Joseph Haydn Accomplishments

(Franz) Joseph Haydn was an Austrian composer whose musical works were composed primarily during the age of Classical music. Credited for the development and advancement of chamber music, he wrote 107 symphonies, 68 string quartets, 62 piano sonatas, 45 piano trios, 14 masses, 24 operas as well as oratorios, such as The Creation and The Seasons (Wenborn). The public eye viewed Haydn as the “Father of the Symphony”, while his students preferred calling him “Papa Haydn” due to the father-like nature he expressed toward them while continuing their musical studies (Webster, Intro & Clark, 30). Haydn’s musical career was a depiction of his personal perseverance and dedication toward music, which would impact music forever. Born March 31, 1732,

As Vice Kapellmeister, he was responsible for instrumental music for all performance purposes, secular vocal and stage music, as well as instruments, musical archives, instruction in singing and most importantly, musical composition. Haydn believed that the primary purpose of composition was to move the listener and capture the audiences’ attention for the entire piece (Webster). He placed emphasis on the feelings and emotions that could be applied to instrumental music in order to move his listeners. The years as Vice Kapellmeister were his most productive as a symphony composer as he composed approximately 25 works (Webster). In 1762, Haydn served under Prince Anton Esterhazy’s successor, Prince Nikolaus, who appointed him Kapellmeister (Webster). During this period, he inherited an orchestra and thus began to compose large scale sacred and secular vocal works and operas for the Prince. His sacred vocal music, such as The Creation and The Seasons were two of his most loved works to date and were considered one of many works that were organized around salvation. Haydn stated, “My Prince was satisfied with all my works; I received approval. As head of an orchestra I could try things out, observe what creates a [good] effect and what weakens it, and thus revise, make additions or cuts, take risks. I was cut off from the world, nobody in vicinity could upset my self-confidence or annoy me, and so I had no choice but to become original”