Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) The Creation Te Deum in C Trio in G major Hob XV:15 Quartet in D minor, Op.76/2 "Fifths" Quartet in B flat major, Op.76/4 "Sunrise" Quartet in D major, Op.76/5 Symphony No.100 in G major "Military" Symphony No.101 in D major "The Clock" Quartet in F major, Op.77/2 Haydn was born in Rohrau, Hungary, the son of the village wheelwright. After singing as a boy chorister in the Imperial chapel in Vienna, he learnt his craft as a jobbing street musician before being engaged, in 1761, into the service of the powerful Prince Paul Eszterhazy. Provided with a 25-strong orchestra, he was to spend the next 29 years at the Eszterhazy palace of Eisenstadt developing every aspect of his art. For the Prince's private concerts he wrote some 75 symphonies, 50 string quartets, 21 operas and countless other works, bringing the Symphony and String Quartet to an unprecedented height of originality and expressiveness. But it was his retirement in 1790 that marked the start of the most fruitful and remarkable period of his career. Hired by the impresario Johann Salomon, Haydn travelled to London, where he was contracted to write six symphonies for Salomon's subscription concerts. The visit was a great success, and, thrilled by his warm reception, Haydn returned to England again in 1794 to write a further six symphonies. These twelve symphonies, now known as the "London" symphonies, marked the peak of Haydn's career as an orchestral composer and brought him fortune and honours. Returning to Austria in 1796, he spent his final years as a celebrity, composing choral and chamber music for as long as he had strength. At his final public appearance, in 1808, the 38-year old Beethoven knelt before him to kiss his hand; when France invaded Austria the following year, Napoleon himself gave the order that a guard of honour be posted outside the dying composer's house in Vienna. Haydn died there on May 31st 1809 at the age of 77. R. G. Bratby, 1996