Michael Haydn: Symphonies

Joseph Haydn's younger brother Michael has earned less fame. His earlier career followed that of his brother, as a chorister and then earning a living from music as best he could in Vienna. He became Kapellmeister in 1757 to the Bishop of Grosswardein and in 1762 moved to Salzburg, home of the Mozart family, serving there as Konzertmeister to the ruling Archbishop and to his successor, while earning a not inconsiderable reputation beyond the confines of his position. His pupils included Weber and the composer-publisher Diabelli, while his influence on Mozart cannot be discounted.

Church Music

Like his elder brother, Michael Haydn wrote music of all kinds. One of the most interesting of his liturgical works is the Requiem he wrote on the death of his first Salzburg patron, Archbishop Sigismond, in 1771.

Orchestral Music

Michael Haydn wrote a number of symphonies and concertos. His Trumpet Concerto of 1764 is a useful repertoire item for soloists, but other orchestral works are heard less frequently.

Chamber Music

Michael Haydn's instrumental music, in addition to a number of divertimenti, includes a dozen attractive string quartets.