Final answer:
Joseph Haydn, born in 1732, had a career lasting over 40 years where he was a significant figure in classical music. As a boy, he studied music, eventually becoming Kapellmeister for the Esterházy family in 1761.
Step-by-step explanation:
Johann Michael Haydn was born on March 31, 1732, in Rohrau, a small Austrian village. His career in music spanned over 40 years, during which he became a key figure in the development of the classical style. Haydn was immersed into music from a young age, singing in the local church choir and studying musical instruments. His formal training began when he was a boy where he learned to play various instruments and studied composition. In 1761, Haydn's career took a pivotal turn when he was appointed as Kapellmeister (court composer and conductor) for the Esterházy family, a high-ranking and influential Hungarian noble family. This position played a significant role in shaping his career, providing stability and an environment for his musical creativity to thrive.