Classical Composer Assignment - Essay Example

Franz Joseph Haydn (31, March 1732 – 31, May 1809) Franz Joseph was born in 1732 in Roahrau Australia. He was the son of Mathius Haydn Maria Koller who served a wheelwright at the mayor’s office. He was nicknamed Seprell by his father during his childhood.His father introduced him to folk music and the traditional harp.He went through a difficult life in his father’s house, as they had to go for several days without food. Franz encountered professional music in 1740 while at St. Stephens where he attended to other established musicians.

In 1749, Haydn was expelled from St, Stephen’s choir since he could not handle his choral part. He later worked for Nicola Porpora an Italian composer before initiating his solo musical career. In 1757, Franz Haydn was accorded a Kapellermaster position for Karl von Morzin after which he married Maria Anna. While in this position, Haydn produced most of his famous pieces of music such as Paris Symphonies and Seven Words of Christ. He embarked on the London journey in 1790 where he did various performances before embarking on the Vienna trip.

Haydn died during the Vienna trip under the arms of Napoleon army. WorksHaydn is considered as the pioneer of string quartet and the classical symphony. His prowess on the string quartet comes from his childhood day’s interaction with the harp. His service to established musician also influenced the trends of his music and musical career. He was also the writer and the composer of many piano trios and piano sonatas, which are considered as the basis of the classical music. Unlike other musicians of classical era, Haydn produced his music in a unique style.

He produced large structures of his music from simple and short musical motifs. His music is also known for its humor aspect and its ability to entertain the audience. Haydn incorporated humor in his music through sudden loud chord similar to the ones he used in the London symphony. He also employed jokes and false ending to incorporate a humor aspect in his music. Haydn realized that the music performed during his era was not in accordance to the day’s fashion. He embarked on a mission to create fashion in music or to create fashionable music.

He is considered as the founder of the stylistic era or period commonly referred to as Strum und Drang.AnalysisHaydn did not receive much musical influence during his childhood although he ended up as a musician. Although he was introduced to the harp by his parent during his early childhood, his musical career owes much to other classical musicians. Haydn realized that the classical music scene required a change. This included the involvement of audience in performances. Classical music was more concerned with passing of the message or marking a ceremony or an event.

This was the main problem that Haydn identified in classical music. Unlike other artists of his era, Haydn composed music and sought an upgrade for the existing music. This effort is well represented by his role in changing of style and the introduction of performance in classical music. Hyperlinks Franz Joseph Haydn biographyFranz Haydn Music London Symphony