This German composer was a predominant musical figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras. He’s also widely regarded as “the greatest composer who ever lived.”
Photo: Pinterest
Beethoven deserves the title of greatest composer who ever lived. His birthday is December 17th!
This famous Korean-American violinist is recognized as one of the foremost violinists of our time.
Photo: The Strad
Chang is a modern, living violin superstar and made her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of just eight years old! Her birthday is December 10th.
This Italian composer basically brought the Italian opera to an end, and is considered one of the greatest champions of operatic realism.
Photo: Britannica
One of Puccini’s mature operas, Turandot, was left incomplete. His birthday is December 22nd!
This Spanish cellist is regarded as the pre-eminent cellist of the first half of the 20th century.
Photo: The Guardian
Casals was a Catalan cellist, composer, and conductor who is known as one of the greatest cellists of all time! His birthday is December 29th.
This Finnish composer is the most noted symphonic composer of Scandinavia.
Photo: The Monthly AU
Sibelius drew constant inspiration from the Kalevala, a mythological epic literature of Finland. His birthday is December 8th!
This French composer was also a critic and conductor of the Romantic period.
Photo: Classic FM
Berlioz is most known for his Symphonie fantastique, and the choral symphony Romeo et Juliette. His birthday is December 11th!
This renowned Jamaican-American jazz pianist and composer is known for his lively, blues-based playing and as one of the finest accompanists in jazz.
Photo: The Blue Note
Kelly began playing professionally at the age of 12 and was also a distinctive soloist who later became a great influence for Benny Green. His birthday is December 2nd!
This Belgian-French Romantic composer was an organist and a key figure in a movement to give French music more emotional engagement, technical solidity, and seriousness.
Photo: Britannica
Franck became a professor at the Paris Conservatoire, then wrote several pieces that have entered the standard classical repertoire. His birthday is December 10th!
This French composer was also an organist and is known for his use of mystical and religious themes.
Photo: Britannica
Messiaen developed a highly personal style consisting of rhythmic complexity, rich tones, and a unique harmonic language. His birthday is also December 10th!
This American singer-songwriter is also a multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and composer in jazz, rock, and fusion.
Photo: Rolling Stone
Zappa’s work is characterized by nonconformity, free-form inspiration, sound experiments, musical virtuosity, and satire of American culture. His birthday is December 21st!
