Named Artists/Composers

Named Artists/Composers

Ludwig van Beethoven

  • Known as the bridge between classical and romantic periods of music history.
  • Famous works include the Symphony No. 9, Moonlight Sonata, and Für Elise.
  • Known for his dramatic use of dynamics and tempo changes.
  • Despite his progressive hearing loss, he continued to compose till his death.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  • Considered a prodigy; composed over 600 works.
  • Played a significant role in popularising the classical style.
  • Known for his symphonies - his 40th Symphony in G minor being a popular one.
  • Used varying dynamics in his compositions to express different emotions.

Johann Sebastian Bach

  • His work, particularly fugues and cantatas underpins much of musical structure of the Western Classical tradition.
  • Known for his mastery of counterpoint (layering independent lines).
  • Compositions considered iconic include the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations.
  • His music was important in the Baroque period and continues to influence contemporary compositions.

Frédéric Chopin

  • Primarily a composer for the piano.
  • His music is nuanced with emotional depth and complexity.
  • Known for his Ballades and Nocturnes.
  • Has greatly influenced the Romantic period of music.

Josef Haydn

  • Often called the “father of the symphony” and the “father of the string quartet”.
  • His works, such as the ‘Surprise’ Symphony and ‘The Joke’ Quartet, are known for their structural innovation.
  • He had a significant influence on the development of the Classical period of music.

Stravinsky

  • Known for his contribution to the development and maturation of twentieth-century classical music.
  • His works like ‘The Rite of Spring’ and ‘Petrushka’ are noted for their innovative use of rhythm and dissonance.
  • He experimented with multiple styles; primitivism, neo-classicism, and serialism among others.

Steve Reich

  • An important figure in minimalist music.
  • Known for his use of phasing and tape loops.
  • His composition ‘Music for 18 Musicians’ is considered a landmark piece.

Patricia Alessandrini

  • A contemporary composer noted for her experimental and expressive use of electronic music.
  • Her works are often interactive, combining performers, electronics and visuals.
  • Noted for her innovative installation pieces.