Composer of the Month
Spring Semester 2025: Austrian Composers
Austria has long been celebrated as a cultural hub for classical music, producing some of the most influential composers in history. In this unit, we’ll explore the lives and works of four Austrian composers whose music shaped the course of Western music: Franz Joseph Haydn, the innovative "Father of the Symphony"; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, known for his unmatched genius and versatility; Franz Schubert, whose melodies capture raw human emotion; and Johann Strauss II, the master of the waltz. Through their compositions, we’ll uncover how these remarkable individuals not only reflected their time but also created timeless music that continues to inspire performers and audiences around the world.
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Franz Joseph Haydn, often called the "Father of the Symphony," was a pioneering composer whose work laid the foundation for much of classical music as we know it today. Born in 1732 in a small Austrian village, Haydn's musical talent was evident from an early age. He spent much of his career employed by the wealthy Esterházy family, where he had the resources and freedom to compose prolifically. Over his lifetime, Haydn wrote more than 100 symphonies, as well as numerous string quartets, operas, and choral works. His music is known for its clarity, humor, and inventiveness, often surprising listeners with unexpected twists. As a mentor to Mozart and a teacher to Beethoven, Haydn's influence on classical music is immeasurable, cementing his legacy as one of history's greatest composers.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
“I was never a quick writer, but composed with great care and effort.”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) was one of the greatest composers of all time. Born in Salzburg, Austria, he was a child prodigy who started playing the piano and violin at a very young age. His father, Leopold Mozart, was a musician and taught him everything he knew. By the time Mozart was six, he was performing for royalty across Europe and composing his own music.
As he grew older, Mozart wrote hundreds of pieces, including symphonies, operas, and concertos, that are still famous today. Some of his most well-known works include The Magic Flute, Eine kleine Nachtmusik, and Don Giovanni. Even though he struggled financially at times, his music was full of beauty and emotion. Mozart passed away at just 35 years old, but his incredible music continues to inspire people all over the world.
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by W. A. Mozart
12 Variations on Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
Salzburg, Austria
Fall Semester 2024: Composers of the British Isles
The studio is taking a look at four composers from the British Isles. Each month, we will study a different composer their music and background in addition to their influence on American music. Our journey begins in Westminster during the Baroque Era and ends in present day Surry.
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Henry Purcell was born in Westminster, England a few yards from Westminster Abbey in England. He showed talent for music at a young age singing in choir and as an assistant to an organ builder. As a composer, his first recorded work was at age 11—a piece for the King’s birthday.
Although he was a renowned organist holding positions as organist at Westminster Abbey and Chapel Royal, he composed little music for the organ. His works include opera, incidental music and church music.
He died in 1695 at the age of 36 of a respiratory ailment. The historical record is unclear as to whether it was tuberculosis or complications of getting a chill after being locked out of his house.
“As poetry is the harmony of words, so music is that of notes; and as poetry is a rise above prose and oratory, so is music the exaltation of poetry.”
Westminster Abbey
In 1679 at the age of 20, Henry Purcell was appointed organist of Westminster Abbey. He held this prestigious role until his death at age 36. Westminster Abbey has been a coronation site since 1066. The current building started construction in 1245 during the reign of Henry III and there have been additions in the centuries that followed. Purcell is buried at the Abbey along with monarchs and other people of note.
The details around the organ that Purcell played are scarce, but it was most certainly grand, befitting such a magnificent setting. The current Harrison & Harrison organ was installed in 1982.
Westminster Abbey, north transept. (Image: Amandajm - own work)
Pipes of the current Harrison & Harrison organ in Westminster Abbey (Image from Westminster-Abbey.org)
How does a pipe organ actually work? | Anna Lapwood | Classic FM
Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
Edward Elgar was born in Worcester, England in 1857, to a father who worked as a violinist, piano tuner and in a music shop selling instruments and sheet music. As a result, young Edward and his six siblings received a solid music education. Elgar become an accomplished violinist. However, as a composer, Elgar was entirely self-taught, studying books on composition and learning through composing as the need arose in the various performance groups to which he belonged.
Elgar was somewhat of an outsider to intellectual music circles due to his lack of musical “pedigree,” It his 40’s with the premier of his Enigma Variations and later, Pomp and Circumstance, he gained national recognition. Today, his music is synonymous with all things English and is beloved around the world.
“My idea is that there is music in the air, music all around us; the world is full of it, and you simply take as much as you require.”
Elgar wrote the Enigma Variations, a theme and 14 variations, between 1898 and 1899. The most famous variation No. 9, Nimrod, named for the mighty hunter Nimrod of the Bible. The title is a reference to his friend, who’s name Jäger is German for “hunter.” The 9th variation is meant to be a tribute to the many inspiring conversations he had with his friend. It’s come to have national significance in England as a song of tribute and rememberance.
Elgar wrote many pieces that are part of England’s patriotic repretoire, but one such piece is also part of American tradition. Known as “Land of Hope and Glory” in England, it is commonly played as the processional and recessional at high school and university graduations in the US. (1:57 in the video)
Pomp and Circumstance by Elgar
Gustav Holst (1874-1934)
English composer, arranger and teacher Gustav Holst gained the most fame for his orchestral suite The Planets. Holst came from a family of musicians and studied at the Royal College of Music. However, it was difficult to make ends meet so he played trombone professionally and taught. His skill as a teacher became a part of his lasting legacy. Holst taught at Morley College and was the director of music at St. Paul’s Girls’ School.
The Planets was composed from 1914-1916 and has seven movements, one for each planet, not counting Earth. Although Pluto is no longer considered a planet, its exisitence wasn’t even discovered until after this work was composed.
Some listeners hear Holst’s influence in contemporary composer John William’s work. Take a listen to the video links below and see if you agree.
“Failure is the most important part of an artist’s training, and one you cannot afford to do without.”
Alexis Ffrench (b. 1970)
Alexis Ffrench was born in Surry, England and began playing the piano at age 4. By age 7, he was serving as organist at his local church. He is a classically trained pianist and composer having studied at the Royal College of music, the Purcell School of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. What sets Ffrench apart is his ability to weave classical and soul elements into his music. The result is music with wide appeal and popularity. He most recently was invited to play at the Coronation Concert for King Charles III.
Bluebird by Alexis Ffrench
“Classical music is not about dates or understanding different periods. It’s people. It’s emotions and it’s love. That’s why it’s so dear to me.”
Golden by Alexis Ffrench