N. Johnson K-M Elementary 2012 Scherzo from Op. 33, No. 4 in B flat major

Franz Joseph Haydn was born on March 31, 1732 in Rohrau, Austria. At an early age, Haydn’s parents recognized their son's musical talent (He was a good singer and learned songs very easily,) but since they were poor they couldn’t afford to send him to school. At age 6, Haydn went to live with his uncle, who ran a boys’ school in a neighboring town. At age 8, Haydn was asked to join the boys’ choir at a huge cathedral named St. Stephen’s in Vienna. He was a choir boy there until age 16 when he had to leave because his voice changed. EARLY YEARS

St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, Austria Finished in 1147 (Cathedral) & 1433 (Bell tower)

Perhaps more than any other music composer, Haydn is known for his wit. One story claims that Haydn was removed from St. Stephen's Choir School because he cut the pigtail off the wig of the boy in front of him. HAYDN’S PERSONALITY

After leaving school, Haydn had to earn his own living. He played music on the street and gave music lessons to wealthy families. He studied famous music and wrote his own when he had time. His big break came when he was asked to be the court conductor for Prince Esterhazy, a wealthy Hungarian with an orchestra of his own. Haydn worked for the Prince for 30 years, composing many symphonies and other works. FIRST WORK

Esterhazy Castle, Hungary Built in the 1760’s/ Cost $414, 000,000

ESTERHAZY CASTLE After eating a huge meal, some people may have fallen asleep while the orchestra was playing Haydn’s music. Listen to see what Haydn did to be sure they wouldn’t sleep for long! Imagine attending a banquet at the palace followed by a concert in this room.

Now imagine that It's midnight, and just before you went to bed your mom finished frosting a chocolate cake and put it in the refrigerator. Pretend that you are going to sneak downstairs to get a piece of that chocolate cake. Listen to the music and copy me: Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Stop... (pause and look from side to side), Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Stop... (pause and look from side to side), Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Stop... (pause and look from side to side), Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Stop..., Look... Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Stop... (pause and look from side to side), Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Stop... (pause and look from side to side), Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Stop.. (pause and look from side to side), Tip-Toe, Tip-Toe, Stop..., SURPRISE! (The loud sound is when mom found you in the kitchen taking that first bite of the chocolate cake!) Click to play when ready.

When the prince died in 1790, Haydn decided to travel to London. When he arrived, he discovered that he was a famous composer with many of his compositions being performed and sold as sheet music. LATER YEARS

Haydn returned to work for a new Esterhazy prince in 1795 at the age of 63. He remained there until On May 31, 1809, Haydn died a happy man and a beloved composer. FINAL YEARS

Haydn’s casket is still displayed in the Bergkirche, Eisenstadt, Austria even though he died over 200 years ago. Considered to be one of the greatest composers of the classical era, he is often called the "Father of the Symphony“ and will be remembered for a long time.

BIBLIOGRAPHY The Magic of Music, by Ernest LaPrade The World of Music, Silver Burdett & Ginn Franz Joseph Haydn, The Primary Source Library of Famous Composers, by Eric Summerer