Book Description

Franz Joseph Haydn - The Father of the Symphony is the biography of Franz Joseph Haydn. Haydn was one of the most prominent composers of the classical period, and is called by some the "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet." A life-long resident of Austria, Haydn spent most of his career as a court musician for the wealthy Esterhazy family on their remote estate. Isolated from other composers and trends in music until the later part of his long life, he was, as he put it, "forced to become original." Haydn had a robust sense of humour, evident in his love of practical jokes and often apparent in his music; and he had many friends. For much of his life he benefited from a "happy and naturally cheerful temperament." Franz Joseph Haydn - The Father of the Symphony is highly recommended for those interested in learning more about the life of this musical genius."