Composer by surname A to C

John Adams

Pioneer of contemporary classical music rooted in American popular culture

William Alwyn

Multi-talented artist, poet and BATFA winning composer of film scores

Malcolm Arnold

Oscar winning composer of epic film scores known for his wicked sense of humour

Lera Auerbach

Virtuoso pianist, composer, poet and true creative lifeforce

Grażyna Bacewicz

Courageous trailblazer who inspired young women composers in her homeland of Poland

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

Famous all over Europe in his lifetime as a brilliant musician and popular composer

Johann Sebastian Bach

One of the greatest composers of all time, his music fizzes with energy and joy

Granville Bantock

A man of great imagination who was often inspired by Scottish myths and folklore

Samuel Barber

One of the most loved composers of the 20th Century for the power and beauty of his music

Béla Bartók

Creator of a unique and colourful musical style inspired by his homeland of Hungary

Amy Beach

Composer of true distinction who led America into the mainstream of classical music

Ludwig van Beethoven

Eccentric genius who tore up the rulebook and changed the world of music forever

Vincenzo Bellini

Italian master of opera whose music is full of emotion and fiercely difficult to perform

Richard Rodney Bennett

Gifted pianist and soundtrack composer who created a unique fusion of classical and jazz

Alban Berg

Radical composer from Vienna who pushed the boundaries with shocking new musical ideas

Hector Berlioz

Legendary free-spirited composer who was never truly appreciated in his lifetime

Leonard Bernstein

World famous composer and conductor whose vision was to make music accessible to everyone

Judith Bingham

Professional singer and composer of music inspired by art and the natural world

Harrison Birtwistle

One of the most original composers of his generation at the cutting edge of British music

Georges Bizet

French composer and pianist who wrote stunningly beautiful songs and operas

Arthur Bliss

Multi talented British composer of music for orchestra, ballet, film and even royal fanfares

Luigi Boccherini

Popular Italian composer employed by royalty, who wrote music for strings and guitar

Alexander Borodin

Hugely talented Russian composer, torn between music and his work as a scientist

Lili Boulanger

Composer of immense talent who made a huge impact with her powerfully beautiful music

Johannes Brahms

Trailblazer of music inspired by whirling melodies and dramatic rhythms of Gypsy dances

Frank Bridge

English composer who became more experimental in his writing after the First World War

Benjamin Britten

British composer and festival founder who wanted classical music to be enjoyed by all

Max Bruch

Master of melodies, his beautifully romantic violin concerto brought him fame and fortune

Anton Bruckner

Inspirational Austrian composer whose grand symphonies channeled his obsessive and spiritual nature

Ferruccio Busoni

Outstanding pianist whose broad interests led to a freer style of composing

George Butterworth

Leading member of a radical group of composers best known for reworking popular folk songs

Doreen Carwithen

Writer of music for more than 30 films in the 40s and 50s, her style was romantic yet modern

Cecile Chaminade

So popular was this French composer that fans set up musical ‘Chaminade Clubs’ in her name

Charlie Chaplin

The charming music he composed with great skill and flair really brought his films to life

Ernest Chausson

Gifted artist who found an outlet for his own emotions in writing dramatic and passionate music

Frédéric Chopin

The ‘poet of the piano’ whose beautiful decorative melodies captured the spirit of the Romantic era

Rebecca Clarke

Heroine to viola players for brilliant and powerful music written for the instrument she loved

Eric Coates

The king of light music whose lively carefree style was perfectly suited for film and radio themes

Aaron Copland

Crafted a very individual style combining jazz and popular music to capture the spirit of America

Arcangelo Corelli

Italian composer who achieved great fame and wealth for his refined musical style and technique

Composer by surname D to G

From Debussy to Gurney

Composer by surname H to K

From Hahn to Kreisler

Experience Classical homepage