8 Composers You Need to Study for a Deeper Understanding of Classical Music

Composer study is an essential part of any education, especially for those who seek to learn more about music and its history. The following list features eight composers that should be studied by anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of classical music.

1. Johann Sebastian Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach is considered one of the greatest composers in history, known for his intricate compositions and mastery of counterpoint. He was born in Germany in 1685 and spent most of his life working as a church musician. His works are still widely performed today and include famous pieces such as the Brandenburg Concertos, the Goldberg Variations, and the Mass in B Minor.

2. Ludwig van Beethoven

Ludwig van Beethoven is another composer whose works have stood the test of time. Born in Germany in 1770, he began composing at a young age and went on to create some of the most well-known pieces in classical music history. Some examples include Symphony No. 5, Moonlight Sonata, Für Elise, and Symphony No. 9 (also known as Ode to Joy).

3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Austria in 1756 and was considered a child prodigy with incredible musical talent from an early age. He composed over 600 works during his short life span before dying at only 35 years old due to illness or poisoning (the cause remains unknown). Famous compositions by him include Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music), Don Giovanni, Requiem Mass In D Minor among others.

4. Franz Joseph Haydn

Franz Joseph Haydn was another Austrian composer who lived between 1732-1809 AD when he passed away after composing hundreds of symphonies alongside other compositions like operas or string quartets during his career spanning over five decades! He had many students including Mozart himself! Some of his famous works include The Creation, Symphony No. 94 (Surprise), and Cello Concerto No.1.

5. Antonio Vivaldi

Antonio Vivaldi was an Italian composer who lived between 1678-1741 AD. He is remembered for his virtuosic violin concertos and other instrumental music that are still played to this day! His most famous work is The Four Seasons which consists of four violin concertos, each representing a season.

6. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was a Russian composer who lived between 1840-1893 AD and composed some of the world’s most popular ballets such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and Nutcracker Suite alongside other well-known compositions like Piano Concerto No.1 or Symphony No.5!

7. Johann Strauss II

Johann Strauss II was an Austrian composer known as the “Waltz King” for his numerous contributions to the genre during the mid-to-late 19th century! Some of his famous waltzes include Blue Danube, Tales from the Vienna Woods among others!

8. George Frederic Handel

George Frederic Handel was born in Germany in 1685 but spent much of his life working in England where he became one of the country’s most celebrated composers! He was best known for his operas such as Julius Caesar or Messiah which included Hallelujah Chorus among many other choral pieces that are still performed today!

In conclusion, studying these eight composers will provide anyone with a solid foundation in classical music history while also exposing them to some incredible musical works that have stood the test of time!