- Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827): Beethoven is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers in musical history. His works span a wide range of genres, including symphonies, concertos, sonatas, and string quartets. He is known for his innovative use of form, harmony, and melody.
- Johannes Brahms (1833–1897): Brahms was a composer, conductor, and pianist. He is considered to be one of the leading figures of Romanticism in music. Brahms's works include symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and lieder. He is known for his mastery of counterpoint and structural coherence.
- Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750): Bach was a composer, organist, harpsichordist, and violinist. He is regarded as one of the greatest Baroque composers. Bach's works include cantatas, motets, passions, concertos, and suites. He is known for his polyphonic writing and his use of counterpoint.
- Richard Wagner (1813–1883): Wagner was a composer, conductor, and music theorist. He is considered to be one of the most influential composers in musical history. Wagner's works include operas, symphonies, and overtures. He is known for his use of leitmotifs and his Gesamtkunstwerk concept of total artwork.
- Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847): Mendelssohn was a composer, conductor, and pianist. He is considered to be one of the leading figures of early Romanticism in music. Mendelssohn's works include symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and oratorios. He is known for his lyrical melodies and his elegant orchestration.
- Robert Schumann (1810–1856): Schumann was a composer, conductor, and music critic. He is considered to be one of the leading figures of Romanticism in music. Schumann's works include symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and songs. He is known for his emotive music and his use of literary allusions.
- Franz Schubert (1797–1828): Schubert was a composer, pianist, and singer. He is considered to be one of the foremost figures of Romanticism in music. Schubert's works include symphonies, operas, chamber music, and lieder. He is known for his melodic gift, his use of counterpoint, and his harmonic innovations.
- Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714–1788): C.P.E. Bach was a composer, musician, and music theorist. He is the second surviving son of Johann Sebastian Bach. C.P.E. Bach's works include symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and keyboard works. He is known for his galant style and his use of emotional expression.
- Georg Friedrich Handel (1685–1759): Handel was a German-born British composer. He is regarded as one of the greatest Baroque composers. Handel's works include operas, oratorios, concerti grossi, and chamber music. He is known for his melodic gift and his mastery of counterpoint.
- Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714–1787): Gluck was a German composer. He is regarded as one of the leading figures of opera reform in the 18th century. Gluck's operas include _Orfeo ed Euridice_, _Alceste_, and _Iphigénie en Tauride_. He is known for his emphasis on dramatic truth and his use of simple, natural music.