Johann Michael Haydn Austrian composer and organist Date of Birth: 14.09.1737 Country: Austria

1. Early Life and Musical Beginnings
2. Singing and Chapel Service
3. Chapelmaster and Court Positions
4. Musical Accomplishments
5. Recognition and Affiliations
6. Legacy and Passing

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Johann Michael Haydn, the younger brother of renowned composer Joseph Haydn, was born in the Austrian village of Rohrau on September 14, 1737. His father, Matthias Haydn, was a folk musician, while his mother, Maria Magdalena Rohrmoser, served as a cook at the local castle.

Singing and Chapel Service

Mathias Haydn fostered his sons' musical talents from a young age. By 1745, Johann Michael had reportedly joined the choir at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, where he remained until 1754. His musical training also included organ lessons with Ferdinand Maximilian Brokoff.

Chapelmaster and Court Positions

In 1757, Haydn became the chapelmaster at the court of the Bishop of Oradea (present-day Romania). Six years later, in 1763, he assumed the role of concertmaster and court organist in the Archbishop of Salzburg's cappella, succeeding Leopold Mozart. Despite Mozart's disdain for Haydn, his son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, befriended him.

Musical Accomplishments

Haydn's exceptional skills as an organist earned him the position of organist at the Holy Trinity Church in 1777. His compositional output was prolific, including sacred works, instrumental pieces, and vocal quartets for male voices. His Requiem in C minor (1771) is considered one of his finest compositions, influencing Mozart's own Requiem.

Recognition and Affiliations

In 1804, Haydn was elected a member of the Swedish Royal Academy of Music. He also played a significant role as a teacher, mentoring composers such as Carl Maria von Weber, Ignaz Xaver Wölfl, and Anton Diabelli.

Legacy and Passing

Johann Michael Haydn passed away in Salzburg on August 10, 1806. His legacy as a composer, organist, and teacher continues to be celebrated. His works combine elements of the strict style with the innovations of the Viennese Classical school, contributing to the豊かな musical landscape of the 18th century.