Joseph Haydn

Info

Date of birth

03/31/1732

Date of death

05/30/1809

Place of birth

Rohrau, Austria, Habsburg Monarchy, Holy Roman Empire [now Lower Austria, Austria]

Joseph Haydn

Biography

Haydn had a hard childhood: at six years old he had to work as a boy singer in a choir and after his voice broke he had to earn his money by playing dance music and serving as a butler. Becoming famous for his compositions Haydn was employed as "Kapellmeister" by Fuerst Esterhazy in Eisenstadt in 1761. For thirty years he served him and composed his pieces for the pleasure of the aristocrats; his musicians used to call him "Papa Haydn" as he was caring for them and was socially engaged. After the death of Esterhazy Haydn moved to Vienna leaving it only twice for London where he composed his "London symphonies".

Known For