Haydn
JOSEPH, a German musical composer; born in Rohrau, on the borders of Hungary and Austria, in 1732. On account of the excellence of his voice he was appointed a choir-boy at St. Stephen's Church, Vienna. Having made the acquaintance of Metastasio, Porpora, and Gluck, Haydn gradually attracted public attention, was appointed organist to two churches, and obtained many pupils. From 1761 to 1790 he was musical director to Prince Esterhazy, and composed during this period some 120 symphonies for the orchestra, 12 operas, etc. In 1791 and 1794 he visited England, staying there nearly three years altogether, and writing his opera "Orpheus and Eurydice." In 1798 he published his oratorio of the "Creation," and in 1800 that of the "Seasons." His last public appearance was at a performance of his "Creation" in 1808. He may be said to be the originator of the symphony and of the stringed quartette. He died in 1809.