Answered

W.A. Mozart (1756-1791) stood at the crossroads of musical change. The Classical Era saw
dramatic changes in styles of music, as well as in the composer's role in society. Compare and
contrast the life and works of a composer who was born before 1750 with that of someone born
after 1750. Choose ONE composer from each list. CIRCLE your choices.
Be sure to include in your discussion:

Background of the musical time in which each composer lived.
Important events in the composer's life.
The style(s) of music each composer is best known for.
•If relevant, brief description of specific work(s).
Before 1750
After 1750
Hildegard von Bingen
W.A. Mozart
Guillaume de Machaut Ludwig van Beethoven
Orlande de Lassus
Hector Berlioz
Giovanni Gabrieli
J.S. Bach
Robert Schumann
Richard Wagner
Arnold Schoenberg
Antonio Vivaldi
Joseph Haydn
Igor Stravinsky



Answer :

I would suggest comparing the life and works of Johann Sebastian Bach (born before 1750) with Ludwig van Beethoven (born after 1750).

Johann Sebastian Bach:
1. Background: Bach lived during the Baroque period, known for its elaborate music style and ornamentation.
2. Important events: Bach worked as a church musician and composer, creating a vast amount of music for religious and secular purposes.
3. Style of music: Bach is best known for his intricate counterpoint, organ music, and sacred choral works. Examples of his works include the Brandenburg Concertos and the Mass in B Minor.

Ludwig van Beethoven:
1. Background: Beethoven bridged the Classical and Romantic periods, witnessing the shift towards emotional expression in music.
2. Important events: Beethoven faced hearing loss but continued to compose groundbreaking symphonies, piano sonatas, and string quartets.
3. Style of music: Beethoven is renowned for his powerful symphonies, such as the Symphony No. 9 (Choral), and innovative piano compositions like the Moonlight Sonata.

By comparing Bach and Beethoven, you can explore how their lives, works, and contributions reflect the evolution of music from the Baroque to the Classical and Romantic periods.