Classical
Composers
Lesson 4: Music
Composers
Franz
Ludwig van
01 Joseph
Haydn
03 Beethoven
Wolfgang
02 Amadeus
Mozart
Franz Joseph Haydn
He was an Austrian composer who was known as
one of those who had developed the classical
music and established the style and form of the
string quartet and symphony.
He was also the mentor of some of the known figures in
music, such as Beethoven.
At an early age, Haydn became a singer in the choir of
St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna.
He also learned to play the violin and keyboard during
his time in the Cathedral.
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Haydn underwent lessons with Italian composer
Nicola Porpora in exchange for his assistantship to
him.
In 1761, he became a court musician at the
Esterhazy palace.
He wrote music, not only for the Esterhazy but also
for publication.
He was also commissioned by Johan Peter
Salomon, a German violist and impresario.
Haydn composed 6 symphonies and 20 smaller
compositions for Salomon.
Later on, Haydn went with Salomon to
England, where he met a number of respected
musicians who praised him for his works.
He produced 12 symphonies during his stay at
London.
Some of Haydn’s famous symphonies are Symphony
No. 94 (The Surprise), Symphony No. 100 (Military),
Symphony No. 101 (The Clock), and Symphony No.
103 (Drumroll).
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
He was an Austrian composer and artist from the
Classical Period.
He was considered as a renowned prodigy of his era
because of his exceptional musical skills and talents
that contributed in shaping classical music.
Mozart was a talented musician; he could play a large
variety of instruments.
His father, Leopold was a devoted and task-oriented
music teacher to him and his sister.
He easily and quickly showed a strong understanding of chords,
tonality, and tempo.
At the age of 6, he started performing un public.
He became a child prodigy as he performed in Paris, London,
The Hague, and Zurich.
He then joined a variety of European venues and patrons.
He composed 600 works that included sonatas, symphonies,
masses, chamber music, piano music, operatic music, choral
music, concertos, and operas.
One important anecdote that showed Mozart’s notable
inclination to music focused on the time he heard Gregorio
Allegri’s Miserere being performed in the Sistine chapel.
In Italy, Mozart was appointed as the assistant concertmaster by
the archbishop.
This became an opportunity for him to compose symphonies,
string quartets, sonatas, serenades, and a few operas.
The music of Mozart is defined by a simple texture called
homophonic music, which has become the distinct characteristic
of classical music.
The fact that his works have shown the mastery of creating mood,
drama, and atmosphere became one of his most important
contributions to music.
Mozart’s music can also be identified with clarity, balance, and
transparency.
Some of Mozart’s famous works are the Serenade No. 13 (Eine
Kleine Nacht-Musik), Symphony No. 40 1st Movement “Allegro”,
and Overture to the Marriage of Figaro”.
Ludwig van Beethoven
He was a German composer and pianist
during the transition period between
Classical and Roman eras.
He discovered and widened the scope of
sonata, symphony, concerto, quartet,
and combined vocals and instruments in
an innovative and creative way.
Although Beethoven struggled with his fast progressing deafness, he was still
able to compose various musical composition.
He composed an opera entitled Fidelio, four solo concerti, five string quartets, six
string sonatas, five sets of piano variations, four overtures, four trios, two sextets,
and 72 songs.
Beethoven’s musical skills and talents helped him gain many patrons from the
Viennese aristocracy, who provided him with lodging and funds.
Beethoven is considered as one of the greatest composers of all time.
Some of his famous works are the Symphonies No. 3-8, Moonlight Sonata,
Kreutzer, The Pastoral, Spring, Fidelio, and Fur Elise.
Reference:
Jimenez, R. and Angelita Perez, M.A. et al 2018.
Upscale MAPEH 9: Brilliant Creations Publishing,
Inc.
