Franz Joseph Haydn

The 'Father of the Symphony' and 'Father of the String Quartet'. Haydn spent nearly 30 years as court composer to the Esterházy princes in Hungary, writing 104 symphonies, 68 string quartets, and 45 piano trios. He was Beethoven's teacher and Mozart's friend, bridging the Baroque and Classical eras. He lived to hear Napoleon's cannon bombarding Vienna and was serenaded by French officers who admired his work.

• Roles: Composer