Franz Joseph Haydn was born in a small village named Rohrau, in southern Austria.  His father was a wheelwright and his childhood was spent listening to folk songs and dances.  He had a beautiful singing voice and became a choirboy at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna where he remained until he was sixteen years old.  Haydn was very poor and found a place to live in an attic in the city.  He managed to buy an old harpsichord and began earning a living by teaching and accompanying.  He often played with the bands of musicians who performed in the street.

When he was twenty-nine, a prince asked him to work at the palace.  Haydn worked for the Esterhazy family for nearly thirty years.  The palace was spectacular!  One of the nicest in Europe.  Haydn conducted the orchestra, the opera company, a marionette theater and served in the chapel.  He wrote music for all the events of the palace and had wonderful musicians to work with. 

Haydn loved practical jokes and had a great sense of humour.  His “Surprise” Symphony was written to be performed after a large banquet at the palace.  The work begins softly when suddenly a loud chord is sounded.  That was to make sure the audience stayed awake!

In his “Farewell” Symphony, Haydn tried to let the prince know the musicians were due for a holiday.  One by one the musicians leave the stage, until only one violinist is left to finish the work.  He blows out the candle on his music stand (they didn’t have electricity in Haydn’s day) and leaves the stage.

His music is often energetic and full of dynamic contrasts.  Haydn is known for his symphonies (over 100!), his piano music, chamber music and a number of concertos for various instruments.  His work for choir and orchestra, The Creation is especially beautiful. 

The next time you’re at the library, look for CD’s that have Haydn’s music.  You’re sure to enjoy it!

Hayden Allegro

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