Franz Joseph Haydn, Composer Dates: Born March 31, 1732 in Rohrau, Austria Died May 31, 1809 in Vienna, Austria Nationality: Austrian Famous Works: "Surprise" Symphony, numerous symphonies, string quartets, opera, and keyboard music Biography: Franz Joseph Haydn was born in the Austrian village of Rohrau. His childhood was an extremely musical one, singing together frequently as a family and with neighbors. At a very early age his parents, Mathias and Maria, recognized their son's musical talent and accepted an offer to allow schoolmaster and choirmaster Johann Matthias Franck to train young Franz as a musician. In his teens Franz left the choir to begin working as a freelance musician and composing when he had time. His big break came when he was asked to be the court conductor for Prince Esterhazy, a wealthy Hungarian with an orchestra of his own. Haydn worked for the Prince for 30 years composing many symphonies and other works. When the prince died Haydn decided to travel to London. When he arrived, he discovered that he was a famous composer with many of his compositions being performed and sold as sheet music for many years. Perhaps more than any other music composer, Haydn is known for his wit. The most popular example is found in his Surprise Symphony when his light simple melody is suddenly altered. In May 31, 1809, Haydn died a happy man and a beloved composer. Considered to be one of the greatest composers of the classical era, he is referred to as the "Father of the String Quartet" and the "Father of the Symphony." He didn’t invent these styles, rather he crafted them into something other composers wanted to imitate for years to come. He is often lovingly remembered as “Papa Haydn.” Click here to listen to Haydn’s Surprise Symphony: http://viewpure.com/4Cs_f3GupCo What was surprising about what you heard? ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________ Click here to listen to the same melody, but with lyrics added. Follow along with the lyric sheet on the next page. Papa Haydn Notice the circled letters. Those are abbreviations for our dynamics (expressions like loud and soft). Remember: mp: medium soft ppp: very very soft pp: very soft sfz: suddenly with force Listen again and try to sing along, using the indicated dynamics. Next week you will be creating your own lyrics to go along with this same melody. Below, brainstorm 2 possible ideas of what your song could be about: 1. _____________________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________________ Papa Haydn .