This man, born in Salzburg, was touring Europe by age 5. Known for his temper, he was literally kicked out of his first royal house, but would become the personal musician of Emperor Joseph II. Pieces include the Marriage of Figaro.
Mozart
This is a large group of musicians playing a variety of instruments and led by a conductor. They were first created to play music for operas, but during the classical period became the focus of musical composition.
Orchestras
This period came after the Renaissance and before the Classical. It emphasized instruments, saw the rise of orchestras and includes greats such as Handel, Vivaldi and Bach
Baroque
This musical period came after the Baroque and saw orchestras and symphonies become dominant. Well-known composers include Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven and Mozart.
The Classical Period
Josquin de Prez and Palestrina would make this style of composition popular in the Renaissance Era. It is when two or more instruments (or voices) play two or more different melodies.
Polyphony
This Classical composer was born in what is know Germany and continued composing as he lost his hearing in later life. Famous pieces include Symphony number 5, 9 and Für Elise.
Beethoven
This German Baroque composer wrote heavily religious pieces and used vocals, but brought innovations such as counterpoint and harmonic organization into orchestra pieces. Famous pieces include the Brandenburg Concertos & Ave Maria.
Johann Sebastian Bach
This Italian man was both a famous Baroque composer and violinist. At one time famous, he died in poverty and his works were rediscovered in the 19th century. Well-known pieces include the Four Seasons and Gloria.
Antonio Vivaldi
This is a long form of composition made specifically for orchestras. They became the focus of classical music composition with both Beethoven and Mozart writing famous versions.
Symphonies
This French composer was recognized for his musical talent at 10. He focused on writing sonatas for piano and other instruments as well as "symphonic sketches." Famous pieces include La Mer, Claire de Lune, and Nocturnes.
Claude Debussy
This New York native blended classical composition with Jazz and blues becoming one of the best known contemporary composers. Famous works include Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris and "Summertime."
George Gershwin
This Russian composer was one of the most influential of the Romantic Era. He was known for ballets, but also wrote symphonies and sonatas. Famous works include Swan Lake, the Nutcracker and 1812 Overture.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
