The most popular composer in the world. The most famous composers in the world. V.F. Odoevsky described the opera as “a new element in Art, and a new period begins in its history - the period of Russian music”

The melodies and songs of the Russian people inspired the work of famous composers of the second half of the 19th century century. Among them were P.I. Tchaikovsky, M.P. Mussorgsky, M.I. Glinka and A.P. Borodin. Their traditions were continued by a whole galaxy of outstanding musical figures. Russian composers of the 20th century are still popular.

Alexander Nikolaevich Scriabin

Creativity of A.N. Scriabin (1872 - 1915), a Russian composer and talented pianist, teacher, and innovator, cannot leave anyone indifferent. In his original and impulsive music, mystical moments are sometimes heard. The composer is attracted and attracted by the image of fire. Even in the titles of his works, Scriabin often repeats words such as fire and light. He tried to find the possibility of combining sound and light in his works.

The composer's father, Nikolai Alexandrovich Scriabin, was a famous Russian diplomat and active state councilor. Mother - Lyubov Petrovna Skryabina (nee Shchetinina), was known as a very talented pianist. She graduated with honors from the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Her professional activity began successfully, but soon after the birth of her son she died of consumption. In 1878, Nikolai Alexandrovich completed his studies and received an appointment to the Russian embassy in Constantinople. The future composer's upbringing was continued by his close relatives - his grandmother Elizaveta Ivanovna, her sister Maria Ivanovna and his father's sister Lyubov Alexandrovna.

Despite the fact that at the age of five Scriabin mastered playing the piano, and a little later began to study musical compositions, according to family tradition, received military education. He graduated from the 2nd Moscow Cadet Corps. At the same time, he took private lessons in piano and music theory. Later he entered the Moscow Conservatory and graduated with a small gold medal.

At the beginning of its creative activity Scriabin consciously followed Chopin and chose the same genres. However, even at that time his own talent had already emerged. At the beginning of the 20th century, he wrote three symphonies, then “Poem of Ecstasy” (1907) and “Prometheus” (1910). It is interesting that the composer supplemented the score of “Prometheus” with a light keyboard part. He was the first to use light music, the purpose of which is characterized by revealing music by the method of visual perception.

The composer's accidental death interrupted his work. He never realized his plan to create “Mystery” - a symphony of sounds, colors, movements, smells. In this work, Scriabin wanted to tell all humanity his innermost thoughts and inspire him to create a new world, marked by the union of the Universal Spirit and Matter. His most significant works were only the preface to this grandiose project.

Famous Russian composer, pianist, conductor S.V. Rachmaninov (1873 - 1943) was born into a wealthy noble family. Rachmaninov's grandfather was professional musician. His first piano lessons were given to him by his mother, and later they invited music teacher A.D. Ornatskaya. In 1885, his parents sent him to a private boarding school with the professor of the Moscow Conservatory N.S. Zverev. Order and discipline in educational institution had a significant influence on the formation of the future character of the composer. He later graduated from the Moscow Conservatory with a gold medal. While still a student, Rachmaninov was very popular among the Moscow public. He has already created his “First Piano Concerto”, as well as some other romances and plays. And his “Prelude in C sharp minor” became a very popular composition. Great P.I. Tchaikovsky drew attention to graduation work Sergei Rachmaninov - the opera “Oleko”, which he wrote under the impression of the poem by A.S. Pushkin "Gypsies". Pyotr Ilyich achieved its production in Bolshoi Theater, tried to help with the inclusion of this work in the theater’s repertoire, but unexpectedly died.

From the age of twenty, Rachmaninov taught at several institutes and gave private lessons. By invitation famous philanthropist, theatrical and musical figure Savva Mamontov, at the age of 24 the composer became the second conductor of the Moscow Russian Private Opera. There he became friends with F.I. Chaliapin.

Rachmaninov's career was interrupted on March 15, 1897 due to the non-acceptance of his innovative First Symphony by the St. Petersburg public. Reviews of this work were truly devastating. But the composer’s biggest disappointment was the negative review left by N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov, whose opinion Rachmaninov greatly valued. After this, he fell into a prolonged depression, which he managed to get out of with the help of hypnotist N.V. Dalia.

In 1901, Rachmaninov completed work on the Second Piano Concerto. And from this moment his active creative activity as a composer and pianist began. Rachmaninoff's unique style united Russians church hymns, romanticism and impressionism. He considered melody to be the main leading principle in music. This found its greatest expression in the author’s favorite work, the poem “Bells,” which he wrote for orchestra, choir and soloists.

At the end of 1917, Rachmaninov and his family left Russia, worked in Europe, and then went to America. The composer had a hard time with the break with his homeland. During the Great Patriotic War he gave charity concerts, the proceeds from which were sent to the Red Army Fund.

Stravinsky's music is distinguished by its stylistic diversity. At the very beginning of his creative activity, it was based on Russian musical traditions. And then in the works one can hear the influence of neoclassicism, characteristic of the music of France of that period and dodecaphony.

Igor Stravinsky was born in Oranienbaum (now the city of Lomonosov), in 1882. The father of the future composer Fyodor Ignatievich is a famous Opera singer, one of the soloists Mariinsky Theater. His mother was pianist and singer Anna Kirillovna Kholodovskaya. From the age of nine, teachers taught him piano lessons. After graduating from high school, at the request of his parents, he entered the law faculty of the university. For two years, from 1904 to 1906, he took lessons from N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov, under whose guidance he wrote his first works - a scherzo, a piano sonata, and the suite “Faun and Shepherdess”. Sergei Diaghilev highly appreciated the composer's talent and offered him cooperation. The result collaboration There were three ballets (staged by S. Diaghilev) - “The Firebird”, “Petrushka”, “The Rite of Spring”.

Shortly before the First World War, the composer left for Switzerland, then to France. In his work comes new period. He studies music XVIII styles century, writes the opera “Oedipus the King” and music for the ballet “Apollo Musagete”. His author's handwriting changed several times over time. The composer lived in the USA for many years. His last famous work"Requiem". A special feature of the composer Stravinsky is the ability to constantly change styles, genres and musical directions.

Composer Prokofiev was born in 1891 in a small village in the Yekaterinoslav province. The world of music was opened to him by his mother, a good pianist who often performed works by Chopin and Beethoven. She became a real musical mentor for her son and, in addition, taught him German and French.

At the beginning of 1900, young Prokofiev managed to attend the ballet “The Sleeping Beauty” and listen to the operas “Faust” and “Prince Igor”. The impression received from the performances of Moscow theaters was expressed in own creativity. He writes the opera "The Giant" and then the overture to "Desert Shores". The parents soon realize that they cannot continue teaching their son music. Soon the aspiring composer, at the age of eleven, was introduced to the famous Russian composer and teacher S.I. Taneyev, who personally asked R.M. Gliera to study musical composition with Sergei. S. Prokofiev passed the entrance exams to the St. Petersburg Conservatory at the age of 13. At the beginning of his career, the composer toured and performed a lot. However, his work caused misunderstanding among the public. This was due to the features of the works, which were expressed in the following:

• modernist style;
• destruction of established musical canons;
• extravagance and ingenuity of compositional techniques

In 1918, S. Prokofiev left and returned only in 1936. Already in the USSR, he wrote music for films, operas, and ballets. But after he was accused, along with a number of other composers, of “formalism”, he practically moved to live in the country, but continued to write musical works. His opera “War and Peace”, ballets “Romeo and Juliet”, “Cinderella” have become the property of world culture.

Russian composers of the 20th century, who lived at the turn of the century, not only preserved the traditions previous generation creative intelligentsia, but also created their own, unique art, for which the works of P.I. remained as models. Tchaikovsky, M.I. Glinka, N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov.

The World's Greatest Composers of All Time: Lists in Chronological and Alphabetical Order, Reference Books and Works

100 Great Composers of the World

List of composers in chronological order

1. Josquin Despres (1450 –1521)
2. Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525 –1594)
3. Claudio Monteverdi (1567 –1643)
4. Heinrich Schütz (1585 –1672)
5. Jean Baptiste Lully (1632 –1687)
6. Henry Purcell (1658 –1695)
7. Arcangelo Corelli (1653 –1713)
8. Antonio Vivaldi (1678 –1741)
9. Jean Philippe Rameau (1683 –1764)
10. George Handel (1685 –1759)
11. Domenico Scarlatti (1685 –1757)
12. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 –1750)
13. Christoph Willibald Gluck (1713 –1787)
14. Joseph Haydn (1732 –1809)
15. Antonio Salieri (1750 –1825)
16. Dmitry Stepanovich Bortnyansky (1751 –1825)
17. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 –1791)
18. Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 –1826)
19. Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778 –1837)
20. Nicollo Paganini (1782 –1840)
21. Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791 –1864)
22. Carl Maria von Weber (1786 –1826)
23. Gioachino Rossini (1792 –1868)
24. Franz Schubert (1797 –1828)
25. Gaetano Donizetti (1797 –1848)
26. Vincenzo Bellini (1801 –1835)
27. Hector Berlioz (1803 –1869)
28. Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka (1804 –1857)
29. Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809 –1847)
30. Fryderyk Chopin (1810 –1849)
31. Robert Schumann (1810 –1856)
32. Alexander Sergeevich Dargomyzhsky (1813 –1869)
33. Franz Liszt (1811 –1886)
34. Richard Wagner (1813 –1883)
35. Giuseppe Verdi (1813 –1901)
36. Charles Gounod (1818 –1893)
37. Stanislav Moniuszko (1819 –1872)
38. Jacques Offenbach (1819 –1880)
39. Alexander Nikolaevich Serov (1820 –1871)
40. Cesar Frank (1822 –1890)
41. Bedřich Smetana (1824 –1884)
42. Anton Bruckner (1824 –1896)
43. Johann Strauss (1825 –1899)
44. Anton Grigorievich Rubinstein (1829 –1894)
45. Johannes Brahms (1833 –1897)
46. ​​Alexander Porfirievich Borodin (1833 –1887)
47. Camille Saint-Saens (1835 –1921)
48. Leo Delibes (1836 –1891)
49. Mily Alekseevich Balakirev (1837 –1910)
50. Georges Bizet (1838 –1875)
51. Modest Petrovich Mussorgsky (1839 –1881)
52. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 –1893)
53. Antonin Dvorak (1841 –1904)
54. Jules Massenet (1842 –1912)
55. Edvard Grieg (1843 –1907)
56. Nikolai Andreevich Rimsky-Korsakov (1844 –1908)
57. Gabriel Fauré (1845 –1924)
58. Leos Janacek (1854 –1928)
59. Anatoly Konstantinovich Lyadov (1855 –1914)
60. Sergei Ivanovich Taneyev (1856 –1915)
61. Ruggero Leoncavallo (1857 –1919)
62. Giacomo Puccini (1858 –1924)
63. Hugo Wolf (1860 –1903)
64. Gustav Mahler (1860 –1911)
65. Claude Debussy (1862 –1918)
66. Richard Strauss (1864 –1949)
67. Alexander Tikhonovich Grechaninov (1864 –1956)
68. Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov (1865 –1936)
69. Jean Sibelius (1865 –1957)
70. Franz Lehár (1870 –1945)
71. Alexander Nikolaevich Scriabin (1872 –1915)
72. Sergei Vasilievich Rachmaninov (1873 –1943)
73. Arnold Schoenberg (1874 –1951)
74. Maurice Ravel (1875 –1937)
75. Nikolai Karlovich Medtner (1880 –1951)
76. Bela Bartok (1881 –1945)
77. Nikolai Yakovlevich Myaskovsky (1881 –1950)
78. Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky (1882 –1971)
79. Anton Webern (1883 –1945)
80. Imre Kalman (1882 –1953)
81. Alban Berg (1885 –1935)
82. Sergei Sergeevich Prokofiev (1891 –1953)
83. Arthur Honegger (1892 –1955)
84. Darius Milhaud (1892 –1974)
85. Carl Orff (1895 –1982)
86. Paul Hindemith (1895 –1963)
87. George Gershwin (1898 –1937)
88. Isaac Osipovich Dunaevsky (1900 –1955)
89. Aram Ilyich Khachaturian (1903 –1978)
90. Dmitry Dmitrievich Shostakovich (1906 –1975)
91. Tikhon Nikolaevich Khrennikov (born in 1913)
92. Benjamin Britten (1913 –1976)
93. Georgy Vasilievich Sviridov (1915 –1998)
94. Leonard Bernstein (1918 –1990)
95. Rodion Konstantinovich Shchedrin (born in 1932)
96. Krzysztof Penderecki (born 1933)
97. Alfred Garievich Schnittke (1934 –1998)
98. Bob Dylan (b. 1941)
99. John Lennon (1940–1980) and Paul McCartney (b. 1942)
100. Sting (born 1951)

MASTERPIECES OF CLASSICAL MUSIC

The most famous composers in the world

List of composers in alphabetical order

Listen to something from the classics - what could be better?! Especially on weekends, when you want to relax, forget about the worries of the day, the worries of the work week, dream about beautiful things, and just lift your spirits. Just think about it, classical works were created by brilliant authors so long ago that it’s hard to believe that something can survive so many years. And these works are still loved and listened to, arrangements and modern interpretations are created. Even in modern processing, works brilliant composers remain classical music. As he admits Vanessa Mae, classical works are ingenious, and everything ingenious cannot be boring. Probably all great composers have a special ear, a special sensitivity to tone and melody, which allowed them to create music that is enjoyed by dozens of generations not only of their compatriots, but also of fans classical music worldwide. If you still doubt whether you love classical music, then you need to meet Benjamin Zander and you will see that in fact, you are already a long-time fan of beautiful music.

And today we will talk about the 10 most famous composers in the world.

Johann Sebastian Bach

First place deservedly belongs Johann Sebastian Bach. A genius was born in Germany. 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 connected different musical styles, with whom he became acquainted throughout his life. Often musical romanticism combined with the Baroque style. In life Johann Bach As a composer he did not receive the recognition he deserved, 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 music Bach gloomy and gloomy. His music is rather fundamental and thorough, restrained and focused. Like the reflections of a mature, world-wise person. Creation Bach influenced many composers. Some of them took cues from his works or used themes from them. And musicians all over the world play music Bach, admiring her beauty and perfection. One of the most sensational works - "Brandenburg Concerts"- excellent proof that music Bach can't be considered too gloomy:

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 14 years old Mozart- a recognized composer, and at the age of 15 - a member of the music academies of Bologna and Verona. By nature he had a phenomenal musical ear, memory and 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 new model, reflecting the new individuality of music. It is no coincidence that in Germany music Mozart 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. Operas Mozart- an era in the development of this type of musical art. Mozart 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 in all highest success. 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 immortal works Beethoven you will hear the struggle for freedom and brotherhood of people, the 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 his life - the ear disease developed into complete deafness, but despite this, the composer continued to write music. He was also considered one of the the best pianists. Music Beethoven Surprisingly simple and understandable to the widest circles of listeners. Generations and even eras change, and music Beethoven still excites and delights the hearts of people. One of his best works - "Moonlight Sonata":

Richard Wagner

With the name of the great Richard Wagner most often associated with his masterpieces "Wedding Choir" or "Ride of the Valkyries". But he is known not only as a composer, but also as a philosopher. Wagner considered his musical works as a way of expressing a certain philosophical concept. WITH Wagner a new one has begun musical era oper. The composer tried to bring opera closer to life; music for him is 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 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). In life Richard Wagner was considered a controversial person, 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. Wonderful music from the very first notes Richard Wagner absorbs you completely, leaving no room for disputes and disagreements:

Franz Schubert

Austrian composer Franz Schubert - 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. For my 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 in the top 10. Although creativity Schubert very diverse in the use of genres, ideas and reincarnations, the predominant and defining thing in his music is vocal and song lyrics. Before Schubert the 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 very short life, only 31 years old. The fate of the composer's works is no less tragic than his life. After death Schubert 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 throughout for long 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 Franz Schubert - "Evening Serenade":

Robert Schumann

With an equally tragic fate German composer Robert Schumann- one of best composers romantic era. He created music of amazing beauty. To get an idea of ​​German romanticism of the 19th century century, just listen "Carnival" Robert Schumann. He was able to break free from the musical traditions of the classical era, creating his own interpretation romantic style. Robert Schumann was gifted with many talents, and even for a long time 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 the main calling and passion Schumann there 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 the masterpieces Robert Schumann, which 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 their creativity Chopin more than once he glorifies his homeland, admires the beauty of the landscapes, laments the tragic past, dreams of a great future. Frederic Chopin- one of the few composers who wrote music exclusively for piano. In his creative heritage there are no operas or symphonies, but piano pieces presented in all their diversity. Works Chopin- 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, G minor".

What would our life be like without music? For many years, people have asked themselves this question and come to the conclusion that without the beautiful sounds of music, the world would be a very different place. Music helps us feel joy more fully, find our inner self and cope with difficulties. Composers, working on their works, were inspired by a variety of things: love, nature, war, happiness, sadness and much more. Some of the ones they created musical compositions, will forever remain in the hearts and memories of people. Here is a list of the ten greatest and talented composers during all this time. Under each composer you will find a link to one of his most famous works.

10 PHOTO (VIDEO)

Franz Peter Schubert was an Austrian composer who lived only 32 years, but his music will live on for a very long time. Schubert wrote nine symphonies, about 600 vocal compositions, and a large number of chamber and solo piano music.

"Evening Serenade"

German composer and pianist, author of two serenades, four symphonies, as well as concerts for violin, piano and cello. He performed at concerts from the age of ten, performing for the first time with solo concert at 14 years old. During his lifetime, he gained popularity primarily due to the waltzes and Hungarian dances he wrote.

"Hungarian Dance No. 5".

George Frideric Handel is a German and English composer of the Baroque era, he wrote about 40 operas, many organ concerts, and chamber music. Handel's music was played at the coronation English kings, since 973, it has been played at royal wedding ceremonies and is even used as the anthem of the UEFA Champions League (with a small arrangement).

"Music on the water"

Joseph Haydn is a famous and prolific Austrian composer of the classical era, he is called the father of the symphony, as he made significant contributions to the development of this musical genre. Joseph Haydn is the author of 104 symphonies, 50 piano sonatas, 24 operas and 36 concertos

"Symphony No. 45".

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is the most famous Russian composer, author of more than 80 works, including 10 operas, 3 ballets and 7 symphonies. He was very popular and known as a composer during his lifetime, and performed in Russia and abroad as a conductor.

"Waltz of the Flowers" from the ballet "The Nutcracker".

Frédéric François Chopin is a Polish composer who is also considered one of the best pianists of all time. He wrote a lot musical works for piano, including 3 sonatas and 17 waltzes.

"Rain waltz".

Venetian composer and virtuoso violinist Antonio Lucio Vivaldi is the author of more than 500 concertos and 90 operas. He had a huge influence on the development of Italian and world violin art.

"Elf Song".

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is an Austrian composer who amazed the world with his talent with early childhood. Already at the age of five, Mozart was composing short plays. In total, he wrote 626 works, including 50 symphonies and 55 concertos. 9.Beethoven 10.Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and organist of the Baroque era, known as a master of polyphony. He is the author of more than 1000 works, which include almost all significant genres of that time.

"Musical joke"

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 are the most famous composers classical music, 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 in it women's parties“Virtues” and one male, personifying the Devil. The music of Saint Hildegard greatly influenced Renaissance composers.

Guillaume Dufay

The illegitimate son of a priest was raised at the cathedral from childhood French city 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 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 the 16th century in Italy. To him, humanity owes the creation of the phenomenon known as polyphonic singing for Catholic worship.

Thanks to Giannetto, the Council of Trent carried out reforms 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 Times and Peoples.” 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 XIX-XX centuries, they have repeatedly 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 older colleague, called him " true father harmony", and famous philosopher Georg Hegel - "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 XVIII And early XIX 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 belongs to the geniuses whose musical talent manifested itself in 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 vocal art, 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 tastes common people. However subsequent generations many of his works were recognized 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 his contemporary musical genres. However, he is best known instrumental works, including his overtures, symphonies, sonatas and several concertos for violin and piano.

One of the most often performed works The composer’s work 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 Germany XIX century" 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 Waltz King Johann Strauss certainly deserves to be included among the people who made the greatest contribution to the development of musical culture humanity.

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 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

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.

Dvorek'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 opera 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 best works 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 siege of Leningrad, the whole world was shocked by the premiere performance of " Leningrad Symphony"by the composer. 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, which put him on a par with the most famous composers of the twentieth 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 minimalist style, and also successfully combines classics with others musical directions. To a wide circle For music lovers, Einaudi is known 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 now, 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.