Happy birthday, "Papa" Joe!

Today is the birthday of Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), affectionately known to his fellow musicians (from a relatively early age) as “Papa” because of his good nature, his genuine concern for others, and his warm sense of humor.  (In a day when “the artist” is supposed to be neurotic, egotistical, and obnoxious, Haydn stands in marked contrast — a hardworking, generous gentleman.)

Though not as well-known as his contemporaries Mozart and Beethoven, Haydn’s music is delightful and of a consistently high quality.  He deserves more attention from music lovers (I’ve been bingeing on Haydn for the past month!).  You’ll know his music (though you might not know you know) through the tune he composed which became the Austrian national anthem and furnishes the tune to our hymn, “Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken” (Trinity Hymnal Revised #345).

For much of his career (about 30 years) he created music for the wealthy Esterházy family (and the world).  He was also wildly popular in England, and made two trips to London later in his career in the 1790s (his twelve “London Symphonies” are among the great masterpieces of symphonic music).

As an example of the way in which his sense of humor came to expression in his music, Robert Greenburg relates,

Haydn was happy with the routine at Esterháza, and his sense of humor and wit are evident in his music, including the famous "Farewell" Symphony [#45].  This work was written to persuade the prince that Haydn and his musicians needed a well-earned annual vacation.  At its premiere in 1772, Haydn instructed the players to blow out their candles and leave the stage one by one as they finished their parts.  In the end, only Haydn and his concertmaster were left on the stage.  Finally, they too blew out their candles and quietly left the totally darkened stage.  The prince was delighted by the symphony.  He got the message and gave orders the next day for the musicians and their entourage to leave Esterháza. 

To say Haydn was prolific would be a huge understatement — 104 numbered symphonies, 68 string quartets, 62 piano sonatas, trios, concerti, masses, operas, oratorios, etc., etc.  You name it, he wrote it!

If you like classical music (and you should learn if you don’t!), you owe it to yourself to sample Haydn’s wonderful music.  The symphonies, string quartets, and piano sonatas are available in inexpensive, but critically acclaimed, editions on the Naxos label.  Of special interest to believers is Haydn’s oratorio The Creation based on a text adapted from Milton’s Paradise Lost (you can get it in an English version by the Robert Shaw Chorale, Telarc).  This piece provides (among many other pleasures) the tune for our hymn, “The Spacious Fermament on High” (THR #117) and a setting of Psalm 135 (#12).  He also wrote a string quartet (Op. 51) entitled “The Seven Last Words of Christ” which he later arranged for chorus and orchestra.  Very beautiful, very moving, and appropriate to the Passiontide season.

Enjoy!