Spotlights: Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart

•When we speak of the Classical period in music, the names of these three composers always come to mind — Beethoven, Haydn and Mozart.
Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany (1770–1827); Haydn was born in Rohrau, Austria, (1732–1809) and Mozart in Salzburg, Austria (1756–1791).

•However, the paths of these three great masters somehow crossed when they traveled to Vienna. It is believed that in his teens Beethoven went to Vienna to perform for Mozart and that later on he studied with Haydn.
Mozart and Haydn were also good friends.

Ludwig van Beethoven — He began his career by playing at parties attended by wealthy people. As his popularity grew, so was the opportunity to travel to various European cities and perform. Beethoven’s fame grew by the 1800s. On March 29, 1795, Beethoven made his first public appearance in Vienna. There is much mystery surrounding Beethoven’s real cause of death. Beethoven never married. His works include
Fifth Symphony, Op. 67,
Fidelio, Op. 72,
Kreutzer Sonata, the groundbreaking violin sonata which redefined the genre,
Emperor piano concerto, (Fifth) Op. 73,
Missa Solemnis, Op. 123,
Choral Symphony (Ninth), Op. 125,
Grand Fugue, Op. 133,
Fur Elise (no opus number)

Franz Joseph Haydn — He had a beautiful voice when he was young and he showcased his talent by singing in church choirs. Eventually, as he hit puberty his voice changed and he became a freelance musician.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — He worked as Kapellmeister for the archbishop of Salzburg. In 1781, he requested release from his duties and started working freelance. His works include
Overture to “The Marriage of Figaro”,
Rondo Alla Turca,
Piano Concerto №21, 2nd Movement “Andante”,
Piano Concerto №20, 2nd Movemet “Romanze”,
Symphony №41 “Jupiter”, 1st Movement “Allegro Vivace”,
Requiem, “Lacrimosa”,
Overture to “The Magic Flute”