Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) was an Austrian composer and one of the leading composers of the classical period, sometimes referred to as the "father of the symphony". Although Haydn did not invent a modern symphony, in his hands this form reached its rightful place thanks to his constant search for new methods of expression and his exceptional talent for melodic line and harmony. Haydn was popular among his peers mainly for his kindness and optimism. He excelled in his sense of humor, and his love of joking is often evident in his music. Haydn's work is stunning and numbers up to 2,000 works.