When and where was Joseph Haydn born?
Joseph Haydn was born on the 31st of March 1732 in the village of Rohrau, Austria. His father Mathias worked as a wheelwright while his mother Maria had previously been a cook in the palace of Count Harrach.
Questions about Joseph Haydn
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How long did Joseph Haydn work for the Esterházy family?
Joseph Haydn spent nearly thirty years working as music director for the Esterházy family at their palace of Eszterháza. He first served as Vice-Kapellmeister starting in 1761 before becoming full Kapellmeister after Gregor Werner died in 1766.
What happened during Joseph Haydn's visits to England?
Joseph Haydn visited London twice between 1791 and 1794 where he achieved great financial success and musical fame. These trips generated some of his best-known work including the Surprise Symphony and the Military Symphony while he traveled with Johann Peter Salomon.
Which composers were close friends or pupils of Joseph Haydn?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart became a close friend who occasionally played string quartets with Joseph Haydn in Vienna around 1784. Ludwig van Beethoven studied counterpoint under Joseph Haydn after meeting him in Bonn during 1790.
When did Joseph Haydn die and what caused his death?
Joseph Haydn died peacefully on the 31st of May 1809 aged seventy-seven in his own home. His decline began by 1803 when he could no longer compose due to weakness dizziness inability to concentrate and painfully swollen legs.