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Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn: The Architect of Classical Music

Introduction to Franz Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) was an Austrian composer whose innovations shaped Classical music, earning him the titles "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet." His contributions to orchestral, chamber, and choral music laid the foundation for composers like Mozart and Beethoven. Known for his wit, originality, and masterful use of form, Haydn was one of the most celebrated musicians of his time, influencing generations of composers.

Haydn’s Greatest Contributions

The Symphony and Orchestral Works

Haydn’s impact on symphonic writing remains unparalleled:

  • 104 Symphonies – Haydn refined and expanded the symphony into a sophisticated and expressive form.
  • Symphony No. 94 "Surprise" (1791) – Famous for its sudden, dramatic fortissimo chord.
  • Symphony No. 101 "The Clock" (1793–94) – Named for its steady, ticking rhythm in the second movement.
  • Symphony No. 104 "London" (1795) – A grand and triumphant work from his London period.

The Father of the String Quartet

Haydn’s string quartets set new standards for chamber music composition:

  • 68 String Quartets – Including the "Emperor" Quartet (Op. 76, No. 3), featuring the melody later used in the German national anthem.
  • The "Sun" Quartets (Op. 20, 1772) – Marked a turning point in the history of the string quartet.

Choral and Sacred Masterpieces

Haydn’s vocal works display both grandeur and spiritual depth:

  • The Creation (1798) – A magnificent oratorio depicting the Biblical creation story.
  • The Seasons (1801) – A vibrant oratorio celebrating nature’s changing cycles.
  • Harmoniemesse (1802) – One of his most majestic masses.

Piano and Other Chamber Works

Haydn’s keyboard and chamber compositions are full of charm and inventiveness:

  • Piano Trios – Helped establish the piano trio as a major genre in chamber music.
  • Piano Sonatas – Influential works showcasing elegance and structural clarity.

Haydn’s Enduring Legacy

Haydn’s friendship with Mozart and mentorship of Beethoven highlight his pivotal role in classical music history. His works remain essential to concert halls and music education, admired for their brilliance, innovation, and humor.

Joseph Haydn

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  • Joseph Haydn: Les Derniers Quatuors – The Last Quartets Op. 77 & 103 (Audio CD) (3149025046260) Joseph Haydn: Les Derniers Quatuors – The Last Quartets Op. 77 & 103 (Audio CD) (3149025046260)
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    Joseph Haydn: Les Derniers Quatuors – The Last Quartets Op. 77 & 103 (Audio CD)

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    Joseph Haydn: Les Derniers Quatuors – The Last Quartets Op. 77 & 103 (Audio CD)   Product Information Catalog Number: QUI 903001, HM 90 / 1991 UPC: 3149025046260 Product Type: Compact Disc – Digital...
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  • FESTSPIELDOKUMENTE: Salzburg Festival 1959 – A Live Masterclass in Classical Music (Audio CD) (5099706844624) FESTSPIELDOKUMENTE: Salzburg Festival 1959 – A Live Masterclass in Classical Music (Audio CD) (5099706844624)
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    FESTSPIELDOKUMENTE: Salzburg Festival 1959 – A Live Masterclass in Classical Music (Audio CD)

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    FESTSPIELDOKUMENTE: Salzburg Festival 1959 – A Live Masterclass in Classical Music (Audio CD)   Product Information Catalog Number: CB 751 COM CP / 01-068446-10 UPC: 5099706844624 Product Type: Live Recording...
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  • THE COMPLETE HAYDN STRING QUARTETS (25 Audio CD Set) (730099240048) THE COMPLETE HAYDN STRING QUARTETS (25 Audio CD Set) (730099240048)
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    THE COMPLETE HAYDN STRING QUARTETS (25 Audio CD Set) Kodály Quartet

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    THE COMPLETE HAYDN STRING QUARTETS (25 Audio CD Set)   Product Information UPC: 730099240048 Product Type: Multi-CD Boxed Set Genre: Classical Chamber Music / String Quartets Language: Instrumental (Titles and liner notes...
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  • Die Schöpfung: A Masterful Live Performance of Joseph Haydn's Oratorio (DVD Video) (4058407093329) Die Schöpfung: A Masterful Live Performance of Joseph Haydn's Oratorio (DVD Video) (4058407093329)
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    Die Schöpfung: A Masterful Live Performance of Joseph Haydn's Oratorio (DVD Video)

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    Die Schöpfung: A Masterful Live Performance of Joseph Haydn's Oratorio (DVD Video)   Product Information UPC: 4058407093329 Product Type: DVD / Video Title: Die Schöpfung / The Creation Composer: Joseph...
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  • Joseph Haydn – Die Schöpfung (The Creation): A Historic Live Performance (DVD Video) (807280722598) Joseph Haydn – Die Schöpfung (The Creation): A Historic Live Performance (DVD Video) (807280722598)
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    Joseph Haydn – Die Schöpfung (The Creation): A Historic Live Performance (DVD Video)

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    Joseph Haydn – Die Schöpfung (The Creation): A Historic Live Performance (DVD Video)   Product Information UPC: 807280722598 Product Type: Classical Music DVD / Video Genre: Classical, Orchestral, Choral, Live...
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  • Joseph Haydn & Ignaz Joseph Pleyel – Sinfonia Concertante (Audio CD) (8585003510968) Joseph Haydn & Ignaz Joseph Pleyel – Sinfonia Concertante (Audio CD) (8585003510968)
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    Joseph Haydn & Ignaz Joseph Pleyel – Sinfonia Concertante (Audio CD)

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    Joseph Haydn & Ignaz Joseph Pleyel – Sinfonia Concertante (Audio CD)   Product Information Title: Joseph Haydn: Sinfonia Concertante in B♭ major, Hob.I/105 Ignaz Joseph Pleyel: Sinfonia Concertante No. 5 in F...
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  • Joseph Haydn Concertos by OEHMS CLASSICS | CD – Classical Concertos Compilation (4260034863279) Joseph Haydn Concertos by OEHMS CLASSICS | CD – Classical Concertos Compilation (4260034863279)
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    Joseph Haydn Concertos by OEHMS CLASSICS | CD – Classical Concertos Compilation

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    Joseph Haydn Concertos by OEHMS CLASSICS | CD – Classical Concertos Compilation   Product Information UPC: 4260034863279 Product Type: CD – Classical Concertos Compilation Artist/Ensemble:Label: OEHMS CLASSICS Piano:...
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  • Joseph Haydn: Organ Concertos / LP (SLPD 31001) Joseph Haydn: Organ Concertos / LP (SLPD 31001)
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    Joseph Haydn: Organ Concertos / LP

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    Joseph Haydn: Organ Concertos / LP SLPD 31001 Product Details Label: Hungaroton Catalog Number: SLPD 31001 Country: Hungary Release Year: 1978 Genre: Classical Music Media Format: LP (Vinyl), Stereo Overview This Hungaroton LP features a...
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  • Die Jahreszeiten - Joseph Haydn / LP Die Jahreszeiten - Joseph Haydn / LP
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    Die Jahreszeiten - Joseph Haydn / LP

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    Die Jahreszeiten - Joseph Haydn / LP Product Details: Label: Eterna Format: Box Set, 3LP, Mono Country: Germany Released: 1959 Genre: Classical Overview Joseph Haydn’s Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) is a monumental oratorio...
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  • Joseph Haydn - Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) DVD (105508088520) Joseph Haydn - Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) DVD (105508088520)
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    Joseph Haydn - Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) DVD

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    Joseph Haydn - Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) DVD UPC 4025438080550 Overview: Relive the magnificent oratorio Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) by Joseph Haydn in this special DVD release by Farao Classics. Conducted by Enoch zu...
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  • Haydn Symphonies Nos. 1, 96 & 101 - Sir Roger Norrington (DVD) (4010276022657) Haydn Symphonies Nos. 1, 96 & 101 - Sir Roger Norrington (DVD) (4010276022657)
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    Haydn Symphonies Nos. 1, 96 & 101 - Sir Roger Norrington (DVD)

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    Haydn Symphonies Nos. 1, 96 & 101 - Sir Roger Norrington (DVD) UPC: 4010276022657 / 040888390428   Product Features Title: Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 1, 96, and 101 Conductor: Sir Roger...
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  • Joseph Haydn - Il mondo della luna - DVD & Blu-ray (Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt) (0814337010355) Joseph Haydn - Il mondo della luna - DVD & Blu-ray (Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt) (0814337010355)
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    Joseph Haydn - Il mondo della luna - DVD (Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt)

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    Joseph Haydn - Il mondo della luna - DVD (Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt) UPC: 814337010362   Product Features Title: Il mondo della luna by Joseph Haydn Conductor: Nikolaus Harnoncourt (Concentus Musicus...
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