Haydn, Johann Michael#
Haydn, (Johann) Michael, baptized in Rohrau (Lower Austria), Sept. 14, 1737, d. Salzburg, Aug. 10, 1806, composer; brother of Joseph Haydn. Probably from 1745 choir boy in St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna (first musical training), 1757 musical director at the court of the Bishop of Grosswardein, from 1763 "Court musician and Concert master" under Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg (Sigismund von Schrattenbach, later Hieronymus Colloredo). 1804 member of the Royal Academy of Music in Sweden. H. is considered the founder of the male-voice choir. He was a leading composer of church music, combining the strict style of J. J. Fux with elements of Viennese Classicism.
Works#
32 Latin, 5 German masses ("Hier liegt vor Deiner Majestaet"), 2 requiems, 6 Te Deums and other church music; 19 operas, oratorios and singspiels; 43 symphonies, numerous divertimenti, 5 concertos, male quartets (and choirs).Literature#
G. Otter, F. J. Schinn, Biograph. Skizze von M. H., 1808; H. Jancik, M. H., 1952; M. H. Schmid, Mozart und die Sbg. Tradition, 1976; C. H. Sherman and T. D. Thomas, J. M. H. (1737-1806), 1993; NDB.