CHAPTER I.

HIS YOUTH AND EARLY STUDIES.

Haydn’s Birth and Family--His Early Talent--First Studies with Frankh--Chapel-boy at St. Stephens’--Ruetter’s Instructions--Early Compositions--His Mischievous Tricks and Dismissal--Anecdote of Maria Theresa--Acquaintance with Metastasio--Influence of Philip Emanuel Bach--The Origin of his First Opera, “The Devil on Two Sticks.” 7-39