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Bach, Johann Sebastian - (1685-1750) Bach was a German organist and composer during the Baroque period. He is famous for his works such as the Well-Tempered Clavier and the Brandenburg Concertos. He is also well known as a church organist and made many contributions to the Lutheran liturgy. Bach developed a great understanding of each instrument’s distinct colors and musical capabilities. Bach’s compositions have a rhythmic, driving force that move the tempo. Baroque period - (1600-1760) The Baroque period was a time of extravagance in art, architecture and music. Composers wrote with grand expression and began to pave the way for musical meaning without text. Pieces were commissioned by either the church or aristocratic royal courts. Instrumental music grew during the Baroque period. Both musical form and style were able to develop and broaden. By the end of the 17th century, orchestras had nearly doubled in size. Beethoven, Ludwig Van - (1770-1827) Known for his improvisation and expressive music, German composer Beethoven is one of the most famous of the Classical era. He is often considered the bridge between the Classical and Romantic eras. By age 20, Beethoven had lost his hearing but continued to compose beautiful music successfully, due to his extensive background in musical form and theory. Beethoven’s most popular compositions include Symphony No. 9 (d minor) and Piano Sonata Op. 27 (Moonlight Sonata). Chopin, Frederick - (1810-1849) Chopin was an extraordinary Polish pianist and composer. Like Mozart, he was considered a child prodigy writing his first composition by age 7 and performing for royalty by age 8. Chopin used melodic invention, free improvisation and perfect harmony in his works. He is most known for his piano methods and changing the use of keyboard, which is still used today. He also established the piano as a solo instrument in the orchestral setting. His well known works include the Minute Waltz and Polonaise in A flat major, Op. 53. Classical period - (1730-1820) During the Classical period, music moved beyond the court and church to become popular entertainment for the middle class. Classical composers wrote music that was easier to understand and relate to, such as operas that ended on a light, happy note, known as comic operas. The music of this period had simpler harmony and clearer tonality. Concerto - A concerto is a musical work originating during the Baroque period. Usually of three movements, this type of composition includes a solo instrument which is accompanied by the orchestra. Ellington, Duke - (1899-1974) One of the leading figures in American Jazz, Ellington was a composer, performer and bandleader. He understood that each player of his band had a specific style, and he composed specifically for his musicians, drawing on their talents as soloists and ensemble players. Some of his memorable compositions include, “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” “In A Sentimental Mood” and “Satin Doll.” Harmony - Harmony is the combination of pitches playing simultaneously. Haydn, Franz Joseph - (1732-1809) Most remembered for his symphonic works. Haydn spent much of his life working for the wealthy Esterházy family for whom he directed a royal orchestra, composed music and taught. Haydn is known for many compositions. Some of his famous works include The Creation, Symphony No. 94 (The Surprise) and Symphony No. 101 (The Clock). Improvisation - Composing music while playing an instrument at the same time. Melody - The most recognizable part of a song; main idea/theme played by one or more instruments. Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - (1756-1791) Mozart was a child prodigy. By age 5 he had composed his first piece and was performing for royal courts and aristocratic families. Mozart is one of the most important composers in history. He has written more than 600 pieces in the 35 years of his life. Examples of his works include Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro and The Magic Flute. His life was popularized in the play and movie, Amadeus. Musical Form - The skeletal structure of a composition consisting of movements (or sections), rhythmic variation, harmonic language and instrumentation. Overture - An overture is the introduction to a larger composition. Rhythm - Rhythm is created in music by the variation of weak and strong beats which form into rhythmic patterns. Romantic Period - (1815-1910) The Romantic era was fueled by the French Revolution. The idea of individual rights, equality and brotherhood inspired all aspects of art. Music had become respected among the people of this time. Composers were now able to create extensive innovative pieces with more dramatic context and huge formal designs. The Romantics believed in allowing their imagination and passions to create their works for them. Schubert, Franz - (1797-1828) Schubert spent most of his life in Vienna, where he composed operas, symphonies, masses and quartets. His most recognizable composition may be his song “Ave Maria.” Schubert died at age 31 from typhoid fever. At the time he was composing what music historians now call, The Unfinished Symphony, which is only two movements long. Sonata - The sonata form was developed during the Baroque period and usually consists of four movements which alternate between slow and fast. Stravinsky, Igor - (1882-1971) Stravinsky was a Russian composer known for writing in complex rhythmic and harmonic style. Stravinsky’s music is inspired by different cultures, languages and literatures he experienced in his life. Examples of Stravinsky’s works include The Rite of Spring and Firebird Suite. Symphony - A symphony is an extended musical work composed for orchestra. Most are composed of four movements. Twentieth century music - (1900-present) The music of this period is often called contemporary music or modern music, and is influenced by the overlapping of styles and free interpretation of traditional harmonies and musical form. Increasing technology in the 20th century changed the way people listened to music dramatically. The invention of the radio gave listeners the opportunity to hear new styles of music from all corners of the world. Vivaldi, Antonio - (1678-1741) Vivaldi was an influential composer of instrumental music during the later part of the Baroque period. He composed more than 400 concertos, as well as numerous operas and sonatas. He is most well known for his concerto The Four Seasons. Williams, John - (1932- ) An American composer, pianist and conductor, John Williams has composed music for the popular films series Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter. Williams has been nominated and won numerous Academy and Grammy Awards. With 45 Academy Award nominations, Williams is the second most nominated person for the Oscar after Walt Disney. Bach – flickr, retrieved 7/19/10 http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/2187086138_76f2ca2650.jpg Beethoven – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Beethoven.jpg Chopin – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Image-Frederic_Chopin_photo_downsampled.jpeg Ellington – flickr, retrieved 7/19/10 http://www.flickr.com/photos/pingnews/495597639/ Haydn – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seehas-Haydn.jpg Mozart – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wolfgang-amadeus-mozart_1.jpg Schubert – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Franz_Schubert.jpg Stravinsky – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Igor_Stravinsky_Essays.jpg Vivaldi – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vivaldi1.jpg Williams – Wikimedia, retrieved 7/19/10 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Williams_tux.jpg