During the Classical period, most composers were employed by aristocratic families or by the church. They would typically live in the household of their employer, and would be expected to compose music for various occasions, such as religious services, court functions, and social gatherings. In addition to their salary, composers might also receive gifts of money or goods from their patrons.
Some composers were also able to make money by selling their music to publishers. However, this was not as common as it became in later periods, as there was not yet a large market for printed music.
How Composers Made Money
The main sources of income for composers during the Classical period were:
* Salaries paid by aristocratic families or the church
* Gifts of money or goods from patrons
* Sale of music to publishers
* Performance fees
Performance fees were typically paid to composers who conducted their own works in public concerts.
Examples of Composers' Income
Here are some examples of how much money composers could earn during the Classical period:
* Joseph Haydn received a salary of 400 florins per year from Prince Esterházy, in addition to room and board and other benefits. He also received gifts of money and goods from the prince, and would have made some income from the sale of his music.
* Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart received a salary of 800 florins per year from the Archbishop of Salzburg, but he was later dismissed from this position. He then moved to Vienna, where he earned money by giving concerts, selling his music, and teaching.
* Ludwig van Beethoven received a salary of 4,000 florins per year from Archduke Rudolph, in addition to room and board and other benefits. He also made money from the sale of his music and from giving concerts.