Joseph Haydn (1732–1809)
Joseph Haydn accumulated a broad base of popular appeal throughout Europe in particular with his Symphony no. 94 in G major “with the drum roll,” as well as with the oratorios “The Creation” and “The Seasons.”
The Austrian composer began making music at an early age as a boy singer at Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral, before drawing attention to himself as composer of his first piano pieces and string quartets. In 1761 he was appointed Vice-Kapellmeister at the court of Prince Esterházy in Eisenstadt.
He began traveling regularly to England in 1790, achieving celebrity there as a composer. Particularly successful were his Symphony no, 94 in G major “with the drum roll,” as well as with the oratorios “The Creation” and “The Seasons.” Haydn, whose name was known throughout Europe, maintained close relations with Mozart and the young Ludwig van Beethoven as well.