Composers

Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) was a pioneering French Romantic composer whose works greatly influenced the development of orchestration and musical form in the 19th century. Born in La Côte-Saint-André, near Grenoble, France, Berlioz showed early musical talent despite initial opposition from his father, who wanted him to study medicine. He eventually…
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Ilayaraja, born Gnanathesikan Rasaiya on June 2, 1943, in Pannaipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, is a renowned Indian composer, conductor-arranger, singer, and songwriter. He is often hailed as one of the greatest music composers in the Indian film industry, particularly in South Indian cinema. Ilayaraja’s musical journey began at a young…
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Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was a Russian-born composer, conductor, and pianist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century classical music. He gained international acclaim for his pioneering works that broke traditional musical boundaries, embracing a diverse range of styles and techniques. Stravinsky’s early compositions, like “The Firebird”…
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Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was a German composer and pianist who is considered one of the leading figures of the Romantic era in classical music. Born in Hamburg, Brahms displayed remarkable musical talent from an early age and became known for his compositions that blend classical forms with emotional depth and…
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Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706) was a German composer and organist known for his contributions to Baroque music. Born in Nuremberg, he emerged as a notable figure during the Baroque era, leaving a lasting impact on music history. Pachelbel’s compositions spanned various genres, with a strong emphasis on keyboard music and sacred…
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Johann Strauss II (1825–1899), often referred to as the “Waltz King,” was an Austrian composer and conductor renowned for his captivating waltzes and light-hearted compositions. Born in Vienna, he hailed from a musical family, with his father being a well-known composer as well. Strauss gained widespread acclaim for his dance…
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Johann Sebastian Bach, a towering figure in Western classical music, was a German composer, musician, and organist of the Baroque era. Born on March 31, 1685, in Eisenach, Germany, he came from a family of musicians and demonstrated prodigious musical talent from an early age. Bach’s contributions to music are…
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Josquin des Prez (c. 1450-1521) was a renowned Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance period, considered one of the most influential and skilled composers of his time. His exact birthdate remains uncertain, but he is believed to have been born in the region that is now modern-day Belgium. Josquin’s musical contributions…
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Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) was an Austrian composer and one of the most significant figures of the Classical period. Often referred to as the “Father of the Symphony” and the “Father of the String Quartet,” Haydn’s musical innovations and contributions had a profound impact on the development of classical music. Born…
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Jonathan Larson (1960–1996) was an American composer, lyricist, and playwright best known for his groundbreaking musical “Rent.” Born on February 4, 1960, in White Plains, New York, Larson showed an early interest in music and theater. He attended Adelphi University and later pursued a master’s degree in theater from New…
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