Biography and works of any composer. Famous musicians: Prokofiev Sergei Sergeevich

Many people love music, some practice it, and a select few are given the talent of a musician. In fact, it is customary to call musicians not only those who play any musical instrument, but also vocalists and composers. In principle, the term “musician” applies to any person involved in music.

So, musicians can be amateurs or professionals. The first ones make music for the soul, for themselves or a narrow circle of people. Professional musicians make music for a living.

History of the musician's profession

The profession of a musician is as ancient as music itself. With the advent of the first musical instruments, the first musicians appeared. They were in charge actors in ritual dancing and singing, ritual traditions, religious events. Since all these moments played important role in the life of ancient peoples, the role of the musician was very honorable.

The role of musicians was often filled by monks and other church officials, since the development of music was centered around Christian religion(in Europe). At the same time, there were wandering musicians, for whom music was often the main activity in life. In addition, music in their mouths turned into an ideological weapon that conveyed ideas and sentiments to a wide audience.

The role of the musician's profession in modern society

On the one hand, music is entertainment. We have radio and television, CDs and concerts at our disposal - the volume of musical material is enormous. But at the same time, music can perform educational and even ideological tasks. Therefore, the profession of a musician is very responsible; in his hands is a weapon capable of controlling not only the moods, but also the ideas of a large number of people. A musician is a teacher: they listen to him, his work influences the minds and aspirations of people.

A good musician is one who not only professionally composes or performs musical works. This is a person who knows how to express thoughts and ideas through music, convey moods, and evoke emotions.

Requirements for the profession of musician

We should not forget that music is first and foremost an art, which means that a musician is a creative profession. Creative people are special, they are difficult to manage and it is almost impossible to demand anything from them. Therefore, there are no criteria as such for the profession of a musician. First of all, to become a good musician you need to have talent, an innate ability to play music. It is difficult to be a musician without good hearing and voice.

But any talent needs to be developed. Only exceptionally gifted individuals manage to independently grow into professional musicians.

There are plenty of ways to get a music education - from music clubs and individual lessons with a tutor up to a three-stage system music education, including music schools, specialized schools and specialized institutes. This is a sure way to systematize knowledge, improve skills and constantly grow professionally.

Unfortunately, even the most better education does not guarantee the success and popularity of a musician. Main risk This profession is in danger of remaining unclaimed. The fame of a musician is a phenomenon that is difficult to explain and does not depend on any specific factors. You need to be born a musician, you need to sincerely love this profession and devote yourself entirely to it, have a special charisma and carry an interesting and necessary urge to the public - this is the only way to realize yourself in such a multifaceted and interesting profession as a musician.

Here is a list of 10 composers you should know. Of each of them it can be said with certainty that he is the greatest composer who ever lived, although in fact it is impossible, and indeed impossible, to compare music written over several centuries. However, all of these composers stand out among their contemporaries as composers who composed music the highest level and strived to push the boundaries classical music to new limits. The list does not contain any order, such as importance or personal preference. Just 10 great composers you should know.

Each composer is accompanied by a quotable fact of his life, remembering which you will look like an expert. And by clicking on the link to the last name, you will recognize him full biography. And of course, you can listen to one of the significant works of each master.

The most important figure in world classical music. One of the most performed and respected composers in the world. He created in all genres that existed in his time, including opera, ballet, music for dramatic performances, and choral works. The most significant in his legacy are considered instrumental works: piano, violin and cello sonatas, concertos for piano, violin, quartets, overtures, symphonies. The founder of the romantic period in classical music.

Interesting fact.

Beethoven first wanted to dedicate his third symphony (1804) to Napoleon; the composer was captivated by the personality of this man, who seemed to many at the beginning of his reign a real hero. But when Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor, Beethoven crossed out his dedication to title page and wrote only one word - “Heroic”.

"Moonlight Sonata" L. Beethoven, listen:

2. (1685-1750)

German composer and organist, representative of the Baroque era. One of the greatest composers in the history of music. During his life, Bach wrote more than 1000 works. His work represents all the significant genres of that time, except opera; he summarized the achievements musical art Baroque period. The founder of the most famous musical dynasty.

Interesting fact.

During his lifetime, Bach was so underrated that less than a dozen of his works were published.

Toccata and Fugue in D minor by J. S. Bach, listen:

3. (1756-1791)

The great Austrian composer, instrumentalist and conductor, representative of the Vienna classical school, virtuoso violinist, harpsichordist, organist, conductor, he had a phenomenal musical ear, memory and ability to improvise. As a composer who excelled in any genre, he is rightfully considered one of the greatest composers in the history of classical music.

Interesting fact.

While still a child, Mozart memorized and recorded the Miserere (cat. chant on the text of the 50th Psalm of David) by the Italian Gregorio Allegri, having listened to it only once.

"Little Night Serenade" by W.A. Mozart, listen:

4. (1813-1883)

German composer, conductor, playwright, philosopher. He had a significant influence on European culture at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, especially modernism. Wagner's operas are stunning in their grandiose scale and eternal human values.

Interesting fact.

Wagner took part in the failed revolution of 1848-1849 in Germany and was forced to hide from arrest by Franz Liszt.

"Ride of the Valkyries" from R. Wagner's opera "Walkyrie", listen

5. (1840-1893)

Italian composer, central figure of the Italian opera school. Verdi had a sense of the stage, temperament and impeccable skill. He did not deny operatic traditions (unlike Wagner), but rather developed them (traditions Italian opera), he transformed Italian opera, filled it with realism, and gave it the unity of the whole.

Interesting fact.

Verdi was an Italian nationalist and was elected to the first Italian parliament in 1860, following the declaration of Italian independence from Austria.

Overture to D. Verdi's opera "La Traviata", listen:

7. Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky (1882-1971)

Russian (American - after emigration) composer, conductor, pianist. One of the most important composers twentieth century. Stravinsky's work is consistent throughout his entire career, although in different periods The style of his works was different, but the core and Russian roots remained, which were evident in all his works; he is considered one of the leading innovators of the twentieth century. His innovative use of rhythm and harmony has inspired and continues to inspire many musicians, not just in classical music.

Interesting fact.

During World War I, Roman customs officers confiscated Pablo Picasso's portrait of Stravinsky as the composer was leaving Italy. The portrait was painted in a futuristic manner and customs officers mistook these circles and lines for some kind of encrypted secret materials.

Suite from the ballet by I.F. Stravinsky " Firebird", listen:

8. Johann Strauss (1825-1899)

Austrian light composer music, conductor and violinist. "King of Waltzes", he worked in the genre dance music and operettas. In his musical heritage more than 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas and ballets. Thanks to him, the waltz became extremely popular in Vienna in the 19th century.

Interesting fact.

Johann Strauss's father is also Johann and also famous musician, which is why the “Waltz King” is called the youngest or son; his brothers Joseph and Eduard were also famous composers.

Waltz by J. Strauss "On the Beautiful Blue Danube", listen:

9. Sergei Vasilyevich Rahmaninov (1873-1943)

Austrian composer, one of the outstanding representatives of Viennese classical music school and one of the founders of romanticism in music. For my short life Schubert made significant contributions to orchestral, chamber and piano music, which influenced an entire generation of composers. However, his most striking contribution was to the development of German romances, of which he created more than 600.

Interesting fact.

Schubert's friends and fellow musicians would get together and perform Schubert's music. These meetings were called "Schubertiads". Some first fan club!

"Ave Maria" by F.P.Schubert, listen:

Continuing the theme of great composers you should know, new material.

Famous musicians

Adan Adolph Charles(1803–1856) - French composer, romanticist, author of the ballets “Giselle”, “Corsair”.

Aznavour Charles (Aznauryan Varenag)(b. 1924) - French chansonnier, composer, film actor, author and performer of many songs; had a huge impact on the mass musical culture France and all of Europe.

Alyabyev Alexander Alexandrovich(1787–1851) - Russian composer, author of many songs and romances (“The Nightingale”, “Beggar Woman”, etc.), as well as operas, ballets, chamber and instrumental works.

Armstrong Louis(1901–1971) - trumpeter, vocalist, often called the "Father of Jazz". Louis Armstrong is one of the most popular personalities in the musical art of the 20th century, with whom the public identifies traditional jazz.

Balakirev Miliy Alekseevich(1836 (1837)-1910) - Russian composer, pianist, conductor, head and one of the founders of " Mighty bunch" - a creative community of Russian composers that formed in the late 1850s - early 1860s.

Balanchine George (Balanchivadze Georgy Melitonovich)(1904–1963) - American choreographer, founder of the famous ballet troupe"New York City Ballet".

Bartok Bela(1881–1945) - Hungarian composer, pianist and musicologist-folklorist. Combining elements of folklore with techniques of the musical avant-garde (expressionism, etc.), he became one of the most profound and influential innovators in the music of the 20th century.

Bach Johann Sebastian(1685–1750) - German composer, author of about 1000 works of various genres, master of polyphony (preludes and fugues, St. Matthew Passion, etc.).

Bashmet Yuri Abramovich(b. 1953) - Russian violist, teacher. The first performer of many works for viola by modern composers.

Berlioz Hector Louis(1803–1869) - French innovative composer, conductor, author of the Symphony Fantastique, creator new school conducting.

Bernstein Leonard(1918–1990) - American composer and conductor, author of music for many famous musicals(“West Side Story”, etc.).

Berry Chuck(R. 1926) - famous American singer, composer, one of the founders of rock and roll.

Beethoven Ludwig van(1770–1827) - German composer, major symphonist. Most of Beethoven's works are considered masterpieces of world music (Moonlight Sonata, IX Symphony, etc.).

Bizet Georges (1838–1875) - French composer, author of operas (Carmen, etc.).

Borodin Alexander Porfirievich(1833–1887) - Russian composer and chemist, one of the creators of Russian classical symphonies and quartets.

Bortnyansky Dmitry Stepanovich(1751–1825) - Russian and Ukrainian composer, author of sacred music, works for choir, etc.

Brahms Johannes(1833–1897) - German composer and conductor, representative of romanticism.

Wagner Richard(1813–1883) - German composer, conductor, opera reformer. The tetralogy “The Ring of the Nibelung” was written with its own libretto, based on German national mythology. Wagner is also the author of the operas Tristan and Isolde, Parsifal, and others.

Verdi Giuseppe(1813–1901) - Italian composer, whose work is the pinnacle of the development of Italian opera and opera art all over the world (operas “Aida”, “Rigoletto”, “La Traviata”, etc.).

Vertinsky Alexander Nikolaevich(1889–1957) - Russian poet and composer, performer of his own songs, one of the founders of the art song genre.

Vivaldi Antonio(1678–1741) - Italian composer, violinist, conductor; created the genre of solo instrumental concert.

Vysotsky Vladimir Semenovich(1938–1980) - Soviet poet, musician, actor, author of hundreds of songs based on his own poems. As a songwriter and performer own composition with guitar gained wide popularity.

Haydn Franz Joseph(1732–1809) - Austrian composer, teacher of Beethoven. His works are characterized by harmony and proportionality of proportions.

Handel Georg Friedrich(1685–1759) - German composer, author of many operas and oratorios that combine powerful choruses and strict architecture.

Gershwin George(1898–1937) - American composer and pianist. Together with his brother Ira, George Gershwin composed more than three dozen musicals for theater and film. Among George Gershwin's best works are Rhapsody in Blue for piano and jazz orchestra and the opera Porgy and Bess, which many critics consider the peak of the composer's work and one of the best (if not the best) American opera.

Gillespie John "Dizzy" Burks(1917–1993) - American jazz trumpeter-virtuoso, organizer of one of the most famous jazz orchestras in the history of music, author of many jazz compositions.

Glinka Mikhail Ivanovich(1804–1857) - Russian composer, creator of Russian national epic operas and many popular romances.

Glier Reingold Moritsevich(1874–1956) - Russian Soviet composer, conductor, teacher (ballet “Don Quixote”).

Gluck Christoph Willibald(1714–1787) - German composer, representative of classicism, opera reformer.

Grig Edward(1843–1907) - Norwegian composer, pianist, musical figure, conductor.

Gounod Charles(1818–1893) - French composer, one of the largest representatives of French opera of the 19th century. The pinnacle of creativity is the opera "Faust".

Dankevich Konstantin Fedorovich(1905–1984) - Ukrainian composer and musicologist, author of the opera “Bogdan Khmelnytsky”, ballet “Liley”, etc.

Dargomyzhsky Alexander Sergeevich(1813–1869) - Russian composer (opera “Rusalka”, etc.). Along with M.I. Glinka, he was the founder of the Russian classical school of music.

Dassin Joe(1938–1980) - French singer, a composer whose songs were very popular in the 1960s and 1970s.

Dvorak Antonin(1841–1904) - Czech composer, conductor, one of the founders of the Czech musical school of classical music.

Debussy Claude Achille(1862–1918) - French composer, considered the founder of the so-called musical impressionism.

Dylan Bob (Robert Allen Zimmerman)(b. 1941) - American rock musician, according to most critics, more than anyone who influenced the development of popular music(and not only rock) in the post-war period, and his work became a role model for several generations of rock musicians.

Domingo Placido(b. 1941) - Spanish singer (tenor) and conductor, one of the most outstanding singers in the history of opera.

Donizetti Gaetano(1797–1848) - Italian composer (operas “Lucia di Lammermoor”, “Don Pasquale”, etc.), master of the art of bel canto.

Dunaevsky Isaac Osipovich(1900–1955) - Soviet composer, the greatest master of Soviet mass song and operetta.

Caballe Montserrat(b. 1933) - Spanish singer (soprano). One of the outstanding modern singers Bel Canto.

Callas Maria (Maria Kalogeropoulos)(1923–1977) - Greek singer, had a wide range of voices, one of greatest singers in the history of music, was a soloist largest theaters peace.

Kalman Imre(1882–1953) - Hungarian composer, master of classical Viennese operetta (“Silva”, etc.).

Carreras Jose(b. 1947) - Spanish Opera singer, tenor, has a deep beautiful voice, along with P. Domingo and L. Pavarotti for a long time was one of the three best tenors of our time.

Caruso Enrico(1873–1921) - Italian singer, one of the greatest tenors in the history of opera, a master of bel canto.

Clyburn Van (Clyburn Harvey Laban)(b. 1934) - American pianist, winner of the 1st International Competition. P.I. Tchaikovsky in Moscow (1958).

Kozlovsky Ivan Semenovich(1900–1995) - Russian Soviet singer, lyric tenor, soloist of the Bolshoi Theater (1926–1954), one of best performers of its time.

Leghar Ferenc (Franz)(1870–1948) - composer, outstanding master of Viennese operetta (“The Merry Widow”).

Lemeshev Sergey Yakovlevich(1902–1977) - an outstanding Russian opera singer, lyric tenor. The owner of the most delicate timbre, an inimitable performer of songs and romances.

Lennon John(1940–1980) - British rock musician, singer, poet, composer, artist, writer. Founder and member of the group " The Beatles", one of the most popular musicians of the 20th century.

Leoncavallo Ruggiero(1857–1919) - Italian opera composer, whose works had and have big success(operas “Pagliacci”, “La Boheme”, etc.).

Leontovich Nikolai Dmitrievich(1877–1921) - Ukrainian composer, author of many arrangements of folk melodies. Founder of the first Ukrainian symphony orchestra.

Liszt Ferenc(1811–1886) - an outstanding Hungarian composer, conductor and pianist. He created a school of concert piano performance.

Lloyd-Webber Andrew(b. 1948) - famous British composer, author of musicals and rock operas (“Jesus Christ Superstar”; “Phantom of the Opera”, etc.).

Lysenko Nikolay Vitalievich(1842–1912) - composer, conductor, founder of the Ukrainian national music school, contributed to the formation of Ukrainian opera.

Lyudkevich Stanislav Filippovich (Pilipovich)(1879–1979) - Ukrainian composer and musicologist, one of the largest Ukrainian symphonists.

Miles Davis(1926–1991) - American jazz trumpeter, one of the most prominent jazzmen in the history of music. Since the late 1960s he has performed in the jazz-rock style.

McCartney James Paul(b. 1942) - British rock musician, singer and composer, one of the founders of The Beatles.

Mahler Gustav(1860–1911) - Austrian composer and conductor, one of the largest symphonists of the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1908–1909 he was conductor of the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and in 1909–1911 he directed the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mendelssohn-Bartholdy Jacob Ludwig Felix(1809–1847) - German composer, organist, conductor and public figure, founder of the first German conservatory. Author of the “Italian”, “Scottish” symphonies, etc.

Mercury Freddie(1956–1991) - British singer and musician, vocalist legendary rock band"Queen". Until now, many years after death, he is one of the most popular singers in the world.

Miller Glenn(1904–1944) - American trombonist, arranger, leader of one of the best swing orchestras of the late 1930s - early 1940s.

Morricone Ennio(b. 1928) - Italian composer, arranger, conductor, one of the most famous composers writing music for cinema.

Mozart Wolfgang Amadeus(1756–1791) - Austrian composer, one of the greatest in the history of music. He had an outstanding melodic gift (the operas “The Magic Flute” and others, “Little Night Serenade”, created about 600 works of various genres). He composed music from the age of five and performed as a performer from the age of six.

Mussorgsky Modest Petrovich(1839–1881) - Russian composer. He created monumental folk musical dramas (“Boris Godunov”, “Khovanshchina”), dramatic scenes (“Pictures at an Exhibition”), etc.

Oistrakh David Fedorovich(1908–1974) - Soviet virtuoso violinist, teacher, one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.

Offenbach Jacques(1819–1880) - French composer, one of the founders of classical French operetta (“Beautiful Helen”, “Pericola”, etc.).

Pavarotti Luciano(1935–2007) - an outstanding Italian singer, one of the most outstanding tenors in the history of music.

Paganini Niccolo(1782–1840) - Italian virtuoso violinist and composer. One of the most bright personalities musical history XVIII–XIX centuries Recognized genius of world musical art.

Pauls Raymond(b. 1936) - Latvian composer, pianist, author of many songs, musicals, film scores, etc.

Petrusenko Oksana Andreevna(1900–1940) - Ukrainian Soviet singer (lyric-dramatic soprano), who had a voice of a unique timbre.

Piaf Edith (Gacion)(1915–1963) - French singer and an actress, one of the greatest pop singers peace.

Presley Elvis(1935–1977) - legendary American rock singer and film actor, “King of Rock and Roll.”

Prokofiev Sergey Sergeevich(1891–1953) - Russian innovative composer, one of the largest composers of the 20th century.

Puccini Giacomo (1858-1924) - Italian composer who combined lyricism with heroism and tragedy in his operas (Tosca, La Bohème, etc.).

Ravel Maurice(1875–1937) - French composer and performing pianist. Most famous work- “Bolero”.

Rachmaninov Sergei Vasilievich(1873–1943) - Russian composer, pianist and conductor. He played the piano from the age of four. Operas, romances, concerts, etc. combine stormy, passionate impulses and poetic contemplation in music. One of greatest pianists in the history of music.

Rimsky-Korsakov Nikolai Andreevich(1844–1908) - Russian composer, teacher, conductor, public figure, musical critic; member of the “Mighty Handful”, author of 15 operas, 3 symphonies, symphonic works, instrumental concerts, cantatas, chamber instrumental, vocal and sacred music.

Richter Svyatoslav Teofilovich(1915–1997) - Soviet pianist, outstanding performer.

Rossini Gioacchino(1792–1868) - Italian composer. The pinnacle of his creativity was the opera " Barber of Seville" He also created numerous vocal and piano miniatures.

Rostropovich Mstislav Leopoldovich(1927–2007) - an outstanding cellist, conductor and public figure.

Rota Nino(1911–1979) - Italian composer, author of music for many films by Federico Fellini, as well as for the film " Godfather» Francis Ford Coppola.

Sviridov Georgy (Yuri) Vasilievich(1915–1998) - Russian Soviet composer and pianist. Author of music for the works of A. S. Pushkin, S. A. Yesenin and others, sacred music.

Saint-Saens Charles Camille(1835–1921) - French composer, pianist, conductor, music critic and public figure. Author of numerous works of various musical genres, the most famous of which are the opera “Samson and Delilah”, the 3rd symphony (with organ), the symphonic poem “Dance of Death”, the 3rd concert and “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso” (1863) for violin and orchestra.

Sibelius Jan(1865–1957) - Finnish composer, founder of the national Finnish language romantic style. In his work he used the rhythmic and harmonic features of Finnish folklore.

Sinatra Francis Albert(1915–1998) - American singer, one of the most popular in the history of American pop music.

Skryabin Alexander Nikolaevich(1872–1915) - Russian composer and pianist. Scriabin's mystical philosophy was reflected in his musical language, especially in innovative harmonies that go far beyond the boundaries of traditional tonality. The score of his symphonic “Poem of Fire” (“Prometheus”) includes a light keyboard: rays of searchlights different colors should change on the screen synchronously with changes in themes, keys, chords.

Smetana Bedřich(1824–1884) - Czech composer, conductor, pianist, author of the operas “The Bartered Bride”, “Libushe” (based on the Zelenogorsk manuscript and genuine Czech legends), the cycle of symphonic poems “My Country” (the second one is especially famous - “Vltava”) .

Spivakov Vladimir Teodorovich(b. 1944) - Russian violinist, conductor. Since 1979, he has been the director of the Moscow Virtuosi orchestra, which quickly won recognition and love from the public. Laureate of many international competitions.

Stravinsky Igor Fedorovich(1882–1971) - Russian and later American composer and conductor. Stravinsky's ballets (The Rite of Spring, etc.) were successfully demonstrated by S. P. Diaghilev at the Russian Seasons in Paris. He turned to ancient and biblical subjects.

Utesov Leonid Osipovich(1895–1982) - Russian and Soviet pop artist, singer and film actor, National artist THE USSR. One of the founders of Soviet jazz and Russian chanson.

Fitzgerald Ella Jane(1917–1996) - American jazz singer, recognized as one of the greatest vocalists in jazz history.

Khachaturyan Aram Ilyich(1903–1978) - Armenian composer, conductor, teacher. His work uniquely combined the traditions of world and national musical art (ballets “Gayane”, “Spartacus”, etc.).

Tchaikovsky Pyotr Ilyich(1840–1893) - Russian composer, one of the best melodists, conductor, teacher, musical and public figure.

Shalyapin Fedor Ivanovich(1873–1938) - great Russian opera singer, bass, one of the most famous singers peace.

Schnittke Alfred Garrievich(1934–1998) - Russian composer, pianist, music theorist and teacher (author of articles on Russian and Soviet composers), one of the most significant musical figures of the late 20th century.

Chopin Frederic(1810–1849) - Polish composer (études, nocturnes, waltzes, polonaises, piano concertos, etc.), virtuoso pianist. Author of numerous works for piano.

Shostakovich Dmitry Dmitrievich(1906–1975) - Russian Soviet composer, pianist, teacher and public figure, one of the most significant composers of the 20th century, who had and continues to have a creative influence on composers.

Strauss Johann(1825–1899) - Austrian composer, major master Viennese waltz and the Viennese operetta, The Waltz King. Created great amount works: 168 waltzes, 117 polkas, 73 quadrilles, 43 marches, 31 mazurkas, 16 operettas, comic opera and ballet.

Strauss Richard(1864–1949) - German composer and conductor, author of many symphonic poems and operas.

Schubert Franz(1797–1828) - Austrian composer. Waltzes, fantasies, impromptu, symphonies, etc. Created over 600 songs. First major representative musical romanticism, one of the largest melodists.

Schumann Robert(1810–1856) - German composer, romanticist. His work fostered high musical culture, beauty and strength human feelings(symphonies, oratorio “Paradise and Peri”, etc.).