Born in Austria in 1732, Joseph Haydn is widely regarded, along with Mozart and Beethoven, as a bonafide representative of Viennese classicism. He was raised in a musical family with a family of music lovers. At eight-years-old, he was recruited to serve as a choirboy at the Stephansdom in Vienna, Austria. Here, the young musician rehearsed and sang in performances of the most prominent classical music of the time. The experience would fundamentally shape his musical intellect and future.

Joseph Haydn eventually landed a job as a Kapellmeister (Music Director) where he composed his first symphonies and divertimentos. In 1761, his career would continue to flourish after gaining new employment with Prince Paul Anton of Esterházy, and later his brother Prince Nikolaus of Esterházy. Fortunately for the composer, he had the privilege to work with one of the best European orchestras of the time, for which he wrote most of his works. By the 1780s, Haydn’s works were gaining even more popularity and recognition. At times, he was occasionally compared to Mozart.
Prince Nikolaus died in 1790, and his successor, Anton, decided to dissolve the court orchestra led by Haydn. After this, he took up residence in Vienna, and then took the opportunity to make several trips to London, where his music was celebrated by the public.

The composer spent the last years of his life back in Vienna, where he continued to enjoy international recognition until the day of his passing at the age of 77, on May 31, 1809.  In spite of his death, Joseph Haydn continued to be regarded as one of the most prolific and important composers of the Classical era. A common characteristic of his music is the evolution of larger structures out of simple and short musical motifs. His works are key to the development of the sonata form, as well as towards the establishment of symphonies. Overall, Joseph Haydn produced an astonishing volume of music including 108 symphonies, 68 string quartets, 32 divertimenti, 126 trios for Barton, viola, and cello; 29 trios for piano, violin, and cello; 21 trios for two violins and cello; 47 piano sonatas; 14 masses, 20 operas; 2 cello concerti; and 6 oratorios.