Legend has it that this hymn was the last piece of music Haydn ever played or sang before his death in 1809. The 1826 Transformation
The anthem's enduring power lies in its composition by the "Father of Harmony," . Inspired by the British "God Save the King" during his travels to London, Haydn wanted to gift Austria a similar song of devotion. gimn_avstriiskoi_imperii_1826_gott_erhalte_fran...
Haydn was so fond of this melody that he used it as the theme for the second movement of his famous "Emperor" Quartet (Op. 76, No. 3). Legend has it that this hymn was the