Franz Joseph Haydn : The Story of the Choir Boy who became a Great Composer

"Franz Joseph Haydn: The Story of the Choir Boy who Became a Great Composer" by Thomas Tapper is a children's biography that was likely written in the early 20th century. This book recounts the life of Joseph Haydn, a renowned composer who began his journey as a choir boy, highlighting his rise from humble beginnings in Austria to musical greatness. Tapper's work is designed to introduce young readers to the life and contributions of a significant figure in classical music. The story follows young Joseph Haydn as he grows up in a modest home, where he is first introduced to music through his family's love for singing. At the age of eight, he moves to Vienna to join the choir at St. Stephen's Church, where he hones his skills and meets influential figures in the music world, including Mozart and Beethoven. Throughout his trajectory, Haydn demonstrates hard work, determination, and a joyous spirit despite the challenges he faces, such as the loss of his childhood voice. The narrative encapsulates key moments from his life, including his role as music director in the Esterhazy household and his later travels that expanded his musical reach, ultimately leading to the creation of beloved masterpieces like "The Creation" and "The Emperor's Song." (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Tapper was a musician, composer, lecturer, writer, teacher, and editor, who was born in Canton, Massachusetts, and studied music at the American College of Musicians. He wrote many books on music, mostly for children and young adults. His most famous being Lives of Great Composers picture book series. He also wrote the First Year Series for musical instruction, which included First Year Musical Theory, First Year Counterpoint, First Year Harmony, Second Year harmony, First Year Analysis, and First Year Melody Writing. He was the editor of "The Musician," and promoted rural music and community music. Tapper also promoted rote learning in the rote-note controversy of the late 19th Century music education. His students included Isabel Stewart North and Carrie Burpee Shaw.