March 31, 1732:
16:00 Franz Joseph Haydn is born in Rohrau, Archduchy of Austria in the Holy Roman Empire, the second of twelve children (five surviving infancy) born to Mathias Haydn, a wheelwright and magistrate, and Anna Maria Koller, a cook.
May 29, 1753:
Der krumme Teufel, a singspiel by Franz Joseph Haydn (21) to words of Kurz, is performed for the first time, in Vienna.
November 24, 1759:
Der neue krumme Teufel. Eine Opera Comique, a newly written stage work by Joseph Kurz with music from Der krumme Teufel, an earlier Singspiel by Franz Joseph Haydn (27), is performed for the first time, in the Kärntnertortheater, Vienna.
November 26, 1760:
Franz Joseph Haydn (28) marries Maria Anna Aloysia Apollonia Keller in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna. She is the daughter of wigmaker Johann Peter Keller who took in the young Haydn after he left the cathedral school.
March 19, 1761:
This is the date thought by some historians to be when Franz Joseph Haydn (28) begins to organize the musical establishment for Prince Paul Anton Esterházy.
May 1, 1761:
Franz Joseph Haydn (29) signs a contract with Prince Paul Anton Esterházy, a fantastically wealthy Hungarian nobleman, for the post of assistant kapellmeister. Haydn has been working for the Prince for at least a month already.
March 18, 1762:
Prince Paul Anton Esterházy, employer of Joseph Haydn (29), dies in Vienna. He is succeeded by his brother, Nicholas.
June 25, 1762:
Prince Nicholas Esterházy performs his first official act regarding his cappella: he raises the salary of Vice-Kapellmeister Franz Joseph Haydn (30). However, Haydn has been paid the higher sum off the table since last August. Nicholas simply makes it official.
January 11, 1763:
Alcide, a festa teatrale by Franz Joseph Haydn (30) to words of Migliavacca, is performed for the first time, in celebrations surrounding the wedding of Anton, son of Prince Nicholas Esterházy, in Eisenstadt. Also performed as part of the celebrations is Haydn’s cantata Vivan gl’illustri sposi .
December 6, 1763:
Destateri, o miei fidi, a cantata by Franz Joseph Haydn (31), is performed for the first time, in Eisenstadt Castle for the name day of his employer, Prince Nicholas Esterházy.
January 30, 1764:
Louis-Balthasar de la Chevardière announces in Paris what is probably the first publication of any music by Franz Joseph Haydn (31): the String Quartets op.1/1-4.
March 12, 1764:
French publisher Jean Baptiste Venier announces in Paris the publication of a series of symphonies. Among them is the Symphony no.2 of Franz Joseph Haydn (31). It is Haydn’s first symphony in print.
December 6, 1764:
Qual dubbio, a cantata by Franz Joseph Haydn (32), is performed for the first time, in Eisenstadt for the name day of Nicholas Esterházy.
November 3, 1765:
Prince Nicholas Esterházy, perceiving laxity in his musical establishment, orders his vice-kapellmeister, Joseph Haydn (33), to inventory the music and instruments (in triplicate), to oversee the upkeep of the instruments, make sure all musicians attend to their obligations, and Haydn is “urgently enjoined to apply himself to composition more diligently than heretofore, and especially to write such pieces as can be played on the gamba (baryton), of which pieces we have seen very few up to now; and to be able to judge his diligence, he shall at times send us the first copy, clearly and carefully written, of each and every composition.”
January 4, 1766:
Franz Joseph Haydn (33) presents three new baryton trios to his employer, Prince Nicholas Esterházy.
March 3, 1766:
Gregor Werner, the Esterházy kapellmeister dies, and is succeeded by the vice-kapellmeister, Joseph Haydn (33). Apparently it is a foregone conclusion, as no record of the appointment survives.
May 2, 1766:
Since his appointment as Esterházy kapellmeister affords him a little more security, Joseph Haydn (34) buys a little house in Eisenstadt.
July 26, 1766:
La cantarina, an intermezzo by Joseph Haydn (34), is probably performed for the first time, in Eisenstadt.
October 18, 1766:
Joseph Haydn (34) receives one of his first notices in an Austrian paper, the Wiener Biarium, in which he is described as “the darling of our nation.”
December 6, 1766:
Joseph Haydn (34) sends six baryton trios “divertimentos” to his employer, Prince Esterházy. They are the last of a set of 24.
February 16, 1767:
Joseph Haydn’s (34) opera La Canterina is performed for the first time outside Eisenstadt, in the garden of the Primate’s Palace, Pressburg (Bratislava), the composer at the harpsichord.
April 17, 1767:
Stabat mater for solo voices, chorus and orchestra by Franz Joseph Haydn (35) is performed for the first time, in the chapel of Eisenstadt Castle, probably directed by the composer from the organ.
April 17, 1768:
Applausus, an oratorio by Joseph Haydn (36), is performed for the first time, in Zwettl.
August 2, 1768:
Joseph Haydn’s (36) neighborhood in Eisenstadt is destroyed by fire. He loses his furnishings and many scores. There was not enough time to save them.
September 28, 1768:
A performance of Lo speziale by Joseph Haydn (36) opens the new Esterháza opera house.
September 16, 1770:
Le pescatrici, a dramma giocoso by Joseph Haydn (38) to words of Goldoni, is performed for the first time, at Esterháza, to celebrate the wedding of Countess Lemberg, the niece of Prince Esterházy.
December 21, 1771:
Esterházy Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn (39) witnesses a contract settling a dispute between two Esterházy musicians, oboist Zacharaias Pohl and bassist Xavier Marteau, to wit, a brawl in the local tavern in June during which Pohl lost an eye.
December 6, 1772:
Missa Sancti Nicolai by Joseph Haydn (40) is possibly performed for the first time, at Esterháza.
July 26, 1773:
L’infedeltà delusa, a burletta per musica by Joseph Haydn (41) to words of Coltellini, is performed for the first time, at Esterháza Palace, for the name day of Dowager Princess Maria Anna.
August 25, 1773:
The Esterházy chapel organist, Franz Novotni, dies. As no suitable replacement can be found, Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn (41) will be hired, sharing the duties with schoolmaster Joseph Dietzl.
September 1, 1773:
Empress Maria Theresia and her entourage arrive for a visit to Esterháza Palace, amidst much pomp. Joseph Haydn (41) conducts L’infedeltà delusa with great success. After the opera, the Empress is taken to the Chinese pavilion for a concert by Haydn and the Esterházy orchestra, all in Chinese costumes.
September 2, 1773:
Amidst the visit of Empress Maria Theresia, the new Esterháza marionette theatre opens with the premiere of Joseph Haydn’s (41) new opera, Philemon und Baucis, oder Jupiters Reise auf die Erde, to words of Pfeffel. The Empress is much pleased and gives Haydn 30 ducats.
February 26, 1774:
An advertisement in the Wiener Diarium announces the first Vienna publication of Joseph Haydn’s (41) music: six piano sonatas XVI: 21-26.
April 2, 1775:
Il ritorno di Tobia, an oratorio by Joseph Haydn (43) to words of Giovanni Gastone Boccherini, is performed for the first time, in Vienna, directed by the composer.
August 29, 1775:
Joseph Haydn’s (43) dramma giocoso L’incontro improvviso to words of Friberth after Dancourt is performed for the first time, at Esterháza Palace for a state visit by Archduke Ferdinand and his consort Beatrice d’Este.
January 6, 1776:
Franz Joseph Haydn’s (43) new symphony (no.60) is performed, possibly for the first time, between the acts of Regnard’s play Le distrait, at the Kärntnertortheater, Vienna.
July 17, 1776:
Joseph Haydn’s (44) house is once again part of a general conflagration in Eisenstadt. The town hall, two churches, a monastery, a brewery and 104 houses are destroyed. 16 people are killed. This time he is probably at Esterháza and not much music is within the house. Prince Nicholas will pay to have it rebuilt.
August 3, 1777:
Il mondo della luna, a dramma giocoso by Joseph Haydn (45) to words of Goldoni, is performed for the first time, at the Esterháza Palace to celebrate the wedding of Prince Nicholas Esterházy’s second son, Nicholas, to Maria Anna, Countess von Weissenwolf.
October 27, 1778:
Joseph Haydn (46) sells his house in Eisenstadt. He lives at Esterháza most of the time.
January 1, 1779:
A new contract is signed between Joseph Haydn (46) and Prince Nicolas Esterházy. This one is far more favorable to the composer than the first in remuneration and wording. Haydn may now disseminate, perform and publish his music wherever he wishes. See 1 May 1761.
February 4, 1779:
After his application for membership in the Vienna Tonkünstler-Sozietät is accepted on condition he produce music for them on demand, Joseph Haydn (46) pens a withering reply demanding his deposit back.
March 15, 1779:
The soprano Luigia Polzelli and her husband, violinist Antonio Polzelli, are hired by Prince Nicholas Esterházy. Soon, she will become the mistress of Franz Joseph Haydn (46), a position she will hold until her departure in 1790.
April 25, 1779:
La vera costanza, a dramma giocoso by Joseph Haydn (47) to words of Puttini, is performed for the first time, at Esterháza.
November 18, 1779:
A fire at Esterháza guts the “Chinese ballroom.” The Pressburger Zeitung will report: “Two beautiful clocks; the magnificent theatrical costumes; all the music collected at great effort and expense; the musical instruments, including the beautiful harpsichord (Flieg) of the famous kapellmeister Haiden (sic) and the concert violin of the virtuoso Lotsch (Luigi Tomasini)-were all lost to the flames which reached their height at 8:00 a.m.” Joseph Haydn (47) loses most of his marionette operas, some of his Italian operas and the orchestral parts of all his Esterhazy symphonies.
December 6, 1779:
Joseph Haydn’s (47) azione teatrale L’isola disabitata to words of Metastasio is performed for the first time, at Esterháza for the name day of Prince Nicolas Esterházy. The production occurs in the marionette theatre since the opera house burned down on 18 November.
December 18, 1779:
A ceremony lays the foundation stone for a new Esterházy Theatre. The Symphony no.70 of Joseph Haydn (47) is performed for the occasion.
April 12, 1780:
Publication of the Piano Sonatas nos.35-39 and 20 by Joseph Haydn (48) is advertised in the Wiener Zeitung .
May 14, 1780:
This is the date of a diploma awarded to Joseph Haydn (48) upon being given membership in the Philarmonic Society of Modena.
January 31, 1781:
Christoph Torricella begins printing music in Vienna. He will soon attract the interest of Joseph Haydn (48).
February 25, 1781:
La fedeltà premiata, a dramma pastorale giocoso by Joseph Haydn (48) to words after Lorenzi, is performed for the first time, to open the new Esterháza opera house. It is an enormous success.
May 9, 1781:
Symphony no.53 by Joseph Haydn (49) is performed, perhaps for the first time, at the final Bach (45)-Abel (57) concert, Hanover Square Rooms, London.
December 25, 1781:
Some or all of the String Quartets op.33 by Joseph Haydn (49) are performed publicly for the first time, at the Vienna home of Countess von Norden. They may have been performed earlier at Esterháza.
December 29, 1781:
Artaria announces the forthcoming publication of Franz Joseph Haydn’s (49) String Quartets op.33. Haydn is astonished since he has not yet sold subscription copies. He breaks off all contacts with Artaria, but the matter will be smoothed over.
April 22, 1782:
A second child is born to Luigia Polzelli, an Italian singer at Esterháza, and her husband, the violinist Antonio Polzelli. It is well known that the actual father is Franz Joseph Haydn (50).
December 6, 1782:
Orlando paladino, a dramma eroicomico by Joseph Haydn (50) to words of Badini and Porta, is performed for the first time, at Esterháza Palace to celebrate the name day of Prince Nicolas Esterházy.
May 27, 1783:
Boßler and Speyer announce the publication of Symphonies 76-78 by Franz Joseph Haydn (51).
December 22, 1783:
Franz Joseph Haydn (51) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (27) meet for possibly the first time, at a Tonkünstler-Societät concert in Vienna where works by both are performed, including the premiere of Mozart’s Misero! o sogno...Aura che intorni spiri K.431, a concert aria for tenor and orchestra.
February 26, 1784:
Armida, a dramma eroico by Joseph Haydn (51), is performed for the first time, at Esterháza.
April 24, 1784:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (28) writes to his father from Vienna, “I must tell you that some quartets have just appeared, composed by a certain [Ignaz] Pleyel (26), a pupil of Joseph Haydn (52). If you do not know them, do try and get hold of them; you will find them worth the trouble. They are very well written and most pleasing to listen to.”
July 6, 1784:
The Journal de Paris announces the printing of parts for Joseph Haydn’s (52) keyboard concerto XVIII: 11.
August 31, 1784:
The Frankfurt Staats-Ristretto announces the authentic edition by Bossler of three new piano sonatas by Joseph Haydn (52) XVI: 40-42.
December 29, 1784:
Joseph Haydn (52) applies for admission to the Freemason lodge “Zur wahren Eintracht.”
January 15, 1785:
The six string quartets K.387, 421, 428, 458, 464 and 465 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (28) dedicated to Franz Joseph Haydn (52) are performed for the dedicatee in Mozart’s Vienna home. Mozart finished K.465 just yesterday. (Some sources say only 387, 421, and 458 are performed today) See 12 February 1785.
January 17, 1785:
An article appearing in The Gazeteer and New Daily Advertiser, London, laments the fact that Joseph Haydn (52), the “Shakepeare of Music”, is “doomed” to reside in Austria and suggests that the best thing for him would be to be kidnapped and brought to England.
February 11, 1785:
Joseph Haydn (52) is admitted to Freemasonry in a ceremony at Lodge “Zur wahren Eintracht”, Vienna. After today, Haydn never again attends a Freemason meeting. WA Mozart (29) does not attend as he is giving the first of his six subscription concerts at the Vienna Casino. His Piano Concerto no.20 K.466 is performed for the first time, the composer at the keyboard. His father is in attendance.
February 12, 1785:
At a party in Vienna given by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (29) in honor of Franz Joseph Haydn (52), three of the six string quartets dedicated to Haydn are performed, possibly for the first time. Haydn informs Leopold Mozart (65) that “I tell you before God and as an honest man, that your son is the greatest composer I know, either personally or by reputation. He has taste and apart from that, the greatest knowledge of composition.” See 15 January 1785.
October 26, 1785:
At Esterháza Palace, Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn (53) receives a visit from General Francisco de Miranda, a Venezuelan revolutionary who is carrying letters for him. Haydn gives him a tour of the palace.
April 26, 1786:
Publication of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (30) Variations on Lison dormait by Nicolas Desède K.264 is announced in the Wiener Zeitung. Also announced is publication of the Keyboard Trios op.40 by Joseph Haydn (54).
January 3, 1787:
The Wiener Zeitung announces Artaria’s printing of six allemandes IX: 9 by Joseph Haydn (54) and the Twelve Minuets and Six Trios B.203-214 by Ignaz Pleyel (29).
July 7, 1787:
The Wiener Zeitung announces the publication of Joseph Haydn’s (55) instrumental work The Seven Last Words XX: 1.
December 19, 1787:
The Wiener Zeitung announces publication of Joseph Haydn’s (55) String Quartets op.50, as well as the publication of the Sonata for piano-four hands K.497 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (31).
May 7, 1788:
Through the efforts of Emperor Joseph II, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (32) Don Giovanni is performed in Vienna. At a party following the opera, attended by most of the musical connoisseurs of the city, the work is praised at first, but soon an argument ensues over its shortcomings. When asked for his opinion, Joseph Haydn (56) responds, “I cannot settle the argument. But one thing I know--and that is that Mozart is the greatest composer the world now has.” Mozart is not present.
June 13, 1789:
The Journal de la Librairie, Paris announces the printing by Sieber of Joseph Haydn’s (57) string quartets opp.54 and 55.
July 14, 1789:
The score of Mozart’s (33) Le nozze di Figaro arrives in Eisenstadt for the perusal of the local kapellmeister, Joseph Haydn (57).
September 5, 1789:
The Wiener Zeitung announces the publication of three works: Joseph Haydn’s (57) Fantasia in C XVII: 4, Das Veilchen K.476, a song for voice and piano by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (33), and String Quintet B.285 by Ignaz Pleyel (32).
December 31, 1789:
Cosi fan tutte is rehearsed at the home of the composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (33), probably attended by Joseph Haydn (57).
January 26, 1790:
Cosi fan tutte, ossia La scuola degli amanti K.588, an opera buffa by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to words of da Ponte, is performed for the first time, in the Vienna Burgtheater on the eve of the composer’s 34th birthday. It is a hit. Among the audience is Franz Joseph Haydn (57).
August 21, 1790:
The Wiener Zeitung announces Artaria’s publication of Joseph Haydn’s (58) Arianna a Naxos XXVIb: 2, and the publication of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s (34) String Quintet K.516.
September 19, 1790:
Three royal weddings take place in Vienna: Archduchess Marie Clementine marries Prince Francesco of Naples (by proxy), Princess Maria Teresa of Naples marries Archduke Franz of Austria and Princess Lodovica Louisa marries Grand Duke Ferdinando of Tuscany. In the evening, Antonio Salieri (40) conducts a concert in the Redoutensaal during the public banquet, including a symphony by Joseph Haydn (58).
September 28, 1790:
Prince Nikolaus Esterházy dies in Vienna and is succeeded by his son Anton. The younger Esterházy will have little need for music and will dismiss most of his father’s musical establishment, including Joseph Haydn (58).
December 8, 1790:
Johann Peter Salomon and Franz Joseph Haydn (58) sign an agreement in Vienna which will produce several works and concerts in London by Haydn.
December 14, 1790:
A farewell dinner is given for Franz Joseph Haydn (58) in Vienna. Among those present is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (34).
December 15, 1790:
Joseph Haydn (58) and Johann Peter Salomon depart Vienna for London. As Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (34) share a tearful farewell, Mozart says “We are probably saying our last adieu in this life.” Haydn takes this to refer to his own age.
December 25, 1790:
On his way to London, Franz Joseph Haydn (58) and Johann Peter Solomon spend Christmas in Bonn.
December 26, 1790:
On St. Stephen’s Day, Franz Joseph Haydn (58) and Johann Peter Solomon attend mass in Bonn where one of his masses is performed by the musicians Elector Maximilian Franz. Afterwards, the Elector introduces Haydn to his musicians, including Ludwig van Beethoven (20). He then provides all of them with a dinner.
January 1, 1791:
After a voyage of nine hours, thirty minutes from Calais, Joseph Haydn (58) arrives in Great Britain at Dover.
January 2, 1791:
Joseph Haydn (58) and Johann Peter Solomon arrive in London. In a few days Haydn will write, “My arrival caused a great sensation throughout the whole city.”
January 16, 1791:
The announcement of Johann Peter Salomon’s upcoming subscription concerts with Franz Joseph Haydn (58) appears in several London newspapers.
January 18, 1791:
During a court fete at St. James’ Ballroom to celebrate the birthday of Queen Charlotte, Joseph Haydn (58) is recognized by the royal family. The Prince of Wales bows to him, thus securing a place for Haydn with the British aristocracy.
February 7, 1791:
At a concert in London, Joseph Haydn (58) makes the acquaintance of Charles Burney. The two will meet many more times and become friends.
February 23, 1791:
The publication of Joseph Haydn’s (58) String Quartets op.64 is announced in the Wiener Zeitung.
April 14, 1791:
In London, Joseph Haydn (58) is deposed in the case of the publishers Forster v. Longman&Broderip. He confirms that two of the Piano Trios H. XV: 3-5 were actually written by his student, Ignaz Pleyel (33) and supports Forster’s claims in the case. Because of Haydn’s limited English, Johann Peter Salomon serves as interpreter.
April 23, 1791:
On one of his frequent visits to the London home of Charles Burney, Joseph Haydn (58) plays second violin in some of his string quartets and first violin in The Seven Last Words.
April 25, 1791:
Pietà di me, benigni Dei for three singers, english horn, bassoon, french horn, and orchestra by Joseph Haydn (59) is performed for the first time, in London.
May 16, 1791:
A performance to benefit Franz Joseph Haydn (59) takes place in the Hanover Square Rooms, attended by the composer.
June 1, 1791:
Joseph Haydn (59) witnesses a performance of Messiah by George Frideric Handel (†32) in Westminster Abbey. Although he has heard Handel before, the English tradition “astonishes” him and he starts to think about oratorios.
July 5, 1791:
Joseph Haydn (59) is deposed for a second time in the case of Forster v. Longman&Broderip. Once again, Johann Peter Salomon serves as interpreter. Haydn confirms authorship of all the music in question in the case, except for the two he has already acknowledged as being by Pleyel (34).
July 7, 1791:
Joseph Haydn (59) receives a doctorate from Oxford University. He conducts his Symphony no.92 on the occasion. Because of this it becomes known as the Oxford symphony. The organist of Christ Church, Oxford, William Crotch (16), plays the organ for Haydn during his visit.
August 31, 1791:
The Wiener Zeitung announces Artaria’s publication of Joseph Haydn’s (59) Piano Sonata XVI: 4a.
September 26, 1791:
Joseph Haydn (59) signs the guestbook at Broadwood’s Piano Shop, London.
November 5, 1791:
Joseph Haydn (59) is the guest of honor at an official dinner given by the Lord Mayor of London. Everything is done loudly--toasts and yelling while music is playing.
November 24, 1791:
Joseph Haydn (59), invited by the Prince of Wales, visits the Prince’s brother Frederick, Duke of York at Oatlands. The Duke was married yesterday in Buckingham Palace to Princess Friederike Charlotte Ulrike, daughter of King Friedrich Wilhelm II of Prussia. This wedding was only to satisfy British law as the couple was already married in Germany. Haydn stays for two days and is a big favorite. “The prince presented me to the duchess, the daughter of the King of Prussia, who received me very graciously and said many flattering things. She is the most delightful lady in the world, is very intelligent, plays the pianoforte and sings very nicely. I had to stay there 2 days, because a slight indisposition prevented her attending the concert on the first day. On the 2nd day, however, she remained continually at my side from 10 o’clock in the evening, when the music began, to 2 o’clock in the morning. Nothing but Haydn was played.” (Hogwood, Haydn’s, 42-43)
December 24, 1791:
Joseph Haydn (59) dines with his former student, Ignaz Pleyel (34) in London. Pleyel arrived in London yesterday to take up position as composer for the Professional Concert series staged in competition with the Haydn-Salomon concerts.
February 13, 1792:
Ignaz Pleyel (34) opens his concert series in London with a work by his old teacher, Franz Joseph Haydn (59).
February 17, 1792:
The second season of the Salomon-Haydn concerts begins in the Hanover Square Rooms, London. Symphony no.93 by Joseph Haydn (59) is performed for the first time. The audience requires an encore of the slow movement. Press and public are ecstatic.
February 24, 1792:
Joseph Haydn’s (59) madrigal The Storm XXIVa: 8 for solo voices and orchestra to words of Pindar is performed for the first time, in London. It is the composer’s first setting of an English text.
February 27, 1792:
Symphonie Concertante B.113 by Ignaz Pleyel (34) is performed for probably the first time, in London. Among the listeners is Pleyel’s teacher, Franz Joseph Haydn (59).
March 2, 1792:
Symphony no.98 by Joseph Haydn (59) is performed for the first time, in the Hanover Square Rooms, London. The audience requires that the first and fourth movements be repeated. Samuel Wesley (26) is among the listeners.
March 9, 1792:
At a Salomon concert in London, the Sinfonia Concertante I: 105 by Joseph Haydn (59) is performed for the first time. Also on the program is a new concerto for pedal harp by Jan Ladislav Dussek (32).
March 17, 1792:
Owing probably to the strain of his schedule, Joseph Haydn (59) is bled in London.
March 23, 1792:
Symphony no.94 “Surprise” by Joseph Haydn (59) is performed for the first time, in the Hanover Square Rooms, London.
April 20, 1792:
In the eighth Haydn-Salomon concert in London, Johann Nepomuk Hummel (13) plays the piano part in Joseph Haydn’s (60) Piano Trio in Ab Hob.XVI: 14. It is the first known public performance of a piano trio by Haydn.
April 24, 1792:
Joseph Haydn (60) writes from London, “Despite great opposition and the musical enemies who are so much against me—all of whom, together with my pupil Pleyel (34), tried their very hardest to crush me, especially this Winter—I have gained (thank God!) the upper hand. But I must admit that with all this work I am quite exhausted and wearied, and look forward longingly to the peace which will soon be mine.” (Hogwood, 66)
May 3, 1792:
Symphony no.97 by Joseph Haydn (60) is performed for the first time, in London. (This could by May 4)
June 1, 1792:
Joseph Haydn (60) plays at a benefit concert for the singer Mara in London. Two of his symphonies are performed and he accompanies her on the piano.
June 14, 1792:
Joseph Haydn visits Windsor Castle and its chapel.
June 15, 1792:
A day after viewing the races at Ascot, Joseph Haydn (60) visits Dr. William Herschel, the discoverer of Uranus, and sees his large telescope. In his younger days, Herschel was an oboist and composer.
June 25, 1792:
Joseph Haydn (60) is invited to a dinner party given by James Boswell in London.
July 24, 1792:
Joseph Haydn (60) arrives back in Vienna from England. Along the way he stopped in Bonn where he once again met a talented young musician named Ludwig van Beethoven (21). Haydn is very impressed and it is agreed that Beethoven will study with Haydn in Vienna and accompany him to England in 1793.
November 2, 1792:
Ludwig van Beethoven (21) departs Bonn for Vienna to study with Franz Joseph Haydn (60). He will never return.
December 12, 1792:
In his expense book, Ludwig van Beethoven (21) notes the cost of his first lesson with Franz Joseph Haydn (60).
March 5, 1793:
Le jugement de Paris, a ballet with music by Christoph Willibald Gluck (†5), Joseph Haydn (60), Ignaz Pleyel (35), Étienne-Nicolas Méhul (29), and Rodolphe Kreutzer (26) to a scenario by Gardel, is performed for the first time, at the Paris Opéra.
November 23, 1793:
Joseph Haydn (61) writes to Maximilian Franz, Elector-Archbishop of Cologne, sending him some of Ludwig van Beethoven’s (22) compositions and saying that “Beethoven will in time attain the rank of the great musical artists of Europe, and I shall be proud to call myself his teacher.” (Heartz, 707) He also asks the Elector to increase Beethoven’s stipend.
December 23, 1793:
Maximilian Franz, Elector-Archbishop of Cologne writes to Joseph Haydn (61) claiming that all Beethoven’s (23) music he sent on 23 November, save one, was written before the young man left Bonn and could not be considered progress. He refuses to increase Beethoven’s allowance. His Eminence strongly suggests that Beethoven has wasted his time and His Eminence’s money and should return to Bonn. This is seen as an important impetus for Beethoven to seek his fortune in Vienna.
January 19, 1794:
Joseph Haydn (61) departs Vienna for his second journey to London in a traveling coach loaned by Baron van Swieten. With the departure of Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven (23) seeks instruction from Johann Georg Albrechtsberger (57).
February 4, 1794:
Joseph Haydn (61) arrives in London from Vienna. He takes lodgings on Bury Street.
February 10, 1794:
The third season of the Salomon-Haydn concerts begins in the Hanover Square Rooms, London. The Symphony no.99 by Joseph Haydn (61) is performed for the first time. Critics are ecstatic.
March 3, 1794:
The Symphony no.101 “Clock” by Joseph Haydn (61) is performed for the first time, in the Hanover Square Rooms, London. The audience requires the first and second movements to be repeated.
March 31, 1794:
The Symphony no.100 “Military” by Joseph Haydn is performed for the first time, in the Hanover Square Rooms, London on the composer’s 62nd birthday. The Morning Chronicle will report on 9 April of this symphony: “Another new Symphony, by Haydn, was performed for the second time and the middle movement was again received with absolute shouts of applause. Encore! Encore! Encore! resounded from every seat: The Ladies themselves could not forbear.”
May 28, 1794:
The first set of Original Canzonettas by Joseph Haydn (62), to words of Hunter, is published by Corri&Dussek (34) in London.
July 9, 1794:
Joseph Haydn (62) visits Portsmouth, stopping off at Hampton Court along the way. Among other things, he inspects some French ships recently captured by British forces under Richard, Lord Howe.
August 2, 1794:
Joseph Haydn (62), with two companions, travels from London to Bath, which he will visit until 5 August.
November 25, 1794:
Publication of Joseph Haydn’s (62) three Piano Trios XV: 18-20, is announced in The Sun, London.
January 12, 1795:
Johann Peter Salomon announces that he has sold his operation to the Opera Concert Series who will now oversee the remaining performances of Joseph Haydn (62).
February 1, 1795:
At the invitation of the Prince of Wales, Joseph Haydn (62) attends a soiree at the residence of the Duke of York. King George III, the Queen, the Duke of Orange and other members of the royal family are present. The composer plays and sings for them. King George, an admirer of the music of George Frideric Handel (†35), is charmed.
February 2, 1795:
The Fourth season of the Salomon-Haydn concerts begins in King’s Theatre, London. Johann Peter Salomon has sold his operation to the Opera Concert Series. Joseph Haydn (62) now works for them. His Symphony no.102 is performed for the first time. This is one of the more glittering musical events of the decade. Music by Haydn, Jan Ladislav Dussek (34), who is also present, Domenico Cimarosa (45) and others is presented by many of the great performers of the day. At one point, several patrons leave their seats to get a better view of Haydn. Not long thereafter, a chandelier crashes to the floor where they had just been sitting. According to legend, the symphony playing at the time, Haydn’s no.96, is thereafter called “The Miracle.” Unfortunately, the accident happened during the premiere of the Symphony no.102.
March 2, 1795:
Symphony no.103 “Drumroll” by Joseph Haydn (62) is performed for the first time, in London.
April 23, 1795:
Joseph Haydn (63) takes part in a benefit concert for the violinist Madame Gillberg in King’s Theatre, London.
May 1, 1795:
Joseph Haydn (63) takes part in a benefit concert for the orchestra leader Wilhelm Cramer in King’s Theatre, London.
May 4, 1795:
Symphony no.104 “London” by Joseph Haydn (63) is performed for the first time, at a benefit concert in King’s Theatre, London. It is the last symphony he will compose. Also premiered is Haydn’s concert aria Berenice, che fai to words of Metastasio.
May 8, 1795:
Joseph Haydn (63) takes part in a benefit concert for the double bass player Domenico Dragonetti in King’s Theatre, London.
May 16, 1795:
Joseph Haydn (63) is a witness at the wedding of the pianist Therese Jansen and Gaetano Bartolozzi in St. James’ Picadilly. Haydn wrote his last three piano sonatas for her and will dedicate three piano trios (Hob.XV:27-9) to her.
June 8, 1795:
Joseph Haydn (63) makes his last appearance in London at a benefit for the flute player Andrew Ashe.
June 13, 1795:
The Morning Chronicle, London announces the publication of Joseph Haydn’s (63) three piano trios XV: 21-3.
August 13, 1795:
Franz Joseph Haydn (63) signs a document granting all rights to his Symphonies nos.93-98 to Johann Peter Salomon.
August 15, 1795:
Joseph Haydn (63) departs England for the last time, carrying with him the libretto to an oratorio called The Creation.
August 20, 1795:
The second set of Original Canzonettas by Joseph Haydn (63) is published by Corri&Dussek (35) in London.
August 21, 1795:
Joseph Haydn (63) arrives in Hamburg from London. He is taking a more easterly route back to Vienna due to recent French advances in the Low Countries.
October 9, 1795:
The Morning Chronicle, London announces the publication of Joseph Haydn’s (63) three piano trios XV: 24-6.
October 14, 1795:
The Sun of London announces the publication of Joseph Haydn’s (63) String Quartets op.71.
November 22, 1795:
Ludwig van Beethoven's (24) Twelve Minuets WoO 7 and Twelve German Dances WoO 8 are performed for the first time, at a masked ball in the Vienna Redoutensaal attended by Joseph Haydn (63).
December 18, 1795:
The Piano Concerto no.1 op.15 by Ludwig van Beethoven (25) is performed for the first time, the composer at the keyboard, at a concert arranged by Joseph Haydn (63) in the Redoutensaal, Vienna. Haydn introduces three of his London symphonies to the Viennese public.
February 7, 1796:
Franz Joseph Haydn (63) signs a document granting all rights to his Symphonies nos.99-104 to Johann Peter Salomon.
March 26, 1796:
A new version of Die sieben letzten Worte unseres Erlösers am Kreuze, an oratorio by Joseph Haydn (63) to words possibly by Friebert and van Swieten, is performed for the first time, in the Vienna palace of Prince Joseph Schwarzenberg.
April 10, 1796:
Joseph Haydn (64) writes to Prince Nicholas Esterházy from England, offering his services again.
August 10, 1796:
Joseph Haydn (64) signs a publishing contract in Vienna with Frederick Augustus Hyde. Hyde has already signed the contract in London.
September 9, 1796:
Incidental music to Cowmeadow’s play (after Bicknell) Alfred, König der Angelsachsen, oder Der patriotische König by Joseph Haydn (64) is performed for the first time, in Eisenstadt, under the name Haldane, König der Danen.
September 11, 1796:
Missa Sancti Bernardi d’Offida by Franz Joseph Haydn (64) is performed for the first time, in the Bergkirche, Eisenstadt, to celebrate the name day of Princess Marie Hermenegild Esterházy.
December 15, 1796:
In a letter to Ludwig van Beethoven (25), Johann Georg Albrechtsberger (60) mentions that Joseph Haydn (64) spoke to him yesterday about a big oratorio to be called The Creation. He even played a little of it for him.
December 26, 1796:
Missa in tempore belli by Joseph Haydn (64) is performed for the first time, in the Piaristenkirche, Josephstadt, a suburb of Vienna, directed by the composer.
January 20, 1797:
Joseph Haydn (64) receives a letter from the Tonkünstler-Societät, Vienna, signed by Antonio Salieri (46) and Paul Wranitzky, apologizing for the way they treated him in 1779. They grant him free admission to all their concerts for life. See 4 February 1779.
February 12, 1797:
Joseph Haydn’s (64) national hymn Gott erhälte Franz den Kaiser is performed for the first time, in all the theatres in Vienna for the birthday of Emperor Franz II.
March 20, 1797:
The Oracle of London announces the publication of Joseph Haydn’s (64) Piano Trios XV: 27-29.
September 27, 1797:
Joseph Haydn’s (65) String Quartet op.76/3 “Emperor” is performed for the first time, at a mid-day banquet honoring the visiting Palatine Archduke Joseph, Viceroy of Hungary, at Eisenstadt.
December 11, 1797:
Joseph Haydn (65) is admitted into the Tonkünstler-Societät, Vienna with “all formalities waived” because of his “extraordinary merit.” See 4 February 1779.
April 29, 1798:
Die Schöpfung, an oratorio by Franz Joseph Haydn (66) to words of the Bible and van Swieten after Milton, is performed for the first time, in the Palace of Prince Schwarzenberg, Vienna by amateurs directed by the composer. It is a fantastic success. This is actually an open rehearsal. The official premiere is tomorrow. Antonio Salieri (47) plays the piano part. See 19 March 1799.
September 23, 1798:
Missa in angustiis (Nelsonmesse) by Joseph Haydn (66) is performed for the first time, in the Church of St. Martin, Eisenstadt.
January 30, 1799:
The Royal Swedish Musical Academy grants honorary membership to Joseph Haydn (67), Johann Georg Albrechtsberger (63) and Antonio Salieri (48). It is the first time that this honor is extended to foreigners.
March 19, 1799:
Die Schöpfung, an oratorio by Franz Joseph Haydn (66) to words of the Bible and van Swieten after Milton, is performed publicly for the first time, in the Burgtheater, Vienna, to tumultuous applause. See 29 April 1798.
June 13, 1799:
Publication of the first three of the String Quartets op.76 by Joseph Haydn (67) is advertised in The Oracle and Daily Advertiser in London.
July 17, 1799:
The Wiener Zeitung announces the publication of Joseph Haydn’s (67) String Quartets op.76/1-3.
September 8, 1799:
This is the probable date of the first performance of the Theresienmesse by Joseph Haydn (67) in the Eisenstadt Bergkirche for the name day of Princess Marie Hermenegild Esterházy.
October 13, 1799:
Two String Quartets op.77 by Joseph Haydn (67) are performed for the first time, at Eisenstadt Castle.
March 20, 1800:
Maria Anna Aloysia Apollonia Keller, estranged wife of Joseph Haydn (67), dies in Baden, attended by her husband.
March 28, 1800:
Franz Joseph Haydn’s (67) Trumpet Concerto is performed for the first time, in the Vienna Burgtheater, by Anton Weidinger, inventor of the “organisierte Trompete”, for whom Haydn composed the work.
April 7, 1800:
Publication of the second set of the String Quartets op.76 by Joseph Haydn (68) is advertised in The Oracle and Daily Advertiser, London.
March 28, 1801:
The Creatures of Prometheus, a ballet by Ludwig van Beethoven (30), is performed for the first time, in the Hofburgtheater, Vienna. An approving Joseph Haydn (68) is in the audience.
April 24, 1801:
Franz Joseph Haydn’s (69) oratorio Die Jahreszeiten, to words of van Swieten after Thomson is performed for the first time, at the palace of Prince Schwarzenberg, Vienna, under the direction of the composer. Griesinger records that the work evoked “silent devotion, astonishment and loud enthusiasm.”
May 29, 1801:
Franz Joseph Haydn (69) directs the first public performance of his oratorio Die Jahreszeiten in the Redoutensaal, Vienna. In spite of its great success in a private performance 24 April, the hall is only half-full.
September 13, 1801:
Die Schöpfungsmesse by Franz Joseph Haydn (69) is performed for the first time, at Eisenstadt for the name day of Princess Maria Hermenegild.
April 5, 1802:
Die Schöpfung by Franz Joseph Haydn (70) is performed in Engelhardt House, St. Petersburg to inaugurate the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Society.
September 8, 1802:
Die Harmoniemesse by Franz Joseph Haydn (70) is performed for the first time, at Eisenstadt for the name day of Princess Maria Hermenegild.
December 26, 1803:
11:00 Franz Joseph Haydn (71) makes his last appearance as conductor, directing his The Seven Last Words in the Redoutensaal, Vienna.
April 1, 1804:
Johann Nepomuk Hummel (25) enters upon duties as Konzertmeister to Prince Nikolas Esterházy at Eisenstadt. Effectively, he performs the duties of Kapellmeister, although Franz Joseph Haydn (72) still holds the title.
April 1, 1804:
Franz Joseph Haydn (72) is made an honorary citizen of Vienna because of his charitable work.
June 23, 1804:
Although Franz Joseph Haydn (72) has not officially resigned as kapellmeister, Prince Nicholas Esterházy rearranges the duties of his musical employees to allow for Haydn’s absence. Most of his responsibilities are taken up by Vice-Kapellmeister Johann Nepomuk Fuchs and Konzertmeister Johann Nepomuk Hummel (25). He further commands that “the entire chapel, with male and female singers, will, according to the order that already exists, hold a weekly rehearsal every Thursday morning and are to appear, every individual without exception, in uniform in service at the Castle at 10:30 before my presence or that of my wife and children.” (Heartz2009, 665)
June 26, 1805:
The Paris Conservatoire grants its membership diploma to Franz Joseph Haydn (73). In late July, Luigi Cherubini (44) will carry this, a membership medal and a letter from L’Institut National to Haydn in Vienna. Cherubini and his wife depart Paris today to produce two operas in Vienna.
February 24, 1806:
During Luigi Cherubini’s (45) visit to Vienna, Franz Joseph Haydn (73) dedicates his Symphony no.103 to him, noting this on the autograph manuscript and handing it to him.
February 25, 1806:
Faniska, an opéra comique by Luigi Cherubini (45) to words of Sonnleithner after Pixérécourt, is performed for the first time, in the Kärntnertortheater, Vienna directed by the composer. The audience includes Emperor Franz and the royal family, Franz Joseph Haydn (72) and Ludwig van Beethoven (35). It is a great success and will receive 28 performances.
November 26, 1806:
Prince Nicholas II Esterházy writes to Joseph Haydn to tell him that the increase in his stipend which Haydn requested is granted. Haydn asked for the increase to offset medical expenses.
April 27, 1807:
On the Feast of Peregrino Laziosi, Franz Joseph Haydn (75) is carried to the Servite Monastery, Vienna. There is a chapel in the monastery dedicated to that saint, and the composer is hoping for a cure for his swollen legs.
March 27, 1808:
Franz Joseph Haydn (75) makes his last public appearance at a performance of The Creation conducted by Antonio Salieri (57), in an auditorium of the University of Vienna. The performance is attended by several notables, including Prince Lobkowitz, Princess Esterházy and Ludwig van Beethoven (37). In fact, the crowd is so large that police are brought in. Haydn is carried into the hall on a litter. At the words “and there was light”, the assembled multitude bursts into applause. As the emotion of the day becomes too much for him, doctors order that the composer be carried out just as the second part is about to begin.
April 10, 1808:
Franz Joseph Haydn (76) is awarded the medal of the Philharmonic Society of St. Petersburg.
April 1, 1809:
Franz Joseph Haydn (77) sells his piano in Vienna.
May 12, 1809:
War of the Fifth Coalition: 21:00 French forces outside Vienna begin to bombard the city. It lasts all night. Directly in the line of fire is the house of Ludwig van Beethoven (38). Fortunately, the composer escapes the shelling, either to the house of his brother Caspar Carl or that of the poet Ignaz Franz Castelli. Four shells explode near the home of Franz Joseph Haydn (77), one blowing open the door to his bedroom. He is shocked but physically unhurt. The building housing the Imperial and Royal City Seminary is hit by a shell. Fortunately, none of the students, including Franz Schubert (12), are injured. Also in the line of fire is Maria Anna Lager, who in two years will become the mother of Franz Liszt.
May 26, 1809:
An officer of the French occupying forces pays a visit to Franz Joseph Haydn (77) to make his acquaintance. The two have a pleasant chat and the officer sings an aria from The Creation. The composer is emotionally uplifted by the experience, but it is the last music he will ever hear.
May 31, 1809:
00:40 Franz Joseph Haydn dies peacefully at his house in Kleine Steingasse 3,Gumpendorf, (presently 1060 Vienna, Haydngasse 19) Vienna, Austrian Empire, aged 77 years and two months.
June 1, 1809:
The earthly remains of Franz Joseph Haydn are taken in an oaken coffin to Gumpendorff Church, carried around the church three times, blessed and then taken to Hundsthurm Cemetery where they are laid to rest.
June 2, 1809:
A requiem mass is said in memory of Franz Joseph Haydn in the Gumpendorf church. The music is a setting of the requiem by Michael Haydn (†2).
June 15, 1809:
A great service is held in memory of Franz Joseph Haydn in the Schottenkirche, Vienna. The Requiem of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (†17) is performed. The occupying French army sends an honor guard.
July 12, 1809:
The first of seven installments of the first biography of Franz Joseph Haydn (†0), by Georg August Griesinger, appears in the Allgemeine musikalische Zeitung.
June 8, 1810:
Persée et Andromède, a ballet-pantomime with music by Franz Joseph Haydn (†1), Étienne-Nicolas Méhul (46) and others, to a scenario by Gardel, is performed for the first time, at the Paris Opéra.
May 10, 1811:
The Accademia dei Concordi performs The Seasons by Franz Joseph Haydn (†1) conducted by its musical director Gioachino Rossini (19).
October 13, 1833:
Felix Mendelssohn (24) performs his first official duty as music director in Düsseldorf, conducting a mass by Franz Joseph Haydn (†24).
November 2, 1873:
Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn op.56a for orchestra by Johannes Brahms (40) is performed for the first time, in the Großer Saal der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, Vienna, conducted by the composer. It is very successful.
February 10, 1874:
Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn op.56b for two pianos by Johannes Brahms (40) is performed for the first time, in Vienna.
March 2, 1909:
Ave atque vale op.114, a choral overture for chorus and orchestra by Charles Villiers Stanford (56) to words of the Bible, is performed for the first time, in Queen’s Hall, London, conducted by the composer. It is intended to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Franz Joseph Haydn and the birth of Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
March 11, 1911:
Six piano works in honor of Franz Joseph Haydn (†101) are performed for the first time, at a Société Nationale concert in the Salle Pleyel, Paris: Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn by Vincent d'Indy (59), Homage à Haydn by Claude Debussy (48), Prélude élégiaque sur le nom de Haydn by Paul Dukas (45), Menuet sur le nom d'Haydn by Maurice Ravel (36), and works by Reynaldo Hahn and Charles-Marie Widor.
March 26, 1932:
Gustav Holst (57) gives a lecture on Franz Joseph Haydn (†124) at the Library of Congress, Washington marking the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s birth.
May 27, 1954:
Igor Stravinsky (71) conducts a concert in Royal Festival Hall, London and receives the medal of the Royal Philharmonic Society. He also receives a baton said to have belonged to Franz Joseph Haydn (†144).
June 5, 1954:
The skull of Franz Joseph Haydn (†145) is placed in an urn and transported in a large motorized procession from Vienna to Rohrau, the composer’s birthplace. It is then taken to Eisenstadt where it is reunited with the rest of his remains.