Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) was a talented Italian composer, distinguished for his important contribution in the musical transition between the Baroque and Renaissance era.

He had a solid base in composition and counterpoint with led to the publications of collections of motets even at an early age and then progressed to opera. 

His musical style had undertook an aesthetic revolution. He infused the traditional madrigal elements with a new “monodic style,” which includes dance patterns, irregular rhythms, and adventurous shifts of textures which were heavily criticized as unorthodox. 

Thankfully, he did not waver instead, he stood to his own creative ingenuity, which was highly- respected and admired among his contemporaries. He was the breaker of musical shackles and considered to be the father of modern opera.

Read more about his life and works at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/transitional-baroque-composer-claudio-monteverdi-from-italy

“Swan Lake” is one of the most memorable classical ballet compositions of all time. It was crafted by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky as a commissioned score by Vladimir Petrovich Begichev.

It was an emotional and challenging dance piece by Tchaikovsky that was highly-criticized by the experts due to its overly-complicated and noisy productions but despite of its detractors, “Swan Lake” was a product of musical ingenuity and undeniable technical skills of Tchaikovsky which eventually rose to fame and left quite significant impact.

In fact, from1925 until the present time, "Swan Lake" has been credited as either integral part of ballet performances, background music for animated movies, theatrical productions and even motion pictures. 

Learn more at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/the-story-behind-the-ballet-swan-lake-by-tchaikovsky

Benjamin Russell Hanby (1833-1867) was an inspirational composer who although had short-lived, shared his gift of music to the world. 

His adulation for music started at a young age where he will make up tunes and songs while delivering newspapers on a horseback ride. 

He lived in an era where slavery was predominant and the Hanbys risked their lives helping slaves escape. He met Joseph Selby, a slave who shared his heartbreaking story about his soon-to-be-wife Nelly Gray, sold in a slave plantation a day before their wedding. It inspired Ben to craft a song entitled “Darling Nelly Gray.” It was a compelling song which became an instant hit.

He also crafted beautiful melodies like “Up On The Housetop,” as well as “Who Is He In Yonder Stall?” which became household Christmas songs on top of 80 other compositions. 

He was such a breathe of hope and inspiration especially to the young generation and his extraordinary gift of music had brought boundless joy to the world. 

Learn more at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/learn-about-american-folk-composer-benjamin-hanby

Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782) was born on a legendary household, sharing the limelight yet creating his own style with the two of the pillars of the classical era, Johann Sebastian Bach (father) and Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (brother). 

He was a talented composer that contributed significantly to the development of the modern “sonata principle.” In fact, he left a successful trail in terms of experimentation and radicalism in music. His works were a culmination of symphonies, operas, cantatas, keyboard music, and explosive orchestral music that were truly overpowering and new during the 18th century.

His uniqueness and boldness to delve into a less traversed road of musical style had heavily inspired the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Despite their age gap, they were able to form a wonderful mentor-mentee relationship and an amazing mutual respect and admiration. The musical connection between the two icons is so imminent in the central movements of each of their symphonies.

Learn more about this underrated genius at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/learn-about-johann-christian-bach-j-s-bachs-son

Leopold Mozart (1719-1787) was a well-rounded German composer, music conductor, violinist and teacher. His passion and dedication to music had greatly influenced his son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In fact, Wolfgang's creations loomed largely over Leopold’s work. 

Leopold's skills as an organist and violinist were already prominent at a young age. He was a naturally gifted singer, actor and his enthusiasm and enigmatic personality transcended as well being a teacher and a composer which added to his growing reputation. 

Leopold's body of works are quite extensive and became famous although a lot of his works were lost, some critics agreed that the real significance of his work and brilliant technical methods can be traced back through his musical essays.

Their father-son relationship was intense, despite some episodes of reproaches. One cannot deny that Leopold's musical ingenuity and somewhat strict guidance brought an outstanding result to his son's musical roots and prodigious talent leading to Wolfgang's musical success!

Know more about him at: https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/about-the-composer-leopold-mozart-father-of-amadeus-mozart