Who is known as the Father of Symphony? Know the Reason Behind the Title

Music has been a part of human life for centuries, bringing joy, emotion, and expression to people all over the world. Among many types of music, the symphony is a special form played by a full orchestra. It has multiple parts called movements, each with its own mood and tempo. Over time, composers worked hard to shape and develop this musical form into what we enjoy today.

Father of Symphony

Joseph Haydn is celebrated as the “Father of the Symphony” and one of the most important figures in classical music. Known for his honesty, strong character, and deep spirituality, Haydn influenced the development of Western music for generations. He composed more than 100 symphonies and created the foundations of the classical music style. A friend and contemporary of Mozart and Beethoven, he was also an exemplary Freemason, blending personal virtue with artistic genius.

Why Haydn is known as the Father of Symphony?

Haydn’s innovation in musical form, orchestration, and melody laid the foundation for modern symphonic music. He created a structure that composers like Mozart and Beethoven could build upon. His disciplined approach, originality, and creative genius forever changed the course of Western music, making him a central figure in classical music history.

Early Life and Childhood of Joseph Haydn

Joseph Haydn was born on March 31, 1732, in Rohrau, Austria. His father, Mathias Haydn, was a wheelwright, and his mother, Maria, had worked as a cook in a noble household. Mathias loved music and taught Joseph folk songs on the harp, nurturing his early talent.

At the age of six, Joseph left his home to study music formally under Johann Matthias Frankh, a local schoolmaster and choir director in Hainburg. This marked the start of his long journey in music, where he learned to play the violin, harpsichord, and sing in the church choir.

Moving to Vienna

Haydn’s talent was soon recognized by Georg von Reutter, music director at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. After passing an audition, Joseph moved to Vienna to join the cathedral choir. Living in the Kapellhaus, he trained in voice, violin, keyboard, and music theory, becoming a professional musician while still a child.

However, life was not easy. Haydn often went hungry as a choirboy and relied on performing for aristocrats to earn meals. By age 17, his voice changed, and he was dismissed from the choir, prompting the start of his career as a freelance musician.

The Freelance Years

After leaving the choir, Haydn stayed with his friend Johann Michael Spangler and worked as a music teacher and violinist. He also studied music theory and composition independently. In 1752, he became an assistant to the Italian composer Nicola Porpora, who taught him advanced composition techniques.

During this period, Haydn composed his first opera, Der Krumme Teufel (The Limping Devil), which brought him public attention despite its temporary censorship. He also started composing string quartets and gained the patronage of local aristocrats, such as Count Morzin, for whom he wrote his first symphony.

Working at the Esterházy Court

In 1761, Haydn became a court musician for the wealthy Esterházy family, a position he held for 30 years. He conducted the orchestra, led rehearsals, and composed operas, symphonies, and chamber music. Isolated from other musical trends, Haydn developed a unique and original style.

During this time, he became friends with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Inspired by each other, they influenced the future of classical music. In 1785, Mozart introduced Haydn to Freemasonry, and he joined the Zur wahren Eintracht lodge in Vienna.

International Fame

After the death of Prince Miklós Esterházy, Haydn gained more freedom. He traveled to London, where audiences admired him as a musical genius. Here, he composed some of his most famous works, including the Surprise, Military, Drumroll, and London symphonies.

Haydn also met the young Ludwig van Beethoven and agreed to mentor him. He famously said, “Beethoven will one day be considered one of Europe’s greatest composers, and I shall be proud to be called his teacher.”

Later Years and Legacy

Returning to Vienna in 1795, Haydn resumed work for the Esterházy family on a part-time basis. Even as his health declined, he continued composing masses, string quartets, and other works.

Joseph Haydn passed away peacefully on May 31, 1809, leaving a lasting legacy. His contributions to music, especially the symphony and string quartet, earned him the title “Father of the Symphony.” Beyond music, his honesty, humility, and spirituality made him a revered figure in both public and private life.