The idea of composing three symphonies to represent the times of day (Morning, Noon, and Evening) likely came from Prince Esterhazy, Haydn's patron.
From 1761, Haydn was employed by the Esterhazy family, one of the richest in the Empire, first as vice-Kapellmeister and later as Kapellmeister.
These symphonies feature frequent use of solo instruments, reminiscent of the Baroque concerto grosso form.
Joseph Haydn, the composer, was born in 1732 in the village of Rohrau, the son of a wheelwright.
The Northern Chamber Orchestra, based in Manchester, was formed in 1967 and is known as one of England's finest chamber ensembles.
Nicholas Ward, the Music Director of the Northern Chamber Orchestra, comes from a musical family; his parents met as members of the Halle Orchestra.
Haydn's first appointment was in 1759 as Kapellmeister to Count von Morzin, a Bohemian nobleman.
