Uncovering Hidden Gems: Neglected Classical Composers Worth Rediscovering
Classical music is often dominated by the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, but there are many other composers worth exploring.
Ernst von Dohnanyi
Dohnanyi was a Hungarian composer who wrote symphonies, chamber music and songs. His Symphony No 1 in D major is an example of his orchestral work. The first movement is fast and energetic, with a beautiful melody sung by the violins.
“Music is not the art of playing notes, nor the art of playing well; it is the art of giving form to tone.” – Ernst von Dohnanyi
Ernst von Dohnanyi (1877-1960)
Dohnanyi was born in Budapest, Hungary. He began his musical education at age 9 and went on to study at the Liszt Academy of Music.
François Couperin
Couperin was a French composer who wrote harpsichord pieces, chamber music and orchestral works. His Pianoforte Works is an example of his orchestral work.
“The most important thing in music though it be the most difficult to explain, is the expression of feeling.” – François Couperin
François Couperin (1668-1733)
Couperin was born in Paris, France. He began his musical education at age 5 and went on to study with Jean de Lorraine.
William Boyce
Boyce was an English composer who wrote orchestral works, chamber music and sacred music. His Symphony in G major is an example of his orchestral work.
“Music should be easy; to those who understand it, it should be easy.” – William Boyce
William Boyce (1710-1779)
Boyce was born in London, England. He began his musical education at age 10 and went on to study with William Aldwell.
Alessandro Scarlatti
Scarlatti was an Italian composer who wrote harpsichord pieces, chamber music and sacred music. His Sonatas are an example of his orchestral work.
“The best music is that which sounds beautiful to the ear.” – Alessandro Scarlatti
Alessandro Scarlatti (1660–1735)
Scarlatti was born in Tesino, Italy. He began his musical education at age 3 and went on to study with Luca Giacomo Armigliano.
François Couperin
Couperin was a French composer who wrote harpsichord pieces, chamber music and orchestral works. His Pianoforte Works is an example of his orchestral work.
“The most important thing in music though it be the most difficult to explain, is the expression of feeling.” – François Couperin
François Couperin (1668-1733)
Couperin was born in Paris, France. He began his musical education at age 5 and went on to study with Jean de Lorraine.
William Boyce
Boyce was an English composer who wrote orchestral works, chamber music and sacred music. His Symphony in G major is an example of his orchestral work.
“Music should be easy; to those who understand it, it should be easy.” – William Boyce
William Boyce (1710-1779)
Boyce was born in London, England. He began his musical education at age 10 and went on to study with William Aldwell.
Alessandro Scarlatti
Scarlatti was an Italian composer who wrote harpsichord pieces, chamber music and sacred music. His Sonatas are an example of his orchestral work.
“The best music is that which sounds beautiful to the ear.” – Alessandro Scarlatti
Alessandro Scarlatti (1660–1735)
Scarlatti was born in Tesino, Italy. He began his musical education at age 3 and went on to study with Luca Giacomo Armigliano.
Sigfrid Karg-Eller
Karg-eller was a German composer who wrote orchestral works, chamber music and sacred music. His Symphony in G major is an example of his orchestral work.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Sigfrid Karg-eller
Sigfrid Karg-eller (1890–1979)
Karg-eller was born in Munich, Germany. He began his musical education at age 10 and went on to study with Wilhelm Middendorff.