Michael Haydn

About

Austrian classical composer who wrote many influential choral works. He was the younger brother of Joseph Haydn.

Before Fame

He was named Kapellmeister at Nagyvárad following choir school, a post he would hold for 43 years. He also composed more than 360 pieces during this time.

Trivia

He and his brother were incredibly close throughout their lives, and Joseph even considered his brother's sacred works to be better than his because they were more intimate.

Family Life

His father was Mathias Haydn who was a wheelwright and served as the village mayor or "Marktrichter." His mother was Maria Koller who worked as a cook in Count Harrach's palace.

Associated With

He was a heavy drinker and sometimes played music under the influence, a fact that led to severe criticism from Leopold Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's father. He was, however, greatly admired by the younger Mozart.