Symphony No. 1
Due to the rise in popularity of the pianoforte in the 1740s and 50s, Haydn began to experiment with the musical features this new instrument allowed. His symphony no. 1 makes great use of crescendos and decrescendos.
Although Haydn was employed by the Esterházys for most of his life, this - his first symphony - was actually written while he was employed by Count Morzin. Haydn's stint with Morzin began in 1757; however, the Count was fiscally impractical and he could not afford to keep an orchestra and Kapellmeister. He was forced to let them go.
In 1761, Haydn went to Esterháza (Esterházys). Prince Paul Anton asks him to be the Vice-Kapellmeister at his private musical institution. Prince Paul died in 1762 and Prince Nikolaus (Miklós József Esterházy) succeeded him. For 30 yrs, Haydn's position was secure. He became full "Kapellmeister" in 1766.