The concept of “composer” first appeared in the 16th century in Italy, and since then it has been used to refer to a person who composes music.
19th century composers
In the 19th century, the Viennese music school was represented by this outstanding composer like Franz Peter Schubert. He continued the traditions of Romanticism and influenced an entire generation of composers. Schubert created more than 600 German romances, taking the genre to a new level.
Franz Peter Schubert
Another Austrian, Johann Strauss, became famous for his operettas and light musical forms dance character. It was he who made the waltz the most popular dance in Vienna, where balls are still held. In addition, his heritage includes polkas, quadrilles, ballets and operettas.
Johann Strauss
A prominent representative of modernism in music of the late 19th century was the German Richard Wagner. His operas have not lost their relevance and popularity to this day.
Giuseppe Verdi
Wagner can be contrasted with the majestic figure of the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, who remained faithful to operatic traditions and gave Italian opera a new breath.
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Among the Russian composers of the 19th century, the name of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky stands out. He is characteristic unique style, combining European symphonic traditions with Glinka's Russian heritage.
Composers of the 20th century
Sergei Vasilyevich Rahmaninov
Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninov is rightfully considered one of the most brilliant composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His musical style was based on the traditions of romanticism and existed in parallel with avant-garde movements. It was for his individuality and lack of analogues that his work was highly appreciated by critics all over the world.
Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky
The second most famous composer of the 20th century is Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky. Russian by origin, he emigrated to France and then the USA, where he showed his talent in full force. Stravinsky is an innovator who is not afraid to experiment with rhythms and styles. His work shows the influence of Russian traditions, elements of various avant-garde movements and a unique individual style, for which he is called “Picasso in music.”
Any of the composers discussed in this article can easily be called the greatest composer classical music ever existed.
Although it is impossible to compare music created over several centuries, all these composers stand out very clearly against the background of their contemporaries. In their works they sought to expand the boundaries of classical music, to reach new heights in it that were previously unattainable.
All of the great classical music composers listed below are worthy of first place, so the list is presented not by the importance of the composer, but as information for reference.
For world classics, Beethoven is a very significant figure. One of the most performed composers in the world. He composed his works in absolutely all existing genres of his time. It is a harbinger of the period of romanticism in music. Instrumental works are recognized as the most significant of the entire legacy left by Ludwig van Beethoven.
The greatest composer and organist in the history of world music. is a representative of the Baroque era. Throughout his life he wrote over a thousand works, however, only about a dozen were published during his lifetime. He worked in all genres of his time with the exception of opera. He is the founder of the Bach dynasty, the most famous in music.
Composer and conductor, virtuoso violinist and organist from Austria, had an incredible musical memory and amazing hearing. Started creating with early years and excelled in all genres of music, for which he is rightfully recognized as one of the great composers of classical music in history.
Mozart’s most enigmatic and mysterious work, “Requiem,” was never completed by the author. The reason for this was sudden death at thirty-five years old. His student Franz Süssmayer completed work on the Requiem.
Great German composer, playwright, conductor and philosopher. Had a huge influence on modernism and the whole European culture at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
By order of Ludwig II of Bavaria, an opera house was built in Bayreuth according to Wagner's ideas. It was intended exclusively for the composer's works. Wagner's musical dramas are shown there to this day.
Russian composer, conductor and musical critic is one of the best melodists in the world. His creativity brought huge contribution in the development of world classics. He is a very popular composer among classical music lovers. In his works, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky successfully combined the style of Western symphonies with Russian traditions.
A great composer from Austria, and a conductor, and a violinist, and recognized by all the peoples of the world as the “King of the Waltz”. His work was devoted to light dance music and operetta. His heritage includes over five hundred waltzes, quadrilles, polkas, and also several operettas and ballets. In the nineteenth century, thanks to Strauss, the waltz gained incredible popularity in Vienna.
Italian composer, virtuoso guitarist and violinist. A very bright and unusual personality musical history, is a recognized genius in the world art of music. The entire work of this great man was shrouded in a certain mystery, thanks to Paganini himself. He discovered new things in his works that no one had previously known species violin technique. He is also one of the founders of romanticism in music.
All these great composers of classical music had a very great influence on its development and advancement. Their music, tested by time and entire generations, is in demand today, maybe even in much greater times. to a greater extent than during their lifetime. They created immortal works that continue to live and pass on to the next generations, carrying emotions and feelings that make them think about the eternal.
So, Ludwig van Beethoven has been recognized as one of the greatest composers for the third century. His works leave a deep imprint on the souls and minds of the most sophisticated listeners. A real success in its time was the premiere of the composer’s 9th symphony in D minor, in the finale of which the famous choral “Ode to Joy” sounds to a text by Schiller. One of the modern films shows a good montage of the entire symphony. Be sure to check it out!
L. van Beethoven Symphony No. 9, D minor (video editing)
Having originated as an imitation of Western models, Russian opera has made a most valuable contribution to the treasury of the entire world culture.
Having appeared in the era of the classical heyday of French, German and Italian opera, Russian opera in the 19th century not only caught up with the classical national opera schools, but also got ahead of them. It is interesting that Russian composers traditionally chose subjects of a purely folk nature for their works.
"Life for the Tsar" by Glinka
The opera “A Life for the Tsar” or “Ivan Susanin” tells about the events of 1612 - the Polish campaign of the gentry against Moscow. The author of the libretto was Baron Yegor Rosen, however, in Soviet time for ideological reasons, the editing of the libretto was entrusted to Sergei Gorodetsky. The opera premiered in Bolshoi Theater Petersburg in 1836. For a long time The role of Susanin was performed by Fyodor Chaliapin. After the revolution, “Life for the Tsar” left the Soviet stage. There were attempts to adapt the plot to the requirements of new times: this is how Susanin was accepted into the Komsomol, and the final lines sounded like “Glory, glory, Soviet system.” Thanks to Gorodetsky, when the opera was staged at the Bolshoi Theater in 1939, the “Soviet system” was replaced by the “Russian people.” Since 1945, the Bolshoi Theater has traditionally opened the season with various productions of Glinka's Ivan Susanin. The largest production of the opera abroad was perhaps realized at La Scala in Milan.
"Boris Godunov" by Mussorsky
The opera, in which the Tsar and the people are chosen as two characters, was begun by Mussorgsky in October 1868. To write the libretto, the composer used the text of Pushkin’s tragedy of the same name and materials from Karamzin’s “History of the Russian State.” The theme of the opera was the reign of Boris Godunov just before Time of Troubles" Mussorgsky completed the first edition of the opera Boris Godunov in 1869, which was presented to the theater committee of the Directorate of Imperial Theaters. However, reviewers rejected the opera, refusing to stage it due to the lack of bright female role. Mussorgsky introduced the “Polish” act into opera love line Marina Mnishek and False Dmitry. He also added a monumental scene of a popular uprising, which made the ending more spectacular. Despite all the adjustments, the opera was again rejected. It was only staged 2 years later in 1874 Mariinsky Theater. The opera premiered abroad at the Bolshoi Theater in the Paris Grand Opera on May 19, 1908.
"Queen of Spades" Tchaikovsky
The opera was completed by Tchaikovsky in the early spring of 1890 in Florence, and the first production took place in December of the same year at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. The opera was written by the composer at the request of the Imperial Theater, and for the first time Tchaikovsky refused to take the order, arguing that his refusal was due to the lack of “proper stage presence” in the plot. It’s interesting that in Pushkin’s story main character bears the surname Hermann (with two “n” at the end), and in the opera the main actor becomes a man named Herman - this is not a mistake, but an intentional author's change. In 1892, the opera was staged for the first time outside of Russia in Prague. Next - the first production in New York in 1910 and the premiere in London in 1915.
"Prince Igor" Borodin
The libretto was based on the monument ancient Russian literature"The Tale of Igor's Campaign." The idea for the plot was suggested to Borodin by critic Vladimir Stasov at one of musical evenings at Shostakovich's. The opera was created over the course of 18 years, but was never completed by the composer. After Borodin's death, work on the work was completed by Glazunov and Rimsky-Korsakov. There is an opinion that Glazunov was able to reconstruct from memory the overture of the opera he once heard in the author's performance, however, Glazunov himself denied this opinion. Despite the fact that Glazunov and Rimsky-Korsakov did most of the work, they insisted that Prince Igor was entirely an opera by Alexander Porfiryevich Borodin." The opera premiered at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg in 1890, and 9 years later it was seen by foreign audiences in Prague.
"The Golden Cockerel" by Rimsky-Korsakov
The opera "The Golden Cockerel" was written in 1908 based on the title of the same name. Pushkin's fairy tale. This opera became last job Rimsky-Korsakov. Imperial theaters they refused to stage the opera. But as soon as the viewer first saw her in 1909 in the Moscow opera house Sergei Zimin, the opera was staged at the Bolshoi Theater a month later, and then it began its triumphal march around the world: London, Paris, New York, Berlin, Wroclaw.
"Lady Macbeth Mtsensk district"Shostakovich
The idea for the opera originated with Alexander Dargomyzhsky in 1863. However, the composer doubted its success and considered the work as creative “intelligence”, “fun with Pushkin’s Don Juan.” He wrote music to Pushkin’s text “The Stone Guest” without changing a single word of it. However, heart problems did not allow the composer to complete the work. He died, asking his friends Cui and Rimsky-Korsakov to complete the work in his will. The opera was first presented to the audience in 1872 on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg. The foreign premiere took place only in 1928 in Salzburg. This opera has become one of the “founding stones”; without its knowledge it is impossible to understand not only Russian classical music, but also general culture our country.
Here is a list of 10 composers you should know. 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 the highest level 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.
Each composer is accompanied by a quotable fact of his life, remembering which you will look like an expert. And by clicking on the link to the last name, you will recognize him full biography. And of course, you can listen to one of the significant works of each master.
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, choral works. The most significant in his legacy 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 the personality of this man, who seemed to many at the beginning of his reign a real hero. But when Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor, Beethoven crossed out his dedication to title page and wrote only one word - “Heroic”.
"Moonlight Sonata" L. Beethoven, listen:
2. (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 musical art 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, listen:
3. (1756-1791)
The great Austrian composer, instrumentalist and conductor, representative of the Vienna classical school, virtuoso violinist, harpsichordist, organist, conductor, he had a phenomenal musical ear, memory and 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 (cat. chant on the text of the 50th Psalm of David) by the Italian Gregorio Allegri, having listened to it only once.
"Little Night Serenade" by W.A. Mozart, listen:
4. (1813-1883)
German composer, conductor, playwright, philosopher. Had a significant influence on European culture turn of XIX-XX 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 hide from arrest by Franz Liszt.
"Ride of the Valkyries" from R. Wagner's opera "Walkyrie", listen
5. (1840-1893)
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 D. Verdi's opera "La Traviata", listen:
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 as 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 the ballet by I.F. Stravinsky " Firebird",
listen:
8. Johann Strauss (1825-1899)
Austrian composer light music, conductor and violinist. "King of Waltzes", he worked in the genre dance music and operettas. In his musical heritage 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 famous musician, which is why the “Waltz King” is called the youngest or son; his brothers Joseph and Eduard were also famous composers.
Waltz by J. Strauss "On the Beautiful Blue Danube", listen:
9. Sergei Vasilyevich Rahmaninov (1873-1943)
Austrian composer, one of the outstanding representatives of Viennese classical music school and one of the founders of romanticism in music. For my short life Schubert made significant contributions to orchestral, chamber and piano music, which 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 "Schubertiads". Some first fan club!
"Ave Maria" by F.P.Schubert, listen:
Continuing the theme of great composers you should know, new material.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven- The greatest composer of the early 19th century. Requiem and Moonlight Sonata are immediately recognizable to anyone. Immortal works The composer has always been and will be popular because of Beethoven's unique style.
- German composer of the 18th century. Without a doubt the founder modern music. His works were based on the versatility of the harmonies of various instruments. He created the rhythm of music, which is why his works lend themselves easily to modern instrumental processing.
- The most popular and understandable Austrian composer of the late 18th century. All his works are simple and ingenious. They are very melodic and pleasant. A little serenade, a thunderstorm and many other rock-arranged compositions will have a special place in your collection.
- Austrian composer of the late 18th, early 19th centuries. Truly classical composer. The violin had a special place for Haydn. She is a soloist in almost all of the composer’s works. Very beautiful and mesmerizing music.
- Italian composer of the first half of the 18th century No. 1. National temperament and new approach to the arrangement literally blew up Europe in the mid-18th century. The "Seasons" symphonies are business card composer.
- Polish composer of the 19th century. According to some information, he is the founder of the combined genre of concert and folk music. His polonaises and mazurkas blend seamlessly with orchestral music. The only drawback in the composer's work was considered to be too soft a style (lack of strong and fiery motives).
- German composer of the late 19th century. He was spoken of as the great romantic of his time, and his “German Requiem” eclipsed other works of his contemporaries in its popularity. The style in Brahms's music is qualitatively different from the styles of other classics.
- Austrian composer of the early 19th century. One of the greatest composers unrecognized during his lifetime. Very early death at 31, she did not allow Schubert to fully develop his potential. The songs he wrote were the main source of income when the greatest symphonies were collecting dust on the shelves. It was only after the composer's death that the works were highly appreciated by critics.
- Austrian composer of the late 19th century. The founder of waltzes and marches. We say Strauss - we mean waltz, we say waltz - we mean Strauss. Johann Jr. grew up in the family of his father, a composer. Strauss the elder treated his son's works with disdain. He believed that his son was doing nonsense and therefore humiliated him in every possible way in the world. But Johann the Younger stubbornly continued to do what he loved, and the revolution and the march written by Strauss in its honor proved his son’s genius in the eyes of European high society.
- One of the greatest composers of the 19th century. Master of Opera. Verdi's Aida and Othello are extremely popular today thanks to the true talent of the Italian composer. The tragic loss of his family at the age of 27 crippled the composer, but he did not give up and delved into creativity, writing several operas at once in a short period of time. High society highly appreciated Verdi's talent and his operas were staged in the most prestigious theaters in Europe.
- Even at the age of 18, this talented Italian composer wrote several operas that became very popular. The crowning achievement of his creation was the revised play " Barber of Seville"After presenting it to the public, Gioachino was literally carried in his arms. The success was intoxicating. After this, Rossini became a welcome guest in high society and acquired a solid reputation.
- German composer of the early 18th century. One of the founders of opera and instrumental music. In addition to writing operas, Handel also wrote music for “the people,” which was very popular in those days. Hundreds of songs and dance melodies of the composer thundered on the streets and squares in those distant times.
- The Polish prince and composer is self-taught. Having no music education became famous composer. His famous polonaise is known all over the world. During the composer’s time, a revolution was taking place in Poland, and the marches he wrote became the anthems of the rebels.
- Jewish composer born in Germany. His wedding march and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" have been popular for hundreds of years. The symphonies and compositions he wrote are successfully received all over the world.
- German composer of the 19th century. His mystically anti-Semitic idea of the superiority of the Aryan race over other races was adopted by the fascists. Wagner's music is very different from the music of his predecessors. It is aimed primarily at connecting man and nature with an admixture of mysticism. His famous operas"The Rings of the Nibelungs" and "Tristan and Isolde" confirm the revolutionary spirit of the composer.
- French composer of the mid-19th century. Creator of "Carmen". From birth I was genius child and at the age of 10 he already entered the conservatory. During his short life (he died before the age of 37), he wrote dozens of operas and operettas, various orchestral works and ode-symphonies.
- Norwegian composer and lyricist. His works are simply full of melody. During his life he wrote a large number of songs, romances, suites and etudes. His composition "Cave" mountain king" is very often used in cinema and modern stage.
- American composer early 20th century - author of "Rhapsody in Blue", which is especially popular to this day. At 26, he was already Broadway's first composer. Gershwin's popularity quickly spread throughout America, thanks to numerous songs and popular shows.
- Russian composer. His opera "Boris Godunov" is the hallmark of many theaters around the world. The composer in his works relied on folklore, counting folk music- music of the soul. "Night on Bald Mountain" by Modest Petrovich is one of the ten most popular symphonic sketches in the world.
The most popular and greatest composer Russia of course is. " Swan Lake" and "Sleeping Beauty", "Slavic March" and "The Nutcracker", "Eugene Onegin" and "The Queen of Spades". These and many other masterpieces of musical art were created by our Russian composer. Tchaikovsky is the pride of Russia. "Balalaika" is known all over the world ", "Matryoshka", "Tchaikovsky"...
- Soviet composer. Stalin's favorite. Mikhail Zadornov strongly recommended listening to the opera “The Tale of a Real Man.” But mostly Sergei Sergeich’s work is serious and deep. "War and Peace", "Cinderella", "Romeo and Juliet", a lot of brilliant symphonies and works for orchestra.
- Russian composer who created his own inimitable style in music. He was a deeply religious man and a special place in his work was given to writing religious music. Rachmaninov also wrote a lot of concert music and several symphonies. His last work, “Symphonic Dances,” is recognized as the composer’s greatest work.
