Franz Joseph Haydn (31 March, 1732 – 31 May, 1809) was an Austrian composer of the Classical period. He was pivotal in the evolution of chamber music forms like the string quartet and piano trio.
His contributions to musical form have led him to be called "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String quartet." Haydn was a friend and mentor of Wolfgang Mozart, and a teacher of composer Ludwig Beethoven.