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Why did Joseph Haydn return to Austria instead of staying in England?
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Joseph Haydn
Joseph Haydn, detail of a portrait by Thomas Hardy, 1791; in the collection of the Royal College of Music, London.
Although King George III personally invited Joseph Haydn to remain in England, the composer chose to return to his native Austria in 1795. The specific reasons for his decision have never been made clear by historians.1
Upon his return, Haydn resumed his service to the EsterhĂĄzy family, specifically working for the new head of the household, Prince MiklĂłs II. Throughout his career, Haydn maintained a long-standing professional relationship with the EsterhĂĄzy family, having served them for nearly 30 years prior to his travels, and he remained in their employment until his death.12