Classical Composers and Patrons Quiz

Classical Composers and Patrons

• Classical period spanned from 1750 to 1820
• Composers wrote instrumental music for patrons and the public
• Important composers and their notable traits and contributions are detailed below

Middle Classical

• Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809): Known as "Papa" Haydn, he established the symphony and string quartet, influencing future composers.

• Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782): Became music master for the British royal family, known for his lighter classical music style, and organizing concerts.

• Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805): An outstanding Italian cello player, known for his five-part string quintets, particularly his Spanish royal court compositions.

Late Classical

• Antonio Salieri (1750-1825): An Italian-born composer, influenced Viennese court music, and sometimes portrayed as being jealous of Mozart's talents.

• Muzio Clementi (1752-1832): One of the first piano virtuosos, known for dramatic and challenging piano sonatas (replacing the harpsichord) and competing against Mozart in a piano competition.

• Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842): Italian composer who became a leading conductor, composer, and teacher in Paris, known for varied music styles including comic and dramatic, along with French opera development.

• Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837): A gifted pianist, taught by Mozart and wrote compositions more expressive than early Classical music that inspired future composers. He was taught for a couple of years by Mozart.

• Samuel Wesley (1766-1837): Nicknamed the "English Mozart", a very talented musician who wrote mainly church music and was admired for his improvisations on the organ.

• Jan Ladislav Dussek (1760-1812): A Czech composer and virtuoso pianist, first to position the piano bench sideways for a better audience view. His music was more adventurous than Mozart's style.