While classical music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, listening to this genre of music does have many benefits. Not only this, but there are also a significant number of fans right around the world that truly enjoy listening and potentially even playing classical music. Classical music is probably one of the oldest genres of music.
Some of the most well known and most influential classical artists worked throughout the 1600’s, 1700’s and 1800’s. You may not have heard some of the classical composer’s names, but if you hear one of their compositions you would probably recognise it. While there are a couple of artists that you probably would have heard of and their music is still influential to this day.
There are a number of different classical artists that are worthy of being on this list. So, have a read on below for more information about some of the most influential classical artists:
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1759 – 1791)
When you think of classical music Mozart is probably one of the first musicians that springs to mind and many believe him to be the best composers of Western music. He is rumored to be of a great talent at a very young age, it is believed he could play music at just 3 years old and was able to write music at the age of 5. Some of his most recognisable music includes, Elvira Madigan and The Marriage of Figaro.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)
A German composer known for his excellent pianist skills, Ludwig van Beethoven really expressed himself through his music. Although as he got older he started to lose his hearing more and more, some of his best work is said to be written in the last decade of his life. Some of his most well-known pieces of work include Symphony No. 9, Symphony No. 5 and Moonlight Sonata.
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750)
Another German composer that was extremely influential in the classical music genre. Many believed his work was old fashioned but he was such an amazing and captivating talent. Some of Johann Sebastian Bach’s best pieces of work included, Suites for Unaccompanied Cello, Brandenburg Concertos and The Well Tempered Clavier.
Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883)
Once again, another German musician that had a major influence over the classical music genre, Richard Wagner worked a lot of his career composing songs for the opera. He was a controversial figure in the classical genre, for a variety of different reasons, but his work still helped revolutionize Western music. He worked on operas including, The Flying Dutchman and Lohengrin.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 – 1893)
Writing with emotions through the Romantic period allowed Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to become one of the most well known Russian musicians. He had an influence in creating magical songs for the ballet, including The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. These are all ballets that are still performed right across the world to this day.
Claude Debussy (1862 – 1918)
You know classical music has been around of a significant amount of time when someone born in 1862 is considered to be the pioneer of modern classical music! Claude Debussy changed the way people listened to and thought of classical music. Some of Claude Debussy’s best works include La Mer, Clair de Lune and Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun.
Joseph Haydn (1732 – 1809)
His work is considered to be light and oozed sophistication. Joseph Haydn was a very important figure in developing various styles and forms for any symphony. Some of his greatest pieces of work include Emperor Quartet and Symphony No. 92 in G Major.