The most famous composers in the world: list of names, brief overview of works. Russian composers of classical music of the 19th and 20th centuries Modern composers included in the classics
Many famous composers were also talented performers. For example, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Liszt, Johannes Brahms, Frederic Chopin, Charles Valentin Alkan, Sergei Rachmaninov and other composers were virtuosos of piano playing.
Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)
M. Wodzinskaya “Portrait of Chopin”
Polish composer and virtuoso pianist.
Born in a town near Warsaw, as a result of the Napoleonic Wars, this territory became part of the Russian Empire.
Already in his childhood, Chopin showed extraordinary musical abilities. Like Mozart, he amazed those around him with his musical “obsession”, extraordinary abilities for improvisation, and innate pianism. He was unusually receptive to music and impressionable: he could cry while listening to music, jump up at night to pick out a memorable melody or chord on the piano.
One Warsaw newspaper, in its January issue for 1818, published a few lines about the first musical play composed by a small composer: “The author of this “Polonaise” is a student who has not yet turned 8 years old. This is the real onegenius of music, with the greatest ease and exceptional taste. Performing the most difficult piano pieces and composing dances and variations that delight connoisseurs and connoisseurs. If this prodigy had been born in France or Germany, he would have attracted more attention."
In 1829, Chopin's artistic activity began. He performs in Vienna, Krakow, and Paris, performing his works. In 1830 he left Warsaw and, as it turned out, forever. An uprising began in Poland, which was soon suppressed, but for various reasons he was not able to return to his homeland, which he loved very much. He bequeathed that his heart be transported to Poland after death. This will was fulfilled: his heart is kept in the Catholic Church of the Holy Cross in Warsaw.
Tomb with the heart of F. Chopin
The significance of F. Chopin's performing arts
Chopin is the author of numerous works for piano. He reinterpreted many genres: he revived the prelude on a romantic basis, created a piano ballad, poeticized and dramatized dances - mazurka, polonaise, waltz; turned the scherzo into an independent work. Enriched the harmony and piano texture; combined classical form with melodic richness and imagination.
His piano performance combined the depth and sincerity of feelings with elegance, technical perfection.
Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
Russian composer, outstanding virtuoso pianist, conductor. Born into a noble family in the Novgorod province.
Interest in music was discovered in early childhood. In the fall of 1882, Rachmaninov entered the junior department of the St. Petersburg Conservatory, but then was transferred to Moscow and accepted into the third year of the junior department of the Moscow Conservatory under Professor N.S. Zverev. He gained fame early on as a composer, pianist and conductor. He performed in Italy, Germany, and in 1909 made a large concert tour of America and Canada, performing as a pianist and conductor. In 1917, he received an offer to perform a solo concert in Stockholm, then Norway and New York. He chose the USA as his place of permanent residence, toured a lot in America and Europe and was soon recognized one of the greatest pianists of his era and the greatest conductor.
During the Great Patriotic War, Rachmaninov gave several concerts in the United States, all proceeds from which he sent to the Red Army Fund. He donated the money collected from one of his concerts to the USSR Defense Fund with the words: “From one of the Russians, all possible assistance to the Russian people in their fight against the enemy. I want to believe, I believe in complete victory.” It is known that a combat aircraft was built for the needs of the army with the composer’s money.
The significance of S. Rachmaninov's performing creativity
Rachmaninov the pianist became a standard for many generations of pianists from different countries and schools; he established the global priority of the Russian piano school, the distinctive features of which are:
1) deep content of performance;
2) attention to the intonation richness of music;
3) “singing on the piano” - imitation of vocal sound and vocal intonation using the piano.
Rachmaninov the pianist left reference recordings many works of world music, on which many generations of musicians study.
Sculptor Oleg Komov.Monument to Rachmaninov in Moscow on Strastnoy Boulevard
Emil Gilels (1916-1985)
Russian Soviet pianist, one of greatest pianists of the 20th century.
Born in Odessa. He began playing the piano at the age of five and a half years. Having quickly achieved significant success, Gilels made his first public appearance in May 1929, performing works by F. Liszt, F. Chopin, D. Scarlatti and other composers. Fame came to the musician after his victory in 1933 at the First All-Union Competition of Performing Musicians, which was followed by numerous concerts throughout the USSR. During the Great Patriotic War, Gilels participated in military patronage work, in the fall of 1943 he gave concerts in besieged Leningrad, and after the end of the war he returned to active concert and teaching activities.
He often performed with his younger sister, violinist Elizaveta Gilels. In 1950 he formed a piano trio together with L. B. Kogan (violin) and M. L. Rostropovich (cello), and in 1945 he gave concerts abroad for the first time (becoming one of the first Soviet musicians who were allowed to do so do), toured in Italy, Switzerland, France and Scandinavia. In 1954, he was the first Soviet musician to perform at the Pleyel Hall in Paris. In 1955, the pianist became the first Soviet musician to come to give concerts in the United States, where he performed P. I. Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto and Rachmaninoff’s Third Concerto with the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Yu. Ormandy, and soon gave a solo concert at Carnegie Hall, was a huge success. In the 1960s and 1970s, Gilels was one of the most sought-after Soviet musicians in the world, spending about nine months a year at concerts and on foreign tours.
The significance of E. Gilels's performing arts
Gilels is one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. The pianist's unusually wide repertoire covered piano works from the Baroque era (J. S. Bach, D. Scarlatti) to the music of the 20th century. The works of Beethoven were of particular importance in his work. Gilels repeatedly performed and recorded all of the composer's piano concertos, but did not have time to complete the work of recording all of his piano sonatas. His playing was distinguished by impeccable technique, brightness and strength of performance and at the same time deep lyricism and delicacy of interpretation, a subtle sense of style.
Van Cliburn (1934-2013)
American pianist first winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition (1958). He received his first piano lessons at the age of three from his mother. When Cliburn was six years old, the family moved to Texas, where he won a competition at age thirteen and soon made his Carnegie Hall debut.
Cliburn's name gained worldwide fame after his sensational victory at the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow in 1958. The young pianist won the sympathy of both the jury and the public. This was all the more surprising given that the action took place at the height of the Cold War. Upon his return to his homeland, Cliburn was given a magnificent, enthusiastic reception. The musician fell in love with the USSR and after the competition he repeatedly came to Russia with concerts.
Since 1962, the Van Cliburn Piano Competition has been held in Fort Worth, Texas.
International piano competitions
Currently, there are many international piano competitions:
International Piano Competition, Geneva (Switzerland);
International Piano Competition named after. I. Albeniz, Spain;
International competition named after. Brahms, Austria;
International Piano Competition, Sweden;
International Piano Competition named after. R. Schumann, Italy;
International Piano Competition, Japan;
International Piano Competition, Norway;
International Piano Competition named after. Queen Elizabeth, Belgium;
International Piano Competition named after. Van Cliburn, USA, Texas;
International Amateur Piano Competition, California, USA;
International Piano Competition “Clara-Haskil”, Switzerland;
International Competition for Young Pianists named after. F. Chopin, Australia;
International Piano Competition named after. Beethoven, Austria;
International Competition of Pianists and Piano Ensembles named after. F. Lista, USA;
International piano competition “Russian Season in Yekaterinburg” and many others.
At all these competitions, new talents and creative personalities are revealed, enriching performing skills.
Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840)
Italian composer, violinist and virtuoso guitarist. One of the most prominent personalities in the musical history of the 18th-19th centuries. Recognized genius of world musical art.
When the boy was five years old, his father, noticing his son’s abilities, began teaching him music, first on the mandolin, and from the age of six on the violin, although he himself was not a musician. According to the recollections of the musician himself, his father severely punished him if he did not show due diligence, and this subsequently affected his already poor health. However, Niccolo himself became more and more interested in the instrument and practiced diligently, hoping to find yet unknown combinations of sounds that would surprise listeners. As a child, he wrote several works for the violin, which were difficult, but he himself performed them successfully.
Niccolo gave his first public concert in 1795 at the Genoese Theater of Sant'Agostino. Using the techniques of the masters of the past, Paganini improved in the performance of transitions, staccato, pizzicato (including scales, simple and double trills and harmonics), unusual chords, dissonances, and strived for the correct extraction of sounds at the highest speed. He performed the exercises for many hours a day until he was completely exhausted. As a result of these studies, Paganini became unsurpassed virtuoso violinist.
Gradually he developed his own performing style. His unusual appearance and behavior during concerts brought him fame. The halls at his performances were filled not only with connoisseurs of high art, but also with the public, attracted by the external effects and incredible playing techniques that Paganini demonstrated. He behaved emphatically mysteriously and at first did not stop the most fantastic rumors about himself from being spread. One day at a concert, a violin string suddenly broke. Without stopping, Paganini continued the concert. He could play not only three, but also two, and even one string. Thus, while serving at the court of Eliza Bonaparte, he wrote and performed the play “Love Scene” for strings la And mi, and later, for the birthday of Emperor Napoleon - a sonata for strings salt"Napoleon".
His fame increased even more after traveling through Germany, France and England.
The significance of N. Paganini’s performing arts
Paganini's unsurpassed success lay not only in his musical talent, but also in his extraordinary technique, the impeccable purity with which he performed the most difficult passages, and the new possibilities of violin technique that he discovered. He was aware that the rich capabilities of the violin had not yet been fully realized. He used new effects in violin technique. Variety of colors, wide use of natural and artificial harmonics, rapid alternation of pizzicato with arco, skillful and varied use of staccato, wide use of double notes and chords, remarkable variety of bowing, string playing salt- all this surprised the audience, who had never heard such violin effects. Paganini was real virtuoso, who had a bright personality; he based his playing on original techniques, which he performed with infallible purity and confidence.
Paganini revealed the possibilities of the violin so widely that his contemporaries suspected that he possessed some special secret hidden from others. They even said about him that he sold his soul to the devil.
All violin art of subsequent eras developed under the influence of Paganini's style. His own compositions are very difficult to perform; in order to perform them, one must master Paganini’s technical techniques.
But in our time there are many performers of Paganini’s level who successfully perform his First Concerto in D major, Second Concerto in B minor and 24 Caprices.
Paganini had a precious collection of Stradivarius, Guarneri, Amati violins, of which he bequeathed his wonderful and most beloved and famous violin by Guarneri to his hometown of Genoa, not wanting any other artist to play it.
David Oistrakh (1908-1974)
Soviet violinist, violist, conductor and teacher.
Born in Odessa. From the age of five he studied violin and viola. Graduated from the Odessa Conservatory. While still a student, he performed with the Odessa Symphony Orchestra as a soloist and as a conductor. In 1935, D. Oistrakh won the second All-Union Competition of Performing Musicians and in the same year received second prize at the International Wieniawski Competition. Two years later, Oistrakh wins the Eugene Ysaïe competition in Brussels and gains worldwide fame.
Since 1934, Oistrakh taught at the Moscow Conservatory, where among his students were his son Igor, winner of the First Tchaikovsky Competition Valery Klimov, Victor Pikaizen, Semyon Snitkovsky, Oleg Kagan, Mikhail Gotsdiner, Leonarda Brustein, Leonid Feigin, Liana Isakadze, Gidon Kremer, Oleg Krysa, Alexander Vinnitsky and other outstanding violinists. Oistrakh was the permanent chairman of the jury in the violin category at the first five Tchaikovsky competitions.
The significance of D. Oistrakh's performing arts
David Oistrakh is one of the most prominent representatives of the Russian violin school. His performance was different masterful use of the instrument, technical skill, bright and warm sound tool. His repertoire included classical and romantic works (Oistrakh’s performance of Beethoven’s violin sonatas together with pianist Lev Oborin is still considered one of the best interpretations of this cycle), but he also played works by contemporary authors (Hindemith’s Violin Concerto). Works by S. Prokofiev, D. Shostakovich, N. Myaskovsky, M. Weinberg were dedicated to Oistrakh.
International violin competitions
International Violin Competition named after. D. Oistrakh, Moscow;
Michael Hill International Violin Competition, New Zealand;
International Violin Competition, Monaco;
International Violin Competition, Germany;
International Violin Competition, Japan;
International Violin Competition named after. F. Lista, Hungary;
Moscow International Violin Competition named after. Paganini;
International Joseph Joachim Violin Competition;
Moscow International Violin Competition named after. D. Oistrakh;
International Violin Competition named after. Wieniawski and others.
Mstislav Rostropovich (1927-2007)
He performed the entire repertoire of cello music. He inspired many major composers to create works with solo cello performances. About 60 modern composers dedicated their works to Rostropovich, among them Shostakovich, Britten, Bernstein.“I’m not playing sounds, but the emotions that the composer felt when he wrote his work. Sounds are nothing more than wires. And I get emotional from the very first note, as soon as the orchestra starts playing. In general, the secret of performance is when you seem to be composing music all over again,” he said.
Mstislav Leopoldovich Rostropovich forever entered the history of music as brilliant performer, true virtuoso cellos. His playing, always at the same time refined and emotional, brought him, without exaggeration, worldwide fame. “Furious Mstislav” was applauded by all the largest concert halls and even squares; monarchs and presidents, musicians and actors, teachers and students were and remain his fans. But M. L. Rostropovich entered our memory not only through music: through his active civic position, philanthropy, interest and attention to the history of his family.
International Competition named after P. I. Tchaikovsky
This is an international competition of academic musicians, which has been held since 1958 every 4 years.
The first competition named after. Tchaikovsky was conducted in two specialties: piano And violin. From the second competition in 1962, it was introduced cello, from the third in 1966 - vocals.
The stages of the world's largest music centers open before the laureates of international classical music competitions.
Music is one of the most beautiful creations of humanity. It is capable of influencing the innermost strings of the soul, inducing noble and even heroic deeds. To write a work that would move the hearts of people for many decades or centuries, you need to be “kissed by God” and have innate talent. We invite you to find out who the most famous composers of classical music are, who created the most famous operas, concerts, symphonies and ballets.
Saint Hildegard of Bingen
This 12th-century nun is considered the “mother of opera.” She recorded more than 70 chants, including the composition Ordo Virtutum. There are 16 female parties of “Virtues” and one male party, personifying the Devil. The music of Saint Hildegard greatly influenced Renaissance composers.
Guillaume Dufay
The illegitimate son of a priest was raised from childhood at the cathedral of the French city of Combray and sang in the church choir.
He was subsequently recognized as the most famous among European composers of the 15th century. Dufay's merit is that he managed to combine medieval techniques with harmonies and phrasing characteristic of the early Renaissance. Along with masses, he also wrote chansons. To his song L’homme armé, King Philip the Good gathered troops for a crusade against the Turks.
Giovanni da Palestrina
The composer, also known by the nickname Giannetto, lived in Italy in the 16th century. To him, humanity owes the creation of the phenomenon known as polyphonic singing for Catholic worship.
Thanks to Giannetto, the Council of Trent brought about a reform in church music. Pope Pius the Fourth compared the masses he wrote to the singing that St. John the Apostle “heard in heavenly Jerusalem.”
Antonio Vivaldi
The work “The Seasons” alone by this great Italian is enough for him to be included in the list of “Famous Composers of All Time”. Vivaldi is considered the musician thanks to whom the transition from heavy-sounding baroque music to light classical music took place. Along with serious works, he wrote many charming serenades, and also went down in history as a genius who was able to create a 3-act opera in 5 days.
Moreover, many historians believe that it was he who, more than his other contemporary colleagues, influenced the formation of many famous classical composers of subsequent generations.
George Frideric Handel
Already at the age of 11, young Georg was a court harpsichordist at the court of the Elector of Berlin. He was born in the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach, but unlike the latter, he was not a hereditary musician.
As a famous composer, Handel told one of his admirers that his goal was always to make people better through his music.
Johann Sebastian Bach
The most famous composers of the 19th and 20th centuries more than once called this great musician their teacher. In total, he wrote more than 1,000 works and went down in history as one of the most virtuoso organists of all time. In addition, Johann Sebastian Bach is recognized as a master of polyphony, as well as the creator of masterpieces of keyboard music.
Ludwig van Beethoven, born 20 years after the death of his elder colleague, called him “the true father of harmony,” and the famous philosopher Georg Hegel called him “an erudite genius.”
Subsequently, many famous composers, such as Liszt, Schumann, Brahms, etc., wanting to express their respect to him, included Bach’s musical phrases in their works.
Franz Joseph Haydn
The musician lived his entire life in Austria and, in his own words, was “doomed to become original,” since he was isolated from other composers and did not have the opportunity to get acquainted with the trends of contemporary music.
Only at the age of 47 could Haydn change the terms of the contract, according to which for 18 years all his works were considered the property of the Hungarian magnate Esterhazy clan. This allowed him to write the kind of music he wanted and achieve international fame.
In the field of writing instrumental music, Haydn is rightly considered one of the most famous composers of the second half of the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
There is probably no such famous classical music composer whose works are as popular today as Mozart’s compositions. Even many rock stars perform them in modern adaptations and use them as accompaniment for famous rappers.
Amadeus's musical heritage amounts to more than six hundred compositions. He is one of the geniuses whose musical talent manifested itself at a very early age. Already at the age of 5, Wolfgang began to write his first works, and at 6 he could play the harpsichord and violin excellently.
The composer’s masterpieces include “Requiem”, “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Turkish March”, “Little Night Serenade”, “Don Juan”, 41 symphonies, etc. They amaze with their perfection and ease of perception. Even those who do not consider themselves fans of classical music enjoy listening to arias from the composer’s operas.
Giuseppe Verdi
Those who are interested in vocal art will recognize that one of the most famous composers who worked in this genre is, of course, Giuseppe Verdi. His operas are most often staged on the most famous stages around the world. Many of Verdi's arias are among the most performed classical works.
During his lifetime, the composer was often criticized for pandering to the tastes of the common people. However, subsequent generations recognized many of his works as masterpieces of world art. They are particularly melodious and can be easily reproduced even by those who do not have a special ear for music or singing talent.
Ludwig van Beethoven
The composer is recognized as a key figure who ensured the transition from romanticism to classicism. Beethoven wrote in all contemporary musical genres. However, his instrumental works are best known, including his overtures, symphonies, sonatas and several concertos for violin and piano.
One of the composer’s most frequently performed works is “Ode to Joy,” which was included in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. It is recognized as the official EU anthem.
Richard Wagner
In the list of “Famous Music Composers of 19th Century Germany,” Wagner occupies a special place, as he is considered a kind of revolutionary. His works are distinguished by rich chromaticism, harmony and orchestration. Wagner introduced the concept of leitmotif into musical art: a theme associated with a specific character, as well as plot and place. In addition, the composer is the founder of musical drama, who had a great influence on the development of classical music.
Johann Strauss
When listing the names of famous composers, they often indicate only musicians who created and are creating serious works. However, the king of the waltz, Johann Strauss, certainly deserves to be included among the people who made the greatest contribution to the development of the musical culture of mankind.
In total, Strauss wrote more than 500 works in the dance genre. Many of his waltzes are still popular today, and are listened to even by those who are not fans of classical music.
Frederic Chopin
This Polish composer is considered one of the most prominent representatives of romanticism in world musical culture. In addition, Chopin is the founder of the Polish school of composition. He contributed a lot to the recognition and increasing the authority of his homeland in Europe. Among the works of this famous composer, a special place is occupied by waltzes, which are considered to be a kind of autobiography of Chopin
Antonin Dvorak
The famous Czech composer made a huge contribution to the development of Czech national music. Among other things, he was a virtuoso violinist and violist. He managed to gain worldwide popularity, as classical music lovers were attracted by the symbiosis of elements of the national music of Bohemia and Moravia with European classics.
Dvorzek's most famous works include Symphony No. 9 "From the New World", "Requiem", the opera "Rusalka", "Slavic Dances", "American" String Quartet and Stabat Mater.
Famous composers of Russia
Our country has made a significant contribution to the development of the musical culture of mankind.
The most famous composers of Russia are:
- Mikhail Glinka. The composer, who worked in the first half of the 19th century, was the first to create large-scale works based on Russian folk songs. His most famous work is the opera “Ivan Susanin”, in which Glinka managed to combine the traditions of Russian choral singing and European operatic art.
- Pyotr Tchaikovsky. This great musician is one of the most famous composers in the world.
Tchaikovsky considered one of his most important missions to be increasing the glory of his homeland. And he succeeded to the fullest, since today melodies from his works are performed in all corners of the planet, and his ballets are staged on the most famous stage venues in the world. Tchaikovsky’s works are especially famous, such as the ballets “Swan Lake”, “The Nutcracker”, “Sleeping Beauty”, etc.
- Sergei Prokofiev. The ballet “Romeo and Juliet” by this composer is considered one of the best works of this genre of the 20th century. His achievements also include the creation of his own style, recognized as a new word in world musical art.
- Dmitry Shostakovich. During the days of the siege of Leningrad, the whole world was shocked by the premiere performance of the composer's "Leningrad Symphony". Shostakovich managed to convey through the language of music the determination of the city’s defenders to fight to the last drop of blood. Despite persecution and accusations of bourgeois decadence, the composer continued to create original works that put him on par with the most famous composers of the 20th century.
Famous composers of our time
It just so happens that the general public today has very little interest in serious music. Most often, fame comes to composers if they write music for films. Among the most popular composers of recent decades are the following:
- Michel Legrand. Initially, the composer gained fame as a virtuoso pianist and conductor of classical music. However, he gained wide popularity thanks to his film works. His music for the opera film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg brought Legrand his first Oscar nomination. Later, the composer received this award three times, and also received the Benois Dance Prize for the ballet Liliom.
- Ludovico Einaudi. This Italian composer prefers a minimalist style and also successfully combines classical music with other musical styles. Einaudi is known to a wide circle of music lovers for his soundtracks; for example, everyone knows the melody he wrote for the French film “1 + 1”.
- Philip Glass. The composer initially worked in the field of classical music, but over time he was able to blur the line between it and modern musical trends. For several decades, Glass has been playing in his own group, the Philip Glass Ensemble. Film buffs are familiar with his works written for the films “The Illusionist”, “The Truman Show”, “Taste of Life” and “Fantastic Four”.
- Giovanni Marradi. The composer has nothing to do with cinema, but has gained popularity thanks to the retro-classical sound of his works, in which he uses motifs from previous centuries.
Now you know the names of the most famous composers. The music they created in different centuries is still capable of awakening the kindest and highest feelings, even in the hardened souls of people who have forgotten about high ideals.
Are you familiar with classical music? Or do you think it's boring? Vanessa Mae once said:
Classic works are ingenious, and everything ingenious cannot be boring.
And it is true..
Johann Sebastian Bach
The most talented composer wrote music for harpsichord and organ. The composer did not create a new style in music. But he was able to create perfection in all the styles of his time. He is the author of more than 1000 essays. In his works, Bach combined different musical styles with which he became acquainted throughout his life. Often musical romanticism was combined with the Baroque style. During his lifetime, Johann Bach did not receive the recognition he deserved as a composer; interest in his music arose almost 100 years after his death. Today he is called one of the greatest composers who ever lived on earth. His uniqueness as a person, teacher and musician was reflected in his music. Bach laid the foundations of the music of New and Contemporary times, dividing the history of music into pre-Bach and post-Bach. There is an opinion that Bach's music is gloomy and gloomy. His music is rather fundamental and thorough, restrained and focused. Like the reflections of a mature, world-wise person. Bach's work influenced many composers. Some of them took cues from his works or used themes from them. And musicians all over the world play Bach’s music, admiring its beauty and perfection. One of the most sensational works — "Brandenburg Concerts" - excellent proof that Bach's music cannot be considered too dark:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is rightfully considered a genius. At the age of 4 he was already fluent in playing the violin and harpsichord, at the age of 6 he began composing music, and at 7 he was already skillfully improvising on the harpsichord, violin and organ, competing with famous musicians. Already at the age of 14, Mozart was a recognized composer, and at the age of 15, he was a member of the music academies of Bologna and Verona. By nature, he had a phenomenal ear for music, memory and the ability to improvise. He created an astonishing number of works — 23 operas, 18 sonatas, 23 piano concertos, 41 symphonies and much more. The composer did not want to imitate, he tried to create a new model that reflected the new individuality of the music. It is no coincidence that in Germany Mozart’s music is called “music of the soul”; in his works the composer showed traits of his sincere, loving nature. The greatest melodist attached special importance to opera. Mozart's operas represent an era in the development of this type of musical art. Mozart is widely recognized as one of the greatest composers: his uniqueness lies in the fact that he worked in all musical forms of his time and achieved the greatest success in all of them. One of the most recognizable works — "Turkish March":
Ludwig van Beethoven
Another great German, Ludwig van Beethoven, was an important figure of the Romantic-Classical period. Even those who know nothing at all about classical music know about it. Beethoven is one of the most performed and respected composers in the world. The great composer witnessed the tremendous upheavals that occurred in Europe and redrew its map. These great upheavals, revolutions and military confrontations are reflected in the composer’s work, especially symphonic works. He embodied pictures of heroic struggle in music. In Beethoven's immortal works you will hear the struggle for freedom and brotherhood of people, an unshakable faith in the victory of light over darkness, as well as dreams of freedom and happiness for mankind. One of the most famous and amazing facts of his life is that his ear disease developed into complete deafness, but despite this, the composer continued to write music. He was also considered one of the best pianists. Beethoven's music is surprisingly simple and understandable to the widest circles of listeners. Generations and even eras change, but Beethoven’s music still excites and delights the hearts of people. One of his best works — "Moonlight Sonata":
Richard Wagner
The name of the great Richard Wagner is most often associated with his masterpieces “The Wedding Choir” or "Ride of the Valkyries." But he is known not only as a composer, but also as a philosopher. Wagner viewed his musical works as a way of expressing a certain philosophical concept. A new musical era of operas began with Wagner. The composer tried to bring opera closer to life; music for him was only a means. Richard Wagner — creator of musical drama, reformer of operas and the art of conducting, innovator of the harmonic and melodic language of music, creator of new forms of musical expressiveness. Wagner — author of the world’s longest solo aria (14 minutes 46 seconds) and the world’s longest classical opera (5 hours and 15 minutes). During his lifetime, Richard Wagner was considered a controversial man, who was either adored or hated. And often both together. Mystical symbolism and anti-Semitism made him Hitler's favorite composer, but closed the way for his music to Israel. However, neither supporters nor opponents of the composer deny his greatness as a composer. From the very first notes, the wonderful music of Richard Wagner absorbs you completely, leaving no room for disputes and disagreements:
Franz Schubert
Austrian composer Franz Schubert is a musical genius, one of the best song composers. He was only 17 when he wrote his first song. In one day he could write 8 songs. During his creative life, he created more than 600 compositions, based on poems by more than 100 great poets, including Goethe, Schiller and Shakespeare. That's why Franz Schubert is in the top 10. Although Schubert's work is very diverse, in terms of the use of genres, ideas and transformations, vocal and song lyrics are predominant and defining in his music. Before Schubert, song was considered an insignificant genre, and it was he who elevated it to the level of artistic perfection. Moreover, he combined the seemingly incompatible song and chamber symphonic music, which gave rise to a new direction of lyrical-romantic symphony. Vocal and song lyrics are a world of simple and deep, subtle and even intimate human experiences, expressed not in words, but in sound. Franz Schubert lived a very short life, only 31 years. The fate of the composer's works is no less tragic than his life. After Schubert's death, many unpublished manuscripts remained, stored in bookcases and drawers of relatives and friends. Even those closest to him did not know everything he wrote, and for many years he was recognized mainly only as the king of song. Some of the composer's works were published only half a century after his death. One of the most beloved and famous works of Franz Schubert — "Evening Serenade":
Robert Schumann
With an equally tragic fate, the German composer Robert Schumann is one of the best composers of the romantic era. He created music of amazing beauty. To get an idea of 19th century German romanticism, just listen to "Carnival" Robert Schumann. He was able to break free from the musical traditions of the classical era, creating his own interpretation of the romantic style. Robert Schumann was gifted with many talents, and even for a long time he could not decide between music, poetry, journalism and philology (he was a polyglot and translated fluently from English, French and Italian). He was also an amazing pianist. And yet Schumann’s main calling and passion was music. His poetic and deeply psychological music largely reflects the duality of the composer’s nature, a rush of passion and escape into the world of dreams, awareness of vulgar reality and the desire for the ideal. One of Robert Schumann's masterpieces that everyone simply must hear:
Frederic Chopin
Frederic Chopin is perhaps the most famous Pole in the world of music. Neither before nor after the composer was a musical genius of this level born in Poland. The Poles are incredibly proud of their great compatriot, and in his work Chopin more than once glorifies his homeland, admires the beauty of the landscapes, laments the tragic past, and dreams of a great future. Frederic Chopin is one of the few composers who wrote music exclusively for piano. His creative heritage includes neither operas nor symphonies, but piano pieces are presented in all their diversity. Chopin's works are the basis of the repertoire of many famous pianists. Frederic Chopin is a Polish composer who is also known as a talented pianist. He lived only 39 years, but managed to create many masterpieces: ballads, preludes, waltzes, mazurkas, nocturnes, polonaises, etudes, sonatas and much, much more. One of them - "Ballad No. 1":
Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt is one of the world's greatest composers. He lived a relatively long and surprisingly rich life, experienced poverty and wealth, met love and faced contempt. In addition to his natural talent, he had a fantastic ability to work. Franz Liszt earned not only the admiration of music connoisseurs and fans. Both as a composer and as a pianist he received universal praise from European critics in the 19th century. He created more than 1,300 works and, like Frederic Chopin, preferred works for piano. A brilliant pianist, Franz Liszt was able to reproduce the sound of an entire orchestra on the piano, he improvised masterfully, had a fantastic memory of musical compositions, and he had no equal in reading notes from sight. He had a pathetic style of performance, which was also reflected in his music, which was emotionally passionate and heroically upbeat, creating colorful musical pictures and making an indelible impression on listeners. The composer's calling card is his piano concertos. One of these works is “Years of Wanderings”. And one of Liszt’s most famous works is "Dreams of Love":
Johannes Brahms
A significant figure of the romantic period in music is Johannes Brahms. Listening to and loving Brahms' music is considered good taste and a characteristic sign of a romantic nature. Brahms did not write a single opera, but he created works in all other genres. His symphonies brought Brahms particular fame. Already in the first works the composer’s originality is evident, which over time transformed into his own style. If we consider all of Brahms's works, it cannot be said that the composer was greatly influenced by the work of his predecessors or contemporaries. And in terms of the scale of his creativity, Brahms is often compared to Bach and Beethoven. Perhaps this comparison is justified in the sense that the work of the three great Germans represents the culmination of an entire era in the history of music. Unlike Franz Liszt, the life of Johannes Brahms was devoid of turbulent events. He preferred quiet creativity, during his lifetime he earned recognition of his talent and universal respect, and was also awarded considerable honors. The most outstanding music, in which Brahms's creative power was especially pronounced and original, is his "German Requiem", a work that the author created for 10 years and dedicated to his mother. In his music, Brahms glorifies the eternal values of human life, which lie in the beauty of nature, the art of great talents of the past, and the culture of his homeland.
Giuseppe Verdi
The Italian composer is best known for his operas. He became the national glory of Italy, his work is the culmination of the development of Italian opera. His achievements and merits as a composer cannot be overestimated. His works still, a century after the death of the author, remain the most popular, widely performed, known to both connoisseurs and lovers of classical music.
For Verdi, the most important thing in opera was drama. The musical images of Rigoletto, Aida, Violetta, and Desdemona created by the composer organically combine the bright melodicism and depth of the characters, the democracy and sophistication of musical characteristics, violent passions and bright dreams. Verdi was a true psychologist in understanding human passions. His music is nobility and power, amazing beauty and harmony, inexpressibly beautiful melodies, beautiful arias and duets. Passions run high, comedy and tragedy intertwine and merge together. The plots of operas, according to Verdi himself, should be “original, interesting and... passionate, with passion above all else.” And most of his works are serious and tragic, demonstrating emotional dramatic situations, and the music of the great Verdi gives expressiveness to what is happening and emphasizes the accents of the situation. Having absorbed all the best that was achieved by the Italian opera school, Verdi did not deny operatic traditions, but reformed Italian opera, filled it with realism, and gave it the unity of the whole. At the same time, Verdi did not announce his reform, did not write articles about it, he simply wrote operas in a new way. The triumphal procession of one of Verdi’s masterpieces, the opera “Aida,” swept across Italian stages and continued in Europe, as well as in Russia and America, forcing even skeptics to recognize the talent of the great composer.
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Of each of them it can be said with certainty that he is the greatest composer who ever lived, although in fact it is impossible, and indeed impossible, to compare music written over several centuries. However, all of these composers stand out among their contemporaries as composers who composed music of the highest caliber and sought to push the boundaries of classical music to new limits. The list does not contain any order, such as importance or personal preference. Just 10 great composers you should know.
1. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) The most important figure in world classical music. One of the most performed and respected composers in the world. He created in all genres that existed in his time, including opera, ballet, music for dramatic performances, and choral works. The most significant of his heritage are considered to be instrumental works: piano, violin and cello sonatas, concertos for piano, violin, quartets, overtures, symphonies. The founder of the romantic period in classical music.
Interesting fact: Beethoven first wanted to dedicate his third symphony (1804) to Napoleon. The composer was captivated by this man, who seemed to many at the beginning of his reign to be a real hero. But when Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor, Beethoven crossed out his dedication to Napoleon on the title page and wrote only one word - “Heroic”.
Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata:
2. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) German composer and organist, representative of the Baroque era. One of the greatest composers in the history of music. During his life, Bach wrote more than 1000 works. His work represents all the significant genres of that time, except opera; he summarized the achievements of musical art of the Baroque period. The founder of the most famous musical dynasty.
Interesting fact: During his lifetime, Bach was so underrated that less than a dozen of his works were published.
Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by J. S. Bach:
3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) The great Austrian composer, instrumentalist and conductor, representative of the Vienna Classical School, virtuoso violinist, harpsichordist, organist, conductor, he had a phenomenal ear for music, memory and the ability to improvise. As a composer who excelled in any genre, he is rightfully considered one of the greatest composers in the history of classical music.
Interesting fact: While still a child, Mozart memorized and recorded the Miserere (Catholic chant based on the text of the 50th Psalm of David) by the Italian Gregorio Allegri, having listened to it only once.
Mozart's little night serenade:
4. Richard Wagner (1813-1883) German composer, conductor, playwright, philosopher. He had a significant influence on European culture at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, especially modernism. Wagner's operas are stunning in their grandiose scale and eternal human values.
Interesting fact: Wagner took part in the failed revolution of 1848-1849 in Germany, and was forced to evade arrest by Franz Liszt.
"Ride of the Valkyries" from Wagner's opera "Die Walküre":
5. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) Russian composer, one of the best melodists, conductor, teacher, music critic. His works have made an invaluable contribution to world musical culture. One of the most popular composers among classical music lovers, Tchaikovsky's unique style successfully combines the Western symphonic heritage of Beethoven and Schumann with the Russian traditions inherited from Mikhail Glinka.
Interesting fact: From his youth, Tchaikovsky had an irresistible thirst for knowledge, in a variety of fields. Thus, he was one of the first among his contemporaries to become acquainted with a new invention of the 19th century, which was destined for a great future. It was Edison's phonograph, which ushered in the era of sound recording.
"Waltz of the Flowers" from Tchaikovsky's ballet "The Nutcracker":
6. Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) Italian composer, central figure of the Italian opera school. Verdi had a sense of the stage, temperament and impeccable skill. He did not deny operatic traditions (unlike Wagner), but on the contrary developed them (the traditions of Italian opera), he transformed Italian opera, filled it with realism, and gave it the unity of the whole.
Interesting fact: Verdi was an Italian nationalist and was elected to the first Italian parliament in 1860, following the declaration of Italian independence from Austria.
Overture to Verdi's opera La Traviata:
7. Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky (1882-1971) Russian (American - after emigration) composer, conductor, pianist. One of the most significant composers of the twentieth century. Stravinsky's work is consistent throughout his entire career, although in different periods the style of his works was different, but the core and Russian roots remained, which were evident in all his works; he is considered one of the leading innovators of the twentieth century. His innovative use of rhythm and harmony has inspired and continues to inspire many musicians, not just in classical music.
Interesting fact: During World War I, Roman customs officers confiscated Pablo Picasso's portrait of Stravinsky when the composer was leaving Italy. The portrait was painted in a futuristic manner and customs officers mistook these circles and lines for some kind of encrypted secret materials.
Suite from Stravinsky's ballet "Firebird":
8. Johann Strauss (1825-1899) Austrian composer of light music, conductor and violinist. “King of Waltzes” - he created in the genre of dance music and operettas. His musical heritage includes more than 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas and ballets. Thanks to him, the waltz became extremely popular in Vienna in the 19th century.
Interesting fact: Johann Strauss's father is also Johann and also a famous musician, and therefore the “Waltz King” is called the youngest or son, his brothers Joseph and Eduard were also famous composers.
Strauss's Waltz "On the Beautiful Blue Danube":
9. Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninov (1873-1943) Russian composer, pianist and conductor, the largest representatives of Russian and world musical culture of the late 19th - first half of the 20th centuries. Rachmaninov's style, which grew out of late romanticism, goes far beyond the post-romantic tradition and at the same time does not belong to any of the stylistic trends of the musical avant-garde of the 20th century. Rachmaninov's work stands apart in world music of the 20th century; his style remained uniquely individual and original, having no analogues in world art.
Interesting fact: The premiere of Rachmaninoff's First Symphony ended in complete failure, both due to poor quality performance and the innovative nature of the music, which was far ahead of its time. This event caused a serious nervous illness.
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 4 – Movement 1:
10. Franz Peter Schubert (1797-1828) Austrian composer, one of the outstanding representatives of the Viennese classical music school and one of the founders of romanticism in music. During his short life, Schubert made significant contributions to orchestral, chamber and piano music that influenced an entire generation of composers. However, his most striking contribution was to the development of German romances, of which he created more than 600.
Interesting fact: Schubert's friends and fellow musicians would get together and perform Schubert's music. These meetings were called the “Schubertiads”. Some first fan club!
Ave Maria Schubert: