Symphony No. 45 “Farewell”

Franz Josef Haydn In 1766, Prince Nikolaus Esterházy Born: March 31, 1732 built a magnificent summer castle, Died: May 31, 1809 which he named Esterháza. The prince loved to entertain his family Franz Josef Haydn was born and friends there, and Haydn and in 1732 in the small village of his orchestra accompanied him on Rohrau, Austria. Taught at first these visits. However, the musicians by a relative, he joined the were not allowed to bring their original Vienna Boy’s Choir wives and families along. at the age of eight, where he learned how to read and perform One trip to Esterháza lasted much music. As a composer, he was longer than usual, and the musicians largely self-taught. Haydn is became very homesick. They lived known as the “father of the in cramped quarters, missed their symphony” because he helped loved ones and wanted desperately to create and perfect this to return to Vienna. This situation musical form. During his inspired Haydn, who loved a lifetime, Haydn composed 104 good joke, to write one of his symphonies! most famous symphonies, which is nicknamed “The Farewell.” Haydn was employed for most As each musician finished his of his life by the Esterházys, a part in the last movement of the family of wealthy Hungarian work—and some played for a very princes who lived in Vienna. short time!—he snuffed out the candle lighting his music and left A minuet is an elegant dance in 3/4 time While the system of patronage, the stage. First went the horn and (that is, each measure has three beats). It was under which a composer was an oboe, then the bassoon, the double very popular in the 18th century, especially employee required to do as his bass and so on. By the end of the in France; Louis XIV, the “Sun King,” and master wished, could be performance, there were only two the members of his court loved to dance the restrictive, it did assure a regular violinists left. Prince Nikolaus took minuet. After a while, minuets weren’t just for income and guaranteed that new the hint, because everyone packed dancing any more. Haydn—and many other works would be both written up and left the estate the next day! composers in his day—used this dance form and performed. In Haydn’s case, as the third movement, or section, of a four- it also gave him an opportunity movement piece. Thus, the third movement of to experiment and to try out his the “Farewell” Symphony is a minuet. music with an excellent small orchestra.

What do you Hear? Name the instruments below. Circle the ones that you hear in the music. WGUC sincerely thanks The Charles H. Dater Foundation for its sustaining support since the inception of What’s the Time? Classics for Kids®.

1732 Franz Joseph Haydn was born March 31, at Time’s Up! Rohrau, Austria-Hungary. How many words can you come up with in the next two George Washington was born. minutes using the letters of Haydn’s name? Ready, Set, Go! 1736 Glass is first made in Venice, Italy. Franz Joseph Haydn 1740 Haydn joins choir and school of ______St. Stephens’s Cathedral, Vienna. ______1749 Haydn struggles to make his way as a humble ______musician. ______1752 Benjamin Franklin proves that lightning is ______electricity. ______1756 First chocolate factory in Germany. ______Mozart is born.

1758 Haydn is appointed Kapellmeister (Director of Music) at court of Count Ferdinand von Morzin.

1761 Haydn appointed court musician to Prince Paul Esterházy, and then to his brother, Prince Nikolaus.

1766 Haydn becomes Kapellmeister at the Esterházy Haydn Seek court.

1769 Watt patents the steam engine.

1770 James Cook discovers the coast of Australia. Beethoven is born.

1774 Priestly discovers oxygen.

1776-1790 American Revolution.

1787 Dollar bills first introduced in United States.

1790 Prince Nikolaus Esterházy dies. Haydn is retained, but is, in effect, a free man.

1791 Mozart dies in poverty.

1794 U.S. Navy established. Whitney patents the cotton gin.

1796 Jenner discovers a vaccine for smallpox. Bass Dynamics Harpsichord Cello Esterhazy Haydn 1807 Fulton builds the first steamboat. Choirboy Farewell Minuet 1809 Franz Joseph Haydn dies in Vienna, May 31. Composer Forte Piano James Madison becomes the 4th president Conductor Franz Symphony of the U.S. Duck Hunting French horn Violin 1827 Beethoven dies.