The Seasons

Franz Joseph Haydn, born in a little Austrian town near the Hungarian border, was one of the great masters of classical music. Haydn's musical training began at about age 6 and came from an uncle with whom he lived. After serving as a choirboy at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, which dismissed him when his voice changed, Haydn struggled to earn a living as a teacher and an accompanist. Largely self-taught, Haydn learned counterpoint and received some instruction in composition. An important opportunity came in 1761, when he entered the service of the princes Esterhazy, noblemen who were devoted patrons of music and the arts. He remained in their service as a musical director until 1790, at which time he accepted a commission to write and conduct six symphonies in London. After a successful sojourn in London, he returned to Vienna in 1792 and remained there until his death at the age of 77.

Haydn is best known for his symphonies and string quartets, but his sacred works and operas are just as accomplished. He had a significant influence on the music of Mozart and Beethoven, who was one of Haydn's students. On first hearing, Haydn's music seems clear and direct, but it is filled with instrumental brilliance, subtlety, invention, and emotion, all in classical proportions. During his lifetime, Haydn composed an enormous amount of music. He composed more than 100 symphonies, among them the Farewell Symphony (1772), the Surprise Symphony (1791), and the Clock Symphony (1794). He also composed more than 60 string quartets and 50 piano sonatas, as well as numerous operas, songs, and masses.

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