null

Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn: The Architect of Classical Music

Introduction to Franz Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) was an Austrian composer whose innovations shaped Classical music, earning him the titles "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet." His contributions to orchestral, chamber, and choral music laid the foundation for composers like Mozart and Beethoven. Known for his wit, originality, and masterful use of form, Haydn was one of the most celebrated musicians of his time, influencing generations of composers.

Haydn’s Greatest Contributions

The Symphony and Orchestral Works

Haydn’s impact on symphonic writing remains unparalleled:

  • 104 Symphonies – Haydn refined and expanded the symphony into a sophisticated and expressive form.
  • Symphony No. 94 "Surprise" (1791) – Famous for its sudden, dramatic fortissimo chord.
  • Symphony No. 101 "The Clock" (1793–94) – Named for its steady, ticking rhythm in the second movement.
  • Symphony No. 104 "London" (1795) – A grand and triumphant work from his London period.

The Father of the String Quartet

Haydn’s string quartets set new standards for chamber music composition:

  • 68 String Quartets – Including the "Emperor" Quartet (Op. 76, No. 3), featuring the melody later used in the German national anthem.
  • The "Sun" Quartets (Op. 20, 1772) – Marked a turning point in the history of the string quartet.

Choral and Sacred Masterpieces

Haydn’s vocal works display both grandeur and spiritual depth:

  • The Creation (1798) – A magnificent oratorio depicting the Biblical creation story.
  • The Seasons (1801) – A vibrant oratorio celebrating nature’s changing cycles.
  • Harmoniemesse (1802) – One of his most majestic masses.

Piano and Other Chamber Works

Haydn’s keyboard and chamber compositions are full of charm and inventiveness:

  • Piano Trios – Helped establish the piano trio as a major genre in chamber music.
  • Piano Sonatas – Influential works showcasing elegance and structural clarity.

Haydn’s Enduring Legacy

Haydn’s friendship with Mozart and mentorship of Beethoven highlight his pivotal role in classical music history. His works remain essential to concert halls and music education, admired for their brilliance, innovation, and humor.

Joseph Haydn

Sort By:

Display Type:
Filters
  • Product
  • Qty in Cart
  • Quantity
  • Price
  • Subtotal
  • Joseph Haydn - Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) DVD (105508088520) Joseph Haydn - Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) DVD (105508088520)
    Quick view

    Joseph Haydn - Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) DVD

    $59.10
    Joseph Haydn - Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) DVD UPC 4025438080550 Overview: Relive the magnificent oratorio Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons) by Joseph Haydn in this special DVD release by Farao Classics. Conducted by Enoch zu...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Price:
    $59.10
    Subtotal:
  • Haydn Symphonies Nos. 1, 96 & 101 - Sir Roger Norrington (DVD) (4010276022657) Haydn Symphonies Nos. 1, 96 & 101 - Sir Roger Norrington (DVD) (4010276022657)
    Quick view

    Haydn Symphonies Nos. 1, 96 & 101 - Sir Roger Norrington (DVD)

    $35.10
    Haydn Symphonies Nos. 1, 96 & 101 - Sir Roger Norrington (DVD) UPC: 4010276022657 / 040888390428   Product Features Title: Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 1, 96, and 101 Conductor: Sir Roger...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $35.10
    Subtotal:
  • Joseph Haydn - Il mondo della luna - DVD & Blu-ray (Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt) (0814337010355) Joseph Haydn - Il mondo della luna - DVD & Blu-ray (Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt) (0814337010355)
    Quick view

    Joseph Haydn - Il mondo della luna - DVD (Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt)

    $69.10
    Joseph Haydn - Il mondo della luna - DVD (Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt) UPC: 814337010362   Product Features Title: Il mondo della luna by Joseph Haydn Conductor: Nikolaus Harnoncourt (Concentus Musicus...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $69.10
    Subtotal:
  • Joseph Haydn: Harmoniemesse and Symphony No. 88 – Mariss Jansons, Chor und Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks | DVD (4035719001037) Joseph Haydn: Harmoniemesse and Symphony No. 88 – Mariss Jansons, Chor und Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks | DVD (4035719001037)
    Quick view

    Joseph Haydn: Harmoniemesse and Symphony No. 88 – Mariss Jansons, Chor und Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks | DVD

    $20.91
    Joseph Haydn: Harmoniemesse and Symphony No. 88 – Mariss Jansons, Chor und Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks | DVD UPC: 4035719001037   Product Features Composer: Joseph Haydn...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $20.91
    Subtotal:
  • Mozart: Symphonie N° 35 ''Haffner'', Haydn: Symphonie N° 104 ''Londres'' - Josef Krips, Orchestre Royal Philharmonique De Londres / RCA Victor LP Stereo / 640.829 Mozart: Symphonie N° 35 ''Haffner'', Haydn: Symphonie N° 104 ''Londres'' - Josef Krips, Orchestre Royal Philharmonique De Londres / RCA Victor LP Stereo / 640.829
    Quick view

    Mozart: Symphonie N° 35 ''Haffner'', Haydn: Symphonie N° 104 ''Londres'' - Josef Krips, Orchestre Royal Philharmonique De Londres / RCA Victor LP Stereo / 640.829

    $77.77
    Mozart: Symphonie N° 35 ''Haffner'', Haydn: Symphonie N° 104 ''Londres'' - Josef Krips, Orchestre Royal Philharmonique De Londres / RCA Victor LP Stereo  640.829 Product Details Label: RCA Victor – 640...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $77.77
    Subtotal:
  • Haydn - The Battle of the Nile; Keyboard Trios Nos. 18 & 19; 2 Italian Duets; Andante With Variations; The Spirit's Song - The Four Nations Ensemble, Ann Mononios (soprano), Nils Brown (tenor) / Gaudeamus Audio CD 2001 / CD GAU 219 Haydn - The Battle of the Nile; Keyboard Trios Nos. 18 & 19; 2 Italian Duets; Andante With Variations; The Spirit's Song - The Four Nations Ensemble, Ann Mononios (soprano), Nils Brown (tenor) / Gaudeamus Audio CD 2001 / CD GAU 219
    Quick view

    Haydn - The Battle of the Nile; Keyboard Trios Nos. 18 & 19; 2 Italian Duets; Andante With Variations; The Spirit's Song / Gaudeamus Audio CD 2001 / CD GAU 219

    $25.91
    Haydn - The Battle of the Nile; Keyboard Trios Nos. 18 & 19; 2 Italian Duets; Andante With Variations; The Spirit's Song / Gaudeamus Audio CD 2001 / CD GAU 219 UPC 743625021929 The Four Nations Ensemble, Ann Mononios (soprano), Nils Brown...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $25.91
    Subtotal:
  • Leopold Mozart: Sinfonia Di Caccia D-dur (Jagdsinfonie), Johann Friedrich Fasch: Trompetenkonzert D-dur, Joseph Haydn: Sinfonie Nr. 31 D-dur (Mit Dem Hornsignal - Auf Dem Anstand) / Eterna LP Stereo 1974 / 8 26 106 Leopold Mozart: Sinfonia Di Caccia D-dur (Jagdsinfonie), Johann Friedrich Fasch: Trompetenkonzert D-dur, Joseph Haydn: Sinfonie Nr. 31 D-dur (Mit Dem Hornsignal - Auf Dem Anstand) / Eterna LP Stereo 1974 / 8 26 106
    Quick view

    Leopold Mozart: Sinfonia Di Caccia D-dur (Jagdsinfonie), Johann Friedrich Fasch: Trompetenkonzert D-dur, Joseph Haydn: Sinfonie Nr. 31 D-dur (Mit Dem Hornsignal - Auf Dem Anstand) / Eterna LP Stereo 1974

    $77.77
    Leopold Mozart: Sinfonia Di Caccia D-dur (Jagdsinfonie), Johann Friedrich Fasch: Trompetenkonzert D-dur, Joseph Haydn: Sinfonie Nr. 31 D-dur (Mit Dem Hornsignal - Auf Dem Anstand) / Eterna LP Stereo 1974  8 26 106 Product Features Vinyl,...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $77.77
    Subtotal:
  • Schleswig-Holstein Festival 1996 - Joseph Haydn & Anton Bruckner (DVD) Schleswig-Holstein Festival 1996 - Joseph Haydn & Anton Bruckner (DVD)
    Quick view

    Schleswig-Holstein Festival 1996 - Joseph Haydn & Anton Bruckner (DVD)

    $29.91
    Schleswig-Holstein Festival 1996 - Joseph Haydn & Anton Bruckner (DVD) UPC: 0807280713794   Product Features Event: Schleswig-Holstein Festival 1996 Venue: Recorded live at the Musik und Kongreßhalle Lübeck, 7 July...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $29.91
    Subtotal:
  • Haydn - Symphony No. 83 In G Minor ("La Poule"), Symphony No. 87 in A - Ernest Ansermet, L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande / Ace Of Diamonds / Decca LP Stereo 1968 / SDD 183 Haydn - Symphony No. 83 In G Minor ("La Poule"), Symphony No. 87 in A - Ernest Ansermet, L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande / Ace Of Diamonds / Decca LP Stereo 1968 / SDD 183
    Quick view

    Haydn - Symphony No. 83 In G Minor ("La Poule"), Symphony No. 87 in A - Ernest Ansermet, L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande / Ace Of Diamonds / Decca LP Stereo 1968

    $77.77
    Haydn - Symphony No. 83 In G Minor ("La Poule"), Symphony No. 87 in A - Ernest Ansermet, L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande / Ace Of Diamonds / Decca LP Stereo 1968  SDD 183 Product Features Label: Decca – SDD 183 Series: Ace Of...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $77.77
    Subtotal:
  • Joseph Haydn – Die Jahreszeiten; Die Schöpfung (Ausschnitte) / ETERNA LP Stereo 1975 / 8 26 339 Joseph Haydn – Die Jahreszeiten; Die Schöpfung (Ausschnitte) / ETERNA LP Stereo 1975 / 8 26 339
    Quick view

    Joseph Haydn – Die Jahreszeiten; Die Schöpfung (Ausschnitte) / ETERNA LP Stereo 1975 / 8 26 339

    $77.77
    Joseph Haydn – Die Jahreszeiten; Die Schöpfung (Ausschnitte) / ETERNA LP Stereo 1975 8 26 339 Product Details Label: ETERNA – 8 26 339 Format: Vinyl, LP, Stereo Country: German Democratic Republic...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $77.77
    Subtotal:
  • Haydn: Theresienmesse - Neville Marriner / ETERNA LP Stereo 1988 / 7 29 109 Haydn: Theresienmesse - Neville Marriner / ETERNA LP Stereo 1988 / 7 29 109
    Quick view

    Haydn: Theresienmesse - Neville Marriner / ETERNA LP Stereo 1988 / 7 29 109

    $77.77
    Haydn: Theresienmesse - Neville Marriner / ETERNA LP Stereo 1988  7 29 109 Product Details Conductor: Neville Marriner Label: ETERNA – 7 29 109 Format: Vinyl, LP, Stereo Country: German Democratic Republic...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $77.77
    Subtotal:
  • Joseph Haydn: Die Jahreszeiten (Chöre Und Arien) - Gundula Janowitz, Peter Schreier, Martti Talvela, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Symphoniker, Karl Bohm / Deutsche Grammophon LP Stereo / 136 436 Joseph Haydn: Die Jahreszeiten (Chöre Und Arien) - Gundula Janowitz, Peter Schreier, Martti Talvela, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Symphoniker, Karl Bohm / Deutsche Grammophon LP Stereo / 136 436
    Quick view

    Joseph Haydn: Die Jahreszeiten (Chöre Und Arien) - Gundula Janowitz, Peter Schreier, Martti Talvela, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Symphoniker, Karl Bohm / Deutsche Grammophon LP Stereo

    $77.77
    Joseph Haydn: Die Jahreszeiten (Chöre Und Arien) - Gundula Janowitz, Peter Schreier, Martti Talvela, Wiener Singverein, Wiener Symphoniker, Karl Bohm / Deutsche Grammophon LP Stereo  136 436 Overview "Die Jahreszeiten" (The Seasons) is a...
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $77.77
    Subtotal:
  • Total: items /

Adding your products to cart