Famous Piano Players and Composers of the 18th and 19th Century

Have you ever tried to find out how some of the famous piano players and composers that we have read about started their musical career?

I must say that some of the stories surrounding these great musicians are very interesting.

Do you think that you can be tagged as a great piano player sometime soon or in years to come? Of course you can! With hard work, dedication and lots of practice, your name can be on list of famous piano players of the twenty first century.

The transition from the baroque style of music to classical music in 1750 gave way for a number of pianists to start showing off their skills. Famous piano players such as Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven shared their new compositions that were written for the piano to the world.

During the classical period, keyboard instruments such as the clavichord, harpsichord and organ were replaced by the pianoforte (piano).

Even though the piano was still going through an evolution stage, Keyboard players fell in love with the instrument because of the dynamic features it had. Since the piano was not limited in dynamics, it allows composers to create more unique compositions that would affect the emotions of listeners.

Here is a list of famous piano players and composers from the 18th to 19th century who have contributed greatly to music globally.

Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809)

He was born in Rohrau a small Austrian Village. Even though Joseph Haydn was more considered to be a composer of string quartet music, he had great influences on the lives of Mozart and Beethoven. Haydn been a great music teacher was able to put out piano sonatas and piano trios in the later period of his music career.

Click here for a brief biography on Joseph Haydn 

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 - 1791)

Wolfgang Mozart is listed as one of the famous piano composers of the 18th century. He was born in Salzburg, Austria. He was involved in music from as early as age six. From a young age he was able to play the Harpsichord and violin. He started to play the piano with no obstacles since he was already a great keyboard player. He taught piano and composition and composed several great piano concertos and quartet for piano and strings. 

Click here for a brief biography on Wolfgang Mozart! 

Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)

Ludwig Beethoven is definitely among the list of great piano composers of all times. Beethoven expressive style of playing influenced a number of composers throughout the nineteenth century. This musical genius was born in Bonn, Germany. Beethoven also played for Mozart during his teens. He also studied music with Haydn in Vienna where he spent most of his life.

Click here for a brief biography on Ludwig van Beethoven 

Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828)

Franz Peter Schubert is one of the finest music composers of the 19th century. Although he lived for a short period, he was able compose more than 1000 compositions which include songs, symphonies, string quartets, sonatas and short piano pieces and operas.

Click here for a brief biography on Franz Schubert

Frederic Chopin (1810 - 1849)

How can we forget Frederic Chopin who devoted most of his compositions to the piano? This young pianist who was the son of a Polish mother and French father is definitely written down in history among the famous piano players of the 19th century. Chopin was one composer of piano music that used a lot of dynamic elements and other expressive features. He is known as one of the piano players who had a great impact during the romantic era (Chopin is well known for romantic music).

Click here for more information on Frederic Chopin! 

Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856)

Robert Schumann was also a composer of piano music during the early to mid nineteenth century. Schumann was born in Zwickau, Germany.

Click here for a short biography on Robert Schumann!

Franz Liszt (1811 - 1886)

Franz Liszt was considered to be one of the greatest piano players of the 19th century. Many composers witness Liszt play their piano composition beyond their expectations. Liszt was one of the many famous piano players who spend quality time practicing. However, his hard work and dedication to practice paid off and presented him as one of the best pianist in the world.

Click here for more information on Franz Liszt! 

Clara Wieck Schumann (1819 - 1896)

Clara Schumann was the wife of Robert Schumann. She was born in Leipzig, Germany. Clara was one of the few women who were recognized for their contribution to music. Clara's ability to play the piano was as result of his father who taught her. Both Robert and Clara Schumann made a great team composing piano pieces together.

Click here for more information on about Clara Schumann!

The list goes on.

I am sure that there are some famous piano players who you would like to see among the list of persons I have presented above. But I must say that these musicians and composers have dedicated their lives to the wonderful music that we listen to, play and enjoy today.

For more information on great piano players and composers visit favorite-classical-composers.com. 

Visit http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piano for more information on the list of famous piano players that we have listed above. 

Subscribe to receive free piano lessons
E-zines and other updates!

RETURN TO HOME PAGE!!