Cousin Johann Mathias Frankh

Jo’s cousin Johann Mathias Frankh became the school principal of Hainburg in 1733. Jo was 6 years old when he visited his cousin and stayed with him for 2 years in order to study under Mathias.

Jo once said: God the allmighty (whom I have to thank for endless mercy) blessed me with musical talent by having me sing along with the choir with only 6 years.  At that time I’ve also already played a bit on the piano and the violin.

Mathias instructed Jo to learn some instruments and the late Papa Haydn once said: I’ll still owe this man once I’m in my grave. He taught me well, even when he didn’t feed me as much as he beat me.

One day the Composer of the Imperial Court and Conductor of St. Stephan in Vienna, Georg Reutter, visited Hainburg and employed Papa Haydn as choirboy in Vienna.