large composition written
for full orchestra, usually containing four movements. Haydn wrote 106
symphonies!
Haydn’s Fame
Music publishing was becoming a popular industry in Vienna during
Haydn’s career. This allowed Joseph’s music to be shared with people all
over Europe and he was very famous. He traveled to London twice and
was treated like a celebrity!