Haydn is not only one of the Classical Era’s most important composers but also a seminal figure in music history. His contributions to genres such as the symphony, string quartet and piano trio have created a legacy to which many composers are indebted. Nicknames such as "the father of the symphony" and "the father of the string quartet" reflect his importance to these forms throughout the Classical period.
Haydn was born in Austria near its Hungarian border. Early in life he studied harpsichord and violin while also singing as a choirboy. As a young adult, Haydn worked as a freelance composer until he was offered court positions, the most substantial being Vice Kapellmeister at the Esterházy court in 1761. He spent nearly thirty years at Esterházy and produced a large body of works including chamber music, operas, and symphonies that reflect his daily duties. After Esterházy, Haydn twice visited London, tours from which he benefited both financially and through increased international recognition. He finished his fruitful career in Vienna, where he produced such famous works as the Trumpet Concerto and his late string quartets.
Much has been written about Haydn’s piano trios, including a whole chapter in Charles Rosen’s famous work, The Classical Style. Haydn’s trios are characteristic in that both the violin and piano have soloistic writing while the cello has the secondary role of doubling the bass voice of the piano. Rosen states that these trios are "along with the Mozart concertos the most brilliant piano works before Beethoven."
"-- Kyle Blaha"