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.
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
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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
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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.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," "Così 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 "Tannhäuser," "Der Ring des Nibelungen," "Tristan und Isolde" and "Parsifal."
