Who was the best friend of Mozart? Meet Joseph Haydn

The realm of classical music is often adorned with tales of artistic camaraderie, and one such bond that resonates through time is the friendship between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Haydn. While the details of their relationship are not extensively documented, the evidence of their mutual admiration and camaraderie is vividly etched in the annals of classical music history.

Background of Friendship

Joseph Haydn, born in 1732, had already established himself as a prominent composer during Mozart’s childhood. His Opus 20 string quartets, known as the “Sun” Quartets, are believed to have inspired Mozart’s early string quartets composed during a visit to Vienna in 1773. However, the two maestros likely didn’t meet until after Mozart permanently relocated to Vienna in 1781. Haydn’s commitments at the palace of Eszterháza in Hungary limited their encounters, but during winter months, when Prince Nikolaus Esterházy moved to Eisenstadt, Haydn could make brief visits to Vienna.

The Meeting

Various points in the 1770s and early 1780s provided opportunities for Haydn and Mozart to meet, with the most likely occasion being a performance in December 1783, sponsored by the Vienna Tonkünstler-Societät. This event showcased works by both composers and marked the beginning of a musical association that would flourish.

Chamber Music and Collaboration

Chamber music played a pivotal role in the connection between Haydn and Mozart. Reports suggest that quartet playing was central to their interaction. Anecdotes, such as the quartet party described by the Irish tenor Michael Kelly, provide glimpses into their collaborative musical ventures.

In one memorable quartet performance, Haydn played the first violin, with Mozart on the viola—an experience Kelly deemed a great treat. This collaborative spirit extended to chamber music performances of Mozart’s string quintets, with Haydn joining him to play the viola parts.

Mutual Admiration

Haydn, known for his humility and generosity, openly praised Mozart without a hint of jealousy. In letters to friends and musicologists like Charles Burney, Haydn expressed deep admiration for Mozart’s unparalleled talent. He considered Mozart a musical genius, acknowledging his superior abilities.

Mozart reciprocated this esteem. According to his biographer Franz Niemetschek, Mozart held the two Haydns—Joseph and Michael—in high regard. Mozart’s appreciation for true merit and his respect for other great masters, including the Haydns, underscored his humility and recognition of musical excellence beyond his own.

Freemasonry and Beyond

Mozart’s involvement in Freemasonry likely influenced Haydn, who joined a lodge after Mozart. Although Haydn did not remain an active Freemason, Mozart’s influence on his entry into this fraternal organization reflects the depth of their connection beyond the musical realm.

The “Haydn” Quartets

A significant testament to their friendship is Mozart’s dedication of six string quartets (K. 387, 421, 428, 458, 464, 465) to Haydn. Published in 1785, these “Haydn” Quartets not only showcase Mozart’s admiration but also mark a stylistic influence from Haydn’s Opus 33 series.

Upon hearing these quartets, Haydn was deeply moved and declared Mozart the greatest composer he knew. The dedication and Haydn’s profound praise exemplify the genuine and mutual respect that defined their artistic connection.

Farewell and Legacy

Haydn and Mozart’s last interactions before Haydn’s departure for London in December 1790 are poignant. Mozart, foreseeing the challenges of the journey, expressed concern for his elder friend. Little did they know that Mozart’s premonition of a farewell was tragically accurate, as Mozart passed away a year later in December 1791.

Haydn, informed of Mozart’s death in London, was deeply distressed. His offer of musical instruction to Mozart’s son reflects not only professional courtesy but a genuine desire to support Mozart’s family.

The friendship between Mozart and Haydn, marked by mutual admiration, collaborative efforts, and sincere respect, stands as a testament to the profound connections forged in the world of classical music. Despite the brevity of their time together, the echoes of their camaraderie resonate through the compositions that immortalize their artistic legacy.