Haydn Six Duets Volume Two for 2 Flutes

Haydn (1732-1809) was an Austrian composer known for his significant contributions to classical music. He composed a vast array of works in various genres, including symphonies, string quartets, choral music, piano sonatas, and baryton compositions. Haydn’s music showcased a perfect blend of wit, innovation, and traditional craftsmanship. He played a pivotal role in shaping the Classical style and had a profound influence on his contemporaries, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Originally intended for the priesthood, he joined the choir at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna at the age of eight, where he developed his skills in violin and keyboard. After leaving the choir, Haydn supported himself by teaching and performing violin while immersing himself in the study of counterpoint and harmony.

Through his association with Metastasio, Haydn gained access to the upper echelons of society. In 1761, he assumed the position of the head of the musical establishment at the esteemed Esterházy family’s grand palace, where he would find support for the majority of his career.

Often regarded as the pioneer of the symphony, Haydn composed 106 symphonies, including the renowned final 12 known as the “London symphonies” (1791–95). He also played a pivotal role in the development of the string quartet, with his 68 quartets remaining foundational in the genre. Additionally, he contributed 14 masses and the oratorios The Creation (1798) and The Seasons (1801) to the choral repertoire. Haydn’s compositional output further encompassed 47 piano sonatas and over 125 beautiful compositions for the baryton, an instrument similar to the cello.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joseph-Haydn