Prince Esterhazy – Haydn’s Patron

Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy (1714-1790), an Hungarian prince, was the employer of Joseph Haydn (1732-1809), and perhaps the longest, most devoted and generous patron in all music history.  For more than 30 years Haydn served the Esterhazy family, progressing rapidly from Vice Kapellmeister to Kapellmeister.  Prince Nikolaus provided Haydn with a small orchestra, giving the composer ample rehearsal time, salary levels to attract top personnel and full artistic control. 

Haydn’s numerous responsibilities included composing, managing the orchestra, playing chamber music for and with his patrons, and eventually the mounting of operatic productions – few composers are lucky enough to have possessed such a fabulous incubator for their creations.

Haydn, 1792