Showing an interest in music from an early age, Haydn became a chorister at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. Living in poverty for a few years, Haydn spent his time perfecting his talents for the violin and clavier. He took a job as servant to the composer Porpora in return for which he received lessons in composition. Finally, in 1758, Haydn was appointed to the musical staff of Count Morzin and came to the notice of Prince Esterhazy. He joined his staff in 1761 as a second "kapellmeister" and was promoted to first in 1766, as position he would hold for the remainder of his life. Haydn was to go on to write eighty symphonies, numerous keyboard works, over fifty string quartets, and a number of choral pieces and masses. He visited England in 1790 and was extremely popular. Returning to Vienna in 1792, Haydn was Beethoven's teacher for two years. He wrote the now famous hymn which was to become Austria's national anthem (and ultimately Germany's, as Deutschland Uber Alles). Haydn visited England again in 1794. In his remaining years, he produced two of his choral masterpieces, The Creation, and The Seasons. |
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