Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn, instrumental in the development of chamber music like the string quartet and piano trio, has been hailed as the 'Father of the Symphony' and 'Father of the String Quartet' due to his substantive contributions to musical form. Haydn's career was largely shaped by his role as a court musician for the wealthy Esterházy family, leading him to a unique originality in his work, which became widely celebrated across Europe. He was also a friend and mentor to Mozart, a tutor to Beethoven, and the elder brother of composer Michael Haydn【27†source】.