▲The English composer was born in 1857 and died in 1934. He is most famous for composing 'Pomp and Circumstance,' which is widely played in high school and college graduation ceremonies.

▲The Russian composer was born in 1891 and died in 1953. One of the best composers of the 20th century, his most famous works are 'Peter and the Wolf' and 'Romeo and Juliet.'

▲The Italian composer was born in 1792 and died in 1868. He was mostly famous for his operas, of which he wrote thirty nine. 'The Barber of Seville' is his most well known composition.

▲The American composer was born in 1898 and died in 1937. He was best known for 'Rhapsody in Blue,' 'An American in Paris,' and 'Porgy and Bess.' Many of his compositions have been used in films.

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The German composer was born in 1813 and died in 1883. He was most famous for his operas, especially 'The Ring of the Nibelung.' He had a huge influence on both future musicians and writers of literature.

▲The French composer was born in 1803 and died in 1869. The romantic composer wrote a number of symphonies, operas, and choral music. The 'Requiem' is among his most famous works.

▲The German composer was born in 1810 and died in 1856. One of the best composers of the romantic era, and he wrote numerous symphonies, operas, and orchestral works.

▲The Italian composer was born in 1858 and died in 1924. One of the best composers of operas of all time, his most famous works include 'Madame Butterfly,' 'La bohème,' and 'Tosca.'

▲The Italian composer was born in 1813 and died in 1901. He was a prolific opera composer. His operas are still very popular, especially 'Rigoletto,' 'Il trovatore,' and 'La traviata.'

▲The Austrian composer was born in 1732 and died in 1809. Composing in the classical period, he was both a mentor and friend of Mozart, and also a teacher of Beethoven.

▲The French composer was born in 1862 and died in 1918. An extremely influential composer, he wrote a number of orchestral works. His most recognizable work is 'Clair de lune.'

▲The Italian composer was born in 1678 and died in 1741. A baroque composer, he composed many operas. However, he is best known for his violin concertos called 'The Four Seasons.'

▲The Russian composer was born in 1882 and died in 1971. One of the most influential composers of the twentieth century, he is well known for the wide variety of his musical output.

▲The Austrian composer was born in 1860 and died in 1911. His symphonies are highly acclaimed as great works. His music was banned in much of Europe during the Nazi era.

▲The Russian composer was born in 1840 and died in 1893. He was one of the most popular composers of the romantic period. His best known works are 'The Nutcracker' and 'Swan Lake.'

▲The German composer was born in 1833 and died in 1897. Composing during the romantic period, he was a traditional composer who rejected some of the more extravagant techniques of the era.

▲The German composer was born in 1809 and died in 1847. He was one of the most influential composers of the early romantic period. He wrote many symphonies and a lot of orchestral music.

▲The Polish composer was born in 1810 and died in 1849. His prolific compositions took place in the romantic era. His opuses and waltzes were immensely popular.

▲The Austrian composer was born in 1825 and died in 1899. The son of Johann Strauss I, he continued his father's legacy. He was known as 'The Waltz King' for his abundant output.

▲The Russian composer was born in 1873 and died in 1943. One of the most influential composers of the late romantic period, he wrote a number of operas and orchestral works.

▲The English composer was born in 1874 and died in 1934. Certainly best known for 'The Planets,' he was an influential 20th century figure for later composers, such as Benjamin Britten.

▲The Czech composer was born in 1841 and died in 1904. He showed great musical talent from a very young age. Later, he wrote a number of operas and a huge amount of chamber music.

▲The Austrian composer was born in 1797 and died in 1828. He composed many operas and symphonies. One of his most innovative compositions is known as the 'Great' symphony.

▲The Austrian composer was born in 1756 and died in 1791. A musical genius since childhood, he is one of the most well-known classical composer in the world. He composed over six hundred works.

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The German and British composer was born in 1685 and died in 1759. He was a baroque composer who moved to London and was naturalized. His 'Messiah' is his most famous work.

▲The Hungarian composer was born in 1811 and died in 1886. The prolific virtuoso composed during the romantic period. He is very well known for his symphonic poems.

▲The French composer was born in 1875 and died in 1937. Regarded as France's best living composer in the 1920s and 1930s, he is most famous for his composition 'Boléro.'

▲The Norwegian composer was born in 1843 and died in 1907. He was one of the most prolific composers of the romantic era. His most famous work is 'Peer Gynt.'

▲The German composer was born in 1770 and died in 1827. One of the most famous composers of all time, his music was highly influential throughout both the classical and romantic eras.

▲The German composer was born in 1685 and died in 1750. One of his most famous works is the 'St Matthew Passion,' which was based on the Gospel of St Matthew.

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Some of the most recognizable music in the world was written by composers centuries ago, yet the legacy of their music lives on. To this day, their music continues to be performed by renowned symphony orchestras all around the world.

The legacy of their music also lives on in other ways—widely used in films and television as incidental music, there will be millions of people worldwide who will recognize a piece of music but be unaware of its origin. It is difficult to predict the future, but it may seem likely that the longevity of the likes of Beethoven and Mozart will surpass much of today's modern music. Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the greatest composers in history, was born on the 17th of December 1770.

If you are new to classical music, or just want an idea of what might be the best music to give a try, look no further. Click on!