1. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Bach is widely considered one of the greatest composers of all time, known for his profound understanding of harmony and counterpoint, as well as his prolific output. His works include "Brandenburg Concertos," "The Well-Tempered Clavier," and the "Mass in B minor."
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Mozart was a prodigious child prodigy and one of the most influential composers of the classical era. His music is characterized by its elegance, beauty, and emotional depth. Some of his famous compositions include "The Marriage of Figaro," "Don Giovanni," and "The Magic Flute."
3. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Beethoven is another central figure in the classical music world, known for his emotional intensity and innovative approach to composition. His works, including "Symphony No. 9," "Für Elise," and "Moonlight Sonata," continue to be widely performed and admired.
4. Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849): Chopin was a Polish pianist and composer of the Romantic era. He is known for his poetic and virtuosic piano compositions, such as "Nocturnes," "Études," and "Mazurkas."
5. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893): Tchaikovsky was a Russian composer of the Romantic era. His music is known for its emotional expressiveness, rich harmonies, and brilliant orchestrations. Some of his most famous works include "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "Symphony No. 6."
6. Richard Wagner (1813-1883): Wagner was a German composer, librettist, conductor, and polemicist. He is predominantly remembered for his operas, which are notable for their complex orchestrations, leitmotifs, and total works of art (Gesamtkunstwerk) approach. Some of his renowned works include "The Ring of the Nibelung," "Lohengrin," and "Tristan und Isolde."
7. Claude Debussy (1862-1918): Debussy was a French composer and pianist, regarded as one of the most influential figures in the transition from the late-Romantic era into the early-modernist era of Western classical music. His music is characterized by its impressionistic style, evocative harmonies, and orchestral colors. Notable compositions include "Clair de Lune," "Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune," and "La Mer."
8. Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): Stravinsky was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor. His music is marked by rhythmic vitality, experimental use of meter, and a diverse range of styles. Among his famous compositions are "The Rite of Spring," "Petrushka," and "Symphony of Psalms."
9. Gustav Mahler (1860-1911): Mahler was an Austrian composer and conductor. He is known for his symphonies, which are characterized by their vast scope, orchestral colors, and exploration of philosophical and emotional themes. Notable symphonies include "Symphony No. 2 (Resurrection)," "Symphony No. 5," and "Das Lied von der Erde."
10. Béla Bartók (1881-1945): Bartók was a Hungarian composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist. His music is influenced by Hungarian folk music and incorporates elements of atonality and polytonality. Some of his renowned works include "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta," "Concerto for Orchestra," and "Bluebeard's Castle."
This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are countless other renowned composers who have left their mark on the world of classical music.