Joseph Haydn was a baroque era composer. He was born on March 31, 1732 and died May 31, 1809. Called “Father of the String Quartet” and was instrumental to the piano trio, considered the genesis of the sonata form. Of his 3 brothers, Michael Haydn, was also an accomplished composer & Johann Evangelist Haydn, a virtuoso tenor. Besides his own compositions, he taught both Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.
His chart has a mutable accent to its see-saw temperament type, suggesting someone who was always having to adapt to the times via his extended network. The shifting sands of this type, have a heavy bias towards opportunity as well, but for Haydn that was dependent upon himself and his ability to sell and market his talents as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd houses form his base.
Uranus was discovered during his lifetime ( March 1781) appearing in the 3rd house where getting good students was as important as his own compositions. And indeed, on Jan 29 Mozart‘s great choral opera “Idomeneo” premiered in Munich. Neptune, not discovered until after the Maestro reposed, is at his midheaven next to the Moon, illustrating how much his music, particularly his invention of the “Sonata” was the “sound” of the era.
The early years
Haydn (pronounced High-den) started off as a choirboy getting a scholarship for his singing, but then just as suddenly lost it as his voice changed (Uranus in the 3rd house highlighting sudden changes in his ambition (Mars). Rebuffed at his first choice, he undertook the self-study of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the second son of Johann Sebastian Bach, and a crucial composer in the transition phase between the Classical Style of his father and the Baroque period.
It was his tedious copying (Mars opposite Neptune conjunct Moon at the Midheaven) of Bach’s chords and forms — the traditional method of studying this brought brought him the attention of Italian composer and singing teacher Nicola Antonio Porpora, who invited him to his school, first as accompanist for voice lessons and as Haydn’s developed, compositions.
The natural ruler of the Third House is Gemini which does bestow musical gifts, being an air sign, and its ruler is in the 7th House, partnering with others, particularly men who are in the top of their profession.
From Porpora, Haydn was introduced to music-loving Austrian nobleman Karl Joseph von Fürnberg, who in turn brought him to the attention of Count Ferdinand Maximilian von Morzin. His job title under Morzin was Kapellmeister, musical director, and he led and developed the Count’s orchestra. Unfortunately, while von Morzin loved music he had little money and so he graciously recommended Haydn and troupe to the Prince Pál Antal Esterhazy (Hungary), the richest man in the Holy Roman Empire. Morzin was probably hoping for some sort of finders fee as well.
With Esterhazy’s backing,Haydn provided for his patron more than 150 compositions featuring the baryton, a cellolike instrument. Listen to it here on Youtube by musician Roland Hutchinson. Haydn also travelled with the family throughout the capitals of Europe, putting on performances of chamber music, and even operatic productions. it was a grueling job, but it seems Haydn relished it as it gave him access to his own orchestra to play his works.
The London Years
When Esterhazy died, Haydn was put on a pension and freed of his works, so he traveled to London and met Rebecca Scott Schroeter. With Saturn in the 7th House, this suggests a physical relationship for either an older woman or widow growing out of a mutual interest (Sun, Saturn and Mercury).
Despite their mutual affection, they could not marry as Haydn was married to Maria Anna Keller with whom he rarely lived, but as a devout Catholic would not consider divorcing (see Venus in the 9th house of Taurus suggesting the bonds to the Chuch triumphed all.)
In the end
Haydn returned to Vienna, homesick and took up teaching and pushing the musical envelope. When unable to compose, he prayed the rosary, claiming it gave him great inspiration and insight (Moon in the 10th). He died in 1803 in his beloved Vienna, fourteen years before Napoleon invaded.
We continually vet our posts for thoroughness and accuracy; this one was reviewed on Saturday, July 20th 2019.