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Table of Contents
Music has evolved in so many aspects through time. It has always been considered the βuniversal language of mankindβ because of its ability to reach out to people and convey messages inexpressible through words. But behind all good music is an excellent composer.
See the fact file below for more information on Composers, or you can download our 27-page Composer worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
WHAT IS A COMPOSER?
- Music of any genre that people enjoy listening to is meticulously written by a composer.
- The word βcomposerβ came from the Latin word, compono, which means βone who puts togetherβ.
- Most composers are also skilled in performing music.
- During the 20th century, composers were more popularly referred to as songwriters or singer-songwriters.
- There are various styles, goals, and methods of how composers produce music.
- Some composers stick to the traditional way of creating music, which is by reading, writing and playing music, while some can play by ear without needing to read music.
- Composers write their compositions and convey them through oral tradition. Think of a song being sung by generations.
- Some composers create ideas and transmit them through written documents, like Beethovenβs sheet music.
- Making music is not only restricted to a single composer.
- It can be composed by multiple composers.
- In the Middle Ages, most composers composed music for religious purposes.
- They were popular during the Renaissance music era and were hired by wealthy patrons.
- During this time, they were not only employed to create religious music, but also to compose music about courtly love.
- The Classical period allowed composers to create additional performances, such as public concerts.
- The 20th century allowed composers to gain more fame and be freer with the themes of their compositions.
- They composed and sold their works in paper form, digital, or traditionally-produced sound.
TASKS
- The main tasks of composers are to write, direct, and arrange music of various genres using different musical notations.
- Two ways of composing are through pen and paper or special software.
- There are many factors that composers consider when creating their compositions.
- In many ways, composers spend a lot of time creating their masterpieces.
- Here are some of the responsibilities of composers:
- Compose music for a musician or instrument specifications
- Prepares musical arrangements
- Produce instructions for music
- Read and write music
- Conducting
- Study the theory of music
- Music transcription
- Understand the vocals and instrument elements to create a suitable sound for the music.
CAREER AS A COMPOSER
- Most people consider that a music career is only a form of art.
- Even so, a job in this field is both an art and a career.
- Professional composers begin by getting an undergraduate degree in music.
- Once they obtain their degrees, there are different areas where they can practice and develop their careers.
- They can choose to be in the orchestra, theater, or digital productions.
- There can also pursue higher education, such as a Masterβs degree or Ph.D.
- Those who are professionally trained can also be music professors.
- Others can work as conductors, music instructors, bandleaders, orchestra members, freelance composers, producers, film and television composers, and musical theater composers.
SKILLS OF A COMPOSER
- The music industry is much more accessible today because of technology. For example, you can compose music for a while orchestra from a computer.
- Nowadays, there are a lot of people of different ages that aspire to be composers.
- Composers are naturally artistic, expressive, creative, innovative, unique, and unstructured.
- Being an excellent composer requires some skills that should be learned and developed.
MUSICALITY
- The ability to play different instruments can help composers efficiently produce music.
- Knowing the different instruments can help composers identify which will suit the composition when played.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE INDUSTRY
- It is necessary to know musical theory to be able to fully understand the type of music composers must make to fit the performers who will use the composition.
DETAIL-ORIENTED
- This quality helps composers avoid mistakes the musicians might make when performing the piece.
- In music, a single notation error can change the piece or confuse the performers.
- It is necessary to provide detailed instructions on the composition, especially if the users are in groups.
COMMUNICATION
- Composers must know how to communicate with individuals and groups who will use or perform the composition.
VISUALIZATION
- Composers should be able to convert their ideas into a piece.
- An idea remains as it is and is not considered a composition unless it is converted into music.
FAMOUS COMPOSERS OF ALL TIME
Johann Sebastian Bach
- He was a German composer from the Baroque Era.
- He also played the organ, harp, viola, and violin.
- He created many church and instrumental masterpieces.
- His famous works included The Well-Tempered Clavier, Brandenburg Concertos, and the Mass in B Minor.
Johannes Brahms
- He was a German composer and pianist.
- He was from the Romantic period but was considered a follower of the Classics.
- His best-known works included Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Wiegenlied, and Danzas hungaras.
Ludwig Van Beethoven
- He was a German composer and pianist.
- His compositions were usually played in classical music.
- Despite turning deaf during his career, he was able to produce around 722 musical compositions.
- Some of his most famous works are Symphony No. 3 Eroica, Piano Sonata No. 31, and Piano Concerto No. 3.
FrΓ©dΓ©ric Chopin
- He was a Polish composer and was considered a genius pianist.
- He wrote works for solo piano and was considered one of the bests Romantic music composers.
- He developed the modern piano technique and style.
- His famous works included Minute Waltz, Nocturne in E. flat, OP. 9, No.2, and Ballade No. 1 in G minor.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- One of the most popular and influential composers during the Classical era was Wolfgang Mozart.
- He had a perfect pitch, an ability considered rare for musicians.
- He lived a short life but has more than 600 compositions.
- The Jupiter Symphony, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and Clarinet Concerto were only some of his famous works.
Claude Debussy
- He was a French composer considered one of the most influential Impressionists during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- La Mer and Clair de Lune were among his famous compositions.
Carter Burwell
- He is an American film composer famous for his compositions in films such as Twilight Saga, Hamlet, Millerβs Crossing, and Conspiracy Theory.
MUSICAL ERA
RENAISSANCE PERIOD
- This period is from 1400-1600. During this era, most were interested in secular topics, traveling, and scientific exploration.
- There was so much room for musical inventiveness during the renaissance period.
- Some of the most notable composers during this time wear Josquin Des Prez, Giovanni Pierluigi de Palestrina, and William Byrd.
BAROQUE PERIOD
- Baroque was from 1600-1750 and was considered the late stage of the Renaissance.
- Styles were more complicated and unconventional.
- Compositions were made through one melody with harmonic support played from a keyboard.
- Fugue music was popularized during this period.
- Johann Sebastian Bach was the most famous Baroque composer.
- Other well-known composers in the Baroque Period were Antonio Lucio Vivaldi, Hieronymus Praetorius, and Giuseppe Domenico Scarlatti.
CLASSICAL PERIOD
- Compositions during the Classical era went back to following more orderly and strict compositional regulations to aim for perfection.
- Most musical geniuses, such as Beethoven, Mozart, Rossini, and Paganini, came from this period.
- The Classical era covered the years from 1750-1820.
ROMANTIC PERIOD
- The Romantic period was from 1820-1900.
- Music during this era was more expressive and emotional.
- Some of the themes they focused on were love, death, and the supernatural.
- Famous composers during this time were Frederic Chopin, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Johannes Brahms.
20th CENTURY
- Classical music was still popular during the 20th century.
- However, there were already changes and upgrades made.
- Music in this period ranges from traditional to experimental.
- Musicians followed the most used style during this period – from Impressionism to Post-Modernism.
- Some popular composers in the 20th century were Dmitri Shostakovich, Ernest Tomlinson, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and William Howard Schuman.
Composers Worksheets
This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Composers across 31 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets about Composers who are behind all music, old and new.
Complete List of Included Worksheets
Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.
- Composers Facts
- Me As A Composer
- Stop and Go
- My First Composition
- Do I Know You?
- Now Playing
- Current Playlist
- Inspiring Composers
- The Old and The New
- Visualization
- Learning Instruments
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are composers?
Composers are individuals who create and write music. They are responsible for creating melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and structures that form the foundation of musical compositions. Composers work in various genres and styles, ranging from classical and orchestral music to popular and contemporary genres.
What is the role of a composer in the music world?
Composers are at the heart of the creative process in music. They conceive and design musical pieces, often using instruments, voices, or electronic sounds to convey emotions, stories, or concepts. Composers shape the way music is experienced by listeners and performers, and their works can have a lasting impact on musical culture.
Can you provide examples of famous composers from different eras?
- Classical Era: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Joseph Haydn.
- Romantic Era: Johannes Brahms, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Richard Wagner.
- Contemporary Era: John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Philip Glass.
How do composers develop their musical ideas?
Composers develop their musical ideas through various processes. They might start with a melody, a harmonic progression, a rhythmic pattern, or even an emotional concept. Some composers draw inspiration from nature, literature, historical events, or personal experiences. Experimentation, creativity, and a deep understanding of musical theory contribute to their artistic development.
What is the significance of composers in the history of music?
Composers have played a crucial role in shaping the evolution of music throughout history. They have introduced new styles, techniques, and forms that have paved the way for musical innovation. The works of famous composers have become timeless classics, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and shaping the cultural landscape of their respective eras.
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