Charles Ives, one of the greatest and revolutionary American Composers, was born in October 20, 1874 and died May 19, 1954. Ives had probably one of the most interesting musical backgrounds one could ask for. His feather was a Band Master in Connecticut and much of his time was spent listening to his father’s band practice and parade alongside several other bands. Accompanying this was also a very open minded approach to music theory. His teaching included non-conventional practices such as bitonality and cluster chords.

“A genius on paper,” sums up Johann Sebastian Bach is as little words as possible. He’s a composer with such a tremendous influence that musicologist, students, scholars and musians are still studying his works 258 years after his death. His 2-part inventions and fugues are among the very first thing any serious music student will be introduced to. They are of such importance because they are, in my opinion, the backbone of a large majority of music; both popular and classical.

This is a piece composed by Eric Whitacre. He is by far one of the well-known living contemporary composers and is mostly known for his choral and concert band pieces. Although it is a rather short piece “Animal Crackers” is a great work for many reasons. One, it truly captures the essence of the animals he writes about. Two, the music is beautiful in itself. Why ask for more of something that is perfect the way it is?

Schoenberg may not be alive today, but he’s still considered a contemporary composer (like most since the end of the Romantic Era). Either way he is by far one of the most important and influential composers that the world has seen. Check out the video on the last page.
Although this one might freak you out a bit it’s one of the most influential pieces of our time. Starting in the early 1900’s there was a huge movement to try and create the most organic form of music.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born January 27, 1756 and died December 5, 1791. Most anyone has heard of his name although they might not be able to put any of his music to it. He was and always will be one of the most extraordinary composers in our history. He wrote well over 500 symphonies alone. As well as numerous other pieces including operas, concertos and more.