Saturday, October 14, 2023 | Composer of the Week

Franz Joseph Haydn  ("Frahnz  JOE-seff  HIDE-in”)

• Born in Austria, 1732, 
• Died in 1809 at age 77
• Classical Period

Compositions Include:

• Over 100 symphonies, including the Farewell Symphony and the Surprise Symphony
• 84 string quartets
• 53 piano sonatas
• 25 concertos
• 12 masses
• 10 oratorios 

Other Details:

• Beginning at age 7, sang in the choir at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna until his voice changed at age 17
• While at St. Stephen’s studied singing, harpsichord and violin 
• Was very poor growing up and well into adult hood until he was hired by Prince Esterhazy at age 29