Composer Study- Franz Joseph Haydn

Our composer for this term is Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809). Haydn was born in Austria and was one of the few classical composers to be famous during his lifetime. He was a friend of Mozart and a teacher to Beethoven. He was a prolific composer and is called the "Father of the Symphony". Haydn spent much of his career in the employ of the Esterhazy family. He was known as being fond of practical jokes and used them at times in his music. Here is one from the Surprise Symphony:

Later in his career, he was invited to visit London to conduct symphonies with a large orchestra. While in London, he composed much of his best-known works including the London Symphony: