The Oeuvre of the Master

Joseph Haydn was diligent: he left behind more than 1,200 compositions, among them 107 symphonies (“Farewell,” “The Clock,” “Surprise”), 24 operas (“Acide e Galatea,” “L'infedeltá delusa,” "Orlando Paladino," "Armida,"), 14 masses (“Nelson Mass,” “Theresienmesse,”), oratorios (“The Creation,” “The Seasons”), solo concertos, chamber music pieces, vocal works, and many more. A complete listing of the works of Joseph Haydn was put together by the Dutch music scientist Anthony van Hoboken (1887–1983) and is known as the Hoboken Catalogue.

Haydn is traditionally considered the “Father" of the classical symphony and string quartet, and an innovator in the composition of piano sonatas and piano trios. Probably more than any other composer, he is known for the jokes hidden in his music. The most famous example is the sudden loud accord in his symphony No. 94, “The Surprise.”

His early work is clearly marked by the Baroque, then follows the period of Sturm und Drang – filled with risky accords, sudden transitions, and strange harmonies in minor keys. Starting in 1781-82, a lively exchange of ideas began with his colleague W. A. Mozart. Both recognized the other as an equal master, they became friends and learned from each other. In the 1970s, Haydn, inspired by his journeys to England, developed his very own popular style: a way of composing which results in music that is incredibly successful. He used Austrian or Croat folkloristic (or self-invented pseudo-folkloristic) material. This style can be heard in almost all of his later works, for example in the twelve London symphonies.

Together with W. A. Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Haydn is considered a Master of the Vienna Classic.