Joseph Haydn Family Tree: The Story Behind 104 Symphonies

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809), born 31 March 1732 in Rohrau, Archduchy of Austria, and died 31 May 1809 in Vienna (during Napoleon's siege), was Classical era's most-productive symphonist — "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet"; 104 symphonies, 68 string quartets, 62 piano sonatas, The Creation (1798), The Seasons (1801); court composer to Esterházy family for 30+ years; teacher of Beethoven; friend of Mozart.

The Family's Roots: A Rohrau Wheelwright Family

Father was a wheelwright; two brothers also composers.

His Parents

Father: Mathias Haydn (1699–1763) — wheelwright/master of the Rohrau market.

Mother: Maria Anna Koller Haydn (1707–1754).

His Brothers

Michael Haydn (1737–1806) — younger brother; composer at Salzburg court (Mozart's friend).

Johann Evangelist Haydn (1743–1805) — younger brother; tenor.

His Wife: Maria Anna Aloysia Apollonia Keller

Maria Anna Keller Haydn (1729–1800) — married Joseph on 26 November 1760. Marriage was unhappy — Joseph originally in love with Maria Anna's younger sister who became a nun.

No children.

The Haydn Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Mathias Haydn (1699–1763) — wheelwright.

Mother: Maria Anna Koller Haydn (1707–1754).

Brothers: Michael Haydn (1737–1806) — composer; Johann Evangelist Haydn (1743–1805) — tenor.

Wife: Maria Anna Keller (1729–1800; m. 26 November 1760).

No children.

Joseph Haydn:

  • Born 31 March 1732, Rohrau
  • Vienna Boys' Choir 1740-1749
  • Esterházy family Kapellmeister 1761-1790 — 30 years at Eszterháza palace (Hungary)
  • Nickname "Papa Haydn" (loved by orchestra)
  • Beethoven pupil 1792-94
  • London Trips 1791-92, 1794-95: composed 12 "London" symphonies
  • Died: 31 May 1809, Vienna — age 77 (Napoleon's siege of Vienna)

What the Haydn Family Story Teaches Us

A wheelwright father. Two brothers — one a Mozart-friend composer, one a tenor. A wife of 40 years — mismatched marriage; no children. A career that produced 104 symphonies and 30 years at the Esterházy court.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Haydn story carries the same lesson. Some careers create the Classical symphony and string-quartet forms.

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