The composer Joseph Haydn is sometimes given the nickname "Papa" Haydn. The practice began in the composer's lifetime, and has continued to some extent to the present day. Franz Joseph Haydn, (March 31 or April 1, 1732 – May 31, 1809) was a leading composer of the Classical period, called the Father of the Symphony and Father of the String Quartet. Although he has come to be popularly known as Franz Joseph Haydn (with many published scores and recordings...

Originally, the name was a term of authority. At the Eszterházy court, Haydn was (after 1766) the Kapellmeister; that is to say, the boss, for a fairly large group of musicians. Haydn's authority was evidently rather benevolent, as he often interceded with Prince Eszterházy on behalf of musicians who had gotten in trouble in some way. The famous tale of the Farewell Symphony also attests to Haydn's willingness to act on behalf of his subordinates. The term "Papa" doubtless became more and more plausible as Haydn's 30-odd years of service in the Eszterházy court went by; gradually, he would have become increasingly older than the average musician serving under him. The House of Esterházy (- German, in Hungarian: Eszterházy, in Slovak: Esterházi) was a noble family in the Kingdom of Hungary since the Middle Ages, which was among the great territorial magnates of the Kingdom of Hungary, during the time it was part of the Austrian Habsburg Empire. ... 1766 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... A Kapellmeister is nowadays the director or conductor of an orchestra or choir. ... Joseph Haydns Symphony No. ...

Another sense of the term "Papa Haydn" comes from his role in the history of classical music, notably in the development of the symphony and string quartet. While Haydn did not invent either genre, his work is considered important enough in establishing these genres that the labels "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet" are often attached to him. This view was prevalent in Haydn's own lifetime: in 1797, the Tonkünstler-Societät of Vienna passed the resolution making him a life member, "by virtue of his extraordinary merit as the father and reformer of the noble art of music." Classical music is a broad, somewhat imprecise term, referring to music produced in, or rooted in the traditions of, European art, ecclesiastical and concert music, particularly between 1000 and 1900. ... A symphony is an extended piece of music usually for orchestra and comprising several movements. ... The resident string quartet of the Library of Congress in 1963 A string quartet is a musical ensemble of four string instruments—usually two violins, a viola and cello—or a piece written to be performed by such a group. ... 1797 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ...

After Haydn's death (1809), during the 19th century, the term "Papa Haydn" became something of a stereotype, designating to many a kindly, perhaps doddering old man whose music was very simple and thus suitable for children. The stereotype is a counterpart to the evolution of Mozart's reputation during the same period: Mozart died too young to become "Papa Mozart", but nevertheless was often regarded during this era as a kind of porcelain figure. 1809 was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... W. A. Mozart, 1790 portrait by Johann Georg Edlinger Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (January 27, 1756 – December 5, 1791) is among the most popular, significant and influential composers of European classical music. ...

With the rise of Haydn's critical stock during the 20th century, scholars and critics became rather leery of the term, as a distortion of the composer's work. Since materials of music education still tend to reflect 19th century sources, however, the term is well known to the musical public.

Example

Thus, one piano method for beginners provides lyrics for well-known theme of the "Surprise" Symphony: Joseph Haydns Symphony No. ...

Papa Haydn wrote this tune,

And a chord is coming soon.

It will be a big surprise,

Quickly open people's eyes!

Sources

• The quotation from the Tonkünstler-Societät above is taken from the online edition of the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.
• The New Grove's article on Haydn includes other material on the term "Papa Haydn".