Who are these guys?
Classical music has been defined by these three composers for generations. Their work created majestic sonatas, string quartets, symphonies and operas that have been played and will continued to be played for hundreds of years.
Early Classical Period - Franz Joseph Hayden (1732 - 1809). Hayden was known as "the father of the symphony" and composed 104 symphonic works. He spent the early part of his career working at various musical jobs. He was a choirist, a music teacher, a street serenader and finally a freelance composer. His main position was working for his patron, Prince Nikolaus of Hungary, for almost two decades. The patronage system, whereby composers found a Royal family member to support them while they composed, ended in the late 1700. At that time Franz Hayden was still employed by the Prince but was paid a small retainer. He spent most of his time travelling to England and died at the age of 77 in Vienna. He is best known for his symphonies "The Surprise", "The Military," "The Clock," "The Drum Roll" and "The London".
Middle Classical Period - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791). Mozart is a master that most people recognise. He was a composer, keyboard player, violinist, violist, and conductor.
Mozart was a true child prodigy. He started picking out notes on the clavier at three, was learning from his teacher at age four and composing at age five. His parents showed off his musical skills with many trips throughout Europe. Louis XV and George III had been his audience by the time he was eight. The ruler of Salzburg, Prince Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo became his patron at the age of 17. Mozart composed symphonies, sonatas, string quarters, and serenades for eight years before moving to Vienna in 1781 and staying there for the rest of his life. In Vienna Mozart was a performing pianist and learned of Bach and Handel, which began his compositions’ that imitated the Baroque style. His most well known pieces include String Quartet in D, Serenade No 13 in G, Symphony No 39 in E and Symphony No 40 in G. Plus the operas Le Nozze de Figaro, Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute.
Late Classical Period - Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827). Beethoven's work provides a bridge between the Classical and Romantic eras. Unfortunately his later career was marred by increasing deafness. He wasn't a child prodigy compared to Mozart but by the time he was eight he was studying the piano, organ, and viol. Instead of working for a church or a court noble, Beethoven paid his way from gifts and annual stipends received from members of the aristocracy, money from his subscription concerts and private lessons, as well as payments from the sale of his works. This gave him the freedom to compose what and when he decided. The deafness started around age 26 but he still managed to create many works. He did eventually develop complications from lead poisoning, which lead to his death in 1827 at the age of 57. He is best known for Moonlight Sonatas, Piano Sonata No 23, Symphony No 5 and Symphony No. 9 in D.
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