Joseph Haydn

Haydn was a deeply religious Catholic who frequently prayed his rosary when he encountered trouble composing. He traditionally began each manuscript composition with the phrase "in nominee Domini" ("in the name of the Lord (Latin)") and ended with "Laus Deo" ("praise be to God"). Being recognized as the "Father of the Symphony" and the "Father of the String Quartet", Haydn drew profound inspiration from his faith in the creation of his music. He once expressed this sentiment stating: "When I think of my God, my heart dances within me for joy, and then my music has to dance, too."