Haydn was an Austrian composer of the classical period. He is known as father of the Symphonic form and instrumental in the development of chamber music. He was a friend of Mozart and Beethoven's teacher. He was fortunate to be taken in by the Esterhazy family and did not have to worry about financial support.
The Emperor's Hymn takes from the Emperor quartet (Gott erhalte Franz den Kaiser) which became the national anthem of Germany.