Joseph Haydn Daniel Warren Music

Downbeat: the Beginning Franz Joseph Haydn was born to Marie Koller and Mathias Haydn He was born in a small village near Hungary: Rohrau, Austria Haydn was born on March 31 st or April 1 st, 1732

Early Life It wouldn’t seem the seeds of music would be planted in Haydn’s child life, (neither parent could read music) but his father played the harp as an enthusiastic folk musician, and Haydn remembers his family as extremely musical, they sang together and with neighbors. From the beginning, Haydn’s parents saw his instinctive skill in music, but there was no opportunity to pursue in there humble village. Luckily, their relative Johann Matthias Frankh was a choirmaster in Hainburg, and Joseph left his parents forever at age six to apprentice and live with him.

Training In the filthy and hungry circumstances of the Frankh household, Haydn learned to play the violin and harpsichord, as well as singing in the choir. His singing was apparently impressive, as he auditioned for Georg von Ruetter – the director of music in St. Steven’s Cathedral, and served as chorister for nine years. Living with the Ruetter family he improved in voice, violin, and keyboard, though learned little in music theory. There was to absorb, though, being a musician in a leading musical center.

Middle and Late Years When Haydn grew too old to sing the young choir boy parts, and was kicked out, he struggled as a freelancer musician. During this time he had different jobs, like a street serenader and music teacher. He had a breakthrough when he became an accompanist for Nicola Porpora, from whom he learned the musical composition he was lacking. He grew in skill and reputation, even attained patronage, and continued composing until his health declined and he died in late May 1809

Musical Style “The Father of the Symphony” Haydn liked to use little motives to build big works, like making a house of bricks. His music, though was complex and sophisticated. He made musician’s music for the listener - music understood and popularly enjoyed by common people, but not lacking in rigorous musical structure Haydn was a pathmaker and developed music

Works Symphony No. 45 (4th movement) “Farewell Symphony”

Works Sonata No. 62

Works Cello Concerto in D 7w

References "Joseph Haydn" by Wendy Thompson "Haydn" by J. Cuthbert Hadden h/3788-h.htm