Largely different from Baroque music which was mostly flamboyant, new music

styles during the Classical period had simpler harmony and clearer tonality. Here are
several notable composers of this period or those whose works represent Classical
music:
1. Ludwig van Beethoven

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One of the great composers of the Classical period. He became deaf in his 20s
(some books say in his 30s) but continued to compose music that is still much
appreciated to this day. He wrote "Symphony No. 2, op. 36 (D Major)," Symphony
No. 3 Eroica, op. 55 (E flat Major)," "Symphony No. 4, op. 60 (B flat Major)" and
other great masterpieces when he was almost completely deaf.
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2. Johannes Brahms

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At seven years old, Brahms learned how to play the piano under the instruction of
Otto Friedrich Willibald Cossel. He furthered his studies of theory and composition
under Eduard Marxen. Brahms became friends with the Schumanns and supposedly
fell in love with Clara Schumann, Robert Schumann's wife.
3. Francesco Cavalli

One of the most influential Italian opera composers during the 17th century. Among
his famous works are: Didone (1641), Egisto (1646), Erismena and L'Ormindo.
4. Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin

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A child prodigy and music genius. Among his most famous compositions are:
"Polonaises in G minor and B flat major 9" (which he composed when he was 7
years old), "Variations, op. 2 on a theme from Don Juan by Mozart," "Ballade in F
major" and "Sonata in C minor."
5. Antonin Dvorak
A conductor, teacher and composer whose works reflected different influences; from
American folk tunes to Brahms' works. His most famous work is the Ninth Symphony
from the "New World Symphony."
6. Christoph Willibald Gluck

from Wikiemedia Commons

A composer during the Classical period especially known for his operas and for
reforming the operatic styles of that era. He came from a family of foresters but
Gluck's true passion was music. When he was about 13 years old, he left home,
perhaps to avoid the family profession. His most successful works include his
"reform operas" with Ranieri Calzabigi namely "Orfeo ed Euridice" and "Alceste."
7. Franz Joseph Haydn

Public Domian Portrait (Source: www.vanslageren.nl)

As a young boy, Haydn possessed a very beautiful voice and spent most of his time
singing in church choirs. As he matured he focused his talents on composing,
steadily making a name for himself and earning quite well. Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart was a good friend of Haydn, in fact, Mozart's Requiem was performed at
Haydn's funeral.
8. Gustav Mahler
Mahler is known for his songs, cantatas and symphonies which he wrote in several
keys. Some of his works require a huge orchestra; for example, the "Eighth
Symphony in E flat" also called the Symphony of A Thousand.
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9. William Mason
Mason came from a music-loving family, although at first his father wanted him to
become a clergyman. He was the third son of Lowell Mason, considered as the
"Father of American church music." His brother, Henry Mason, was one of the
founders of the Mason & Hamlin Company.
10. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

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At the age of 5, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart already wrote a miniature allegro (K. 1b)
and andante (K. 1a). He was sickly as a child and died at the young age of 35. Yet,
his over 600 compositions still influence countless musicians and listeners to this
day. Among his famous works are "Symphony No. 35 Haffner, K. 385 - D Major,"
"Cos fan tutte, K. 588" and "Requiem Mass, K. 626 - d minor."
11. Johann Pachelbel
A German composer and well-respected organ teacher. He was a friend of the Bach
family and was even asked by Johann Ambrosius Bach to be Johanna Juditha's

godfather. He also taught other members of the Bach family, including Johann
Christoph. Pachelbel's most famous work in undoubtedly the "Canon in D Major."
12. Richard Wagner

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A German composer and librettist famous for his operas. Among his famous works
are the operas "Tannhuser," "Der Ring des Nibelungen," "Tristan und Isolde" and
"Parsifal."