No one would argue that Beethoven is one of the most famous classical music composers of all time. Beethoven was born in Bonn but settled in Vienna. Beethoven wrote almost too many well-known and influential symphonies to count, from his Pastoral Symphony to concertos and sonatas. The most famous are the Ninth Symphony, which includes “Ode to Joy,” and the Fifth Symphony, with its easily recognizable and dramatic opening notes. Composing did not come easily to Beethoven during the best of times, and when he was 28, he lost his hearing. Beethoven died in 1827.
Mozart was a child prodigy. By the age of six, he was playing audiences and went on to play, along with his sister, for royalty all over Europe. Mozart wrote many famous pieces, including the Requiem Mass and operas such as “The Magic Flute” and “The Marriage of Figaro.” The great genius died of an unknown illness and was buried in an unmarked grave in 1791.
Johann Sebastian Bach lived out his life and career in a relatively small section of Germany, but his influence is felt all over the world. Bach came from a family of musicians, although his parents died when was young. Although Bach had a rakish early life, he decided he wanted to make church music and set about writing cantatas, as well as fugues and concertos. Bach’s best-known pieces are probably the Brandenburg Concertos. He died in 1750.
The controversial and prolific Richard Wagner has had his name attached to almost every unsavory trend in his native Germany, from socialism to fascism to anti-Semitism. Neverthless, Wagner’s dramatic operas and compositions are hugely influential, particularly on film music, and well known, with the most famous being “Ride of the Valkyries” from his opera Die Walkure. Wagner died in 1883.
Shy and reserved, Brahms did not lead a wild or crisis-filled life like some famous musicians. He wrote for several kinds of instruments, including clarinet, but is best known for his many piano pieces and songs, including one which came to be known as the “Lullaby.” Brahms died in 1897.
Tchaikovsky may be best known for his ballet scores, especially the perennial Christmas favorite, “The Nutcracker,” and the immortal “Swan Lake.” But he also wrote operas, string quartets and concertos, all known for their rich melodies and ability to create mood. Tchaikovsky died in 1893.
Chopin composed overwhelmingly for piano, his instrument of choice. He began studying piano and composing at a young age. Though he moved throughout Europe, he spent most of his time in France, where he began an ill-fated relationship with George Sand. His best-known work is his series of Nocturnes. Chopin’s music became known for its melodic and emotional depth. He died in 1849.
Stravinsky is not only a famous composer but was named by "Time" magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. He is best known for his ballets, particular “Rite of Spring,” which caused riots when it was first performed in France. Stravinsky settled in Los Angeles and became an American citizen, dying in 1971.
Joseph Haydn came from a large, poor family. He worked tirelessly at music, becoming a choirboy with the Viennese Cathedral at eight and then giving music lessons and becoming an accompanist. One of the young people who looked to Haydn as a mentor was young Wolgang Mozart. Gentle-natured and good-humored, Hadyn often wrote about his love of God and nature, composing numerous symphonies even into his old age. He died in 1809.
From childhood, Schubert was gifted at many kinds of instruments as well as singing. The son of a schoolmaster, he was studious and hardworking and began writing music from a very young age. Schubert produced a great many symphonies, masses, stage works and piano sonatas. However, he became known for his songs, most often set to poetry. Schubert died in 1828.