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Michael Haydn

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description Michael Haydn Overview

Michael Haydn (1737-1806) was an Austrian composer of the Classical period and the younger brother of Joseph Haydn. After holding positions in present-day Romania and Hungary, he settled in Salzburg, where he worked for the archiepiscopal court and maintained professional contact with the Mozart family. His extensive output includes sacred choral music, symphonies, concertos, chamber works, and compositions for wind instruments, with his church music forming a particularly important part of his reputation.

help Michael Haydn FAQ

Is Michael Haydn related to Joseph Haydn?

Yes. Johann Michael Haydn was Joseph Haydn's younger brother, born in Rohrau in 1737 and dying in Salzburg in 1806. He became known for church music as well as instrumental works. [Michael Haydn biography](https://www.michaelhaydn.com/michael-haydn/biografie/).

Where did Michael Haydn work?

He held a position at the episcopal court in Großwardein, now Oradea in Romania, before moving to Salzburg in 1763. He remained in Salzburg for about 43 years as a court musician and concertmaster. [Munich Philharmonic](https://www.mphil.de/en/ueber-uns/musicians/details/michael-haydn).

Did Michael Haydn work with Mozart?

Yes. They overlapped in Salzburg, and Michael succeeded Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as organist at the Trinity Church in 1782. Michael's Salzburg career included both court and cathedral music. [Munich Philharmonic](https://www.mphil.de/en/ueber-uns/musicians/details/michael-haydn).

What kind of music did Michael Haydn write?

His output included masses, other sacred works, symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. The Munich Philharmonic biography credits him with about 360 sacred and secular compositions. [Munich Philharmonic](https://www.mphil.de/en/ueber-uns/musicians/details/michael-haydn).