[Painting of Haydn, narrator speaking:] The Austrian composer, Franz Joseph Haydn, contributed most to the early development of sonata form. Poor, and mostly self-taught Haydn was fortunate in his late 20's to be hired to serve at the estate of Prince Esterhazy, head of one of Europe’s wealthiest families, and a devoted patriot of music. [picture of Esterhazy estate] The magnificent Esterhazy estate had it’s own opera house and concert hall’s, and Haydn was responsible for everything from repairing instruments, to composing, to recruiting performers. [painting of concert] Musical events took place almost everyday. Although he had many duties Haydn also enjoyed a rare advantage, the opportunity to experiment with every new musical idea that caught his fancy, and with an orchestra at his disposable to hear the result immediately. [Painting of Haydn] Haydn served the Esterhazy family for 30 odd years, developing the simple galante and sentimental styles into the sophisticated forms that have become known as the classical style.

[painting of concert] During his long and productive life, Haydn conducted more than a hundred symphonies, which became increasingly sophisticated as he aged. In his hands the symphony matured into the main musical form of the classical period.

The typical Haydn symphony had 4 movements, the first a vigorous sonata allegro, often beginning with a slow introduction. A slow and lyrical second movement, the third a minuet or more robust dance, and the fourth an effervescent finale. This format became a model for generations of composers