4th Grade Composers

George Frederic Handel

Feb 23, 1685

d. April 14, 1759 Handel is best known for his oratorio "The Messiah" which includes the Hallelujah Chorus. He also wrote The Water Music.

Johann Sebastian Bach

Mar 21, 1685

d. July 28, 1750.
J.S. Bach wrote the Brandenberg Concertos, Toccata & Fugue in D Minor, and "The Crab" Canon.

Joseph Haydn

Mar 31, 1732

d. May 31, 1809
Haydn wrote many pieces including "The Surprise Symphony" and "The Joke."

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Jan 27, 1756

d. December 5, 1791
Mozart composed songs like "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" and "Sleigh Ride" along with operas like "The Magic Flute."

Gioachino Rossini

Feb 29, 1792

d. Nov. 13, 1868 Gioachino Rossini is best known for his opera "The Barber of Seville" and "The William Tell Overture."

Pyotr Illych Tchaikovsky

May 7, 1840

d. Nov. 6, 1893 Tchaikovsky was a Russian composer best known for his ballets "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," and "Sleeping Beauty," along with "The 1812 Overture."

Aaron Copland

Nov 14, 1900

d. Dec. 2, 1990. Copland is best known for his ballet "Rodeo," including the Hoe Down. He also wrote "Fanfare for the Common Man."

Leroy Anderson

Jun 29, 1908

d. May 18, 1975 Leroy Anderson is best known for pieces like "Sleigh Ride," "The Typewriter," and "Bugler's Holiday."

John Cage

Sep 5, 1912

d. August 12, 1992 Cage was a modernist composer best known for his innovative piece 4'33". He also wrote aleatoric music.

B.B. King

Sep 16, 1925

d. May 14, 2015. B.B. King was one of the pioneers of the Blues movement in the United States. He was most famous for his guitar playing.