Joseph Haydn: The Musical Comedian

Joseph Haydn was an Austrian composer who lived from 1732 to 1809. Known as the father of the symphony and the string quartet, Haydn was a prolific composer who produced over 100 symphonies and more than 80 string quartets.

But did you know that Haydn was also a bit of a comedian? That’s right, in addition to writing beautiful music, Haydn had a wicked sense of humor that he often incorporated into his compositions.

One of Haydn’s most famous works is his Symphony No. 94, also known as the Surprise Symphony. As the story goes, Haydn was tired of hearing people in the audience fall asleep during his symphonies. So he decided to add a sudden loud chord in the middle of the slow movement to wake everyone up. It worked – the audience was startled and Haydn got his revenge.

Another example of Haydn’s sense of humor can be found in his string quartet Opus 33, No. 2. The second movement is titled “The Joke” and features a series of false endings. Just when you think the piece is over, Haydn throws in another surprise and keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

In addition to his musical jokes, Haydn was also known for his playful personality. He was famous for his witty remarks and practical jokes, like the time he hid a ticking clock in a student’s harpsichord to make them think they were running late.

Haydn’s music and humor have been revered for centuries and continue to inspire musicians and comedians alike. So if you’re in need of a good laugh, just put on some Haydn and let his musical comedy work its magic.