by Susan Klatz Beal

Created on: January 20, 2012

The 20th century was a time of great change in the world of classical music. Composers of this period were far more experimental, and some even took influences from other art forms and literature and incorporated different aspects from these areas, into their music. The most talented 20th century composers are those who explored their craft with a fearlessness that gave them the freedom to express themselves deeply and thoroughly.

Leonard Bernstein (August 25, 1918 - October 14, 1990)

Bernstein is famous for being the long-time conductor of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He was a talented pianist and a brilliant conductor. Although people are most familiar with West Side Story, one of the most popular pieces of 20th century American music, he also wrote symphonies, a piece called Prelude, Fugue and Riffs - which he composed for clarinet and jazz ensemble in 1949. Bernstein will probably be remembered as a great classical composer who was successful as a cross-over artist.

Ralph Vaughn Williams (1872 - 1958)

One of the all time great British composers, Vaughn Williams is also widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. His musical output includes a huge amount of choral music, some chamber music, organ music and some orchestral music, including a piano concerto and some symphonies.

Gustav Holst (1874 - 1934)

Another great British composer, Holst is probably best known for his orchestral suite known as The Planets. He is also the composer of the wonderful hymn “I Vow to Thee My Country,” that was performed at the funeral of Princess Diana and at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. His total composition output numbers around 200 works, including choral hymns, songs, operas and ballets. He was also a close friend of Ralph Vaughn Williams.

Igor Stravinsky  (June 17, 1882 - April 6, 1971)

No mention of great 20th century composers would be complete without the inclusion of  Russian composer, pianist and conductor, Igor Stravinsky. His musical output was huge and showed him as an original composer, and as one who could take what he learned about music of the classical and Rococo periods and turn it into a unique composition, which is what he did in Pulcinella. Other important works include Firebird, The Rite of Spring, and Petrushka.

Benjamin Britten (November 22, 1913 - December 4, 1976)

Benjamin Britten was an incredibly versatile musician who was a composer, a conductor and a pianist. He wrote a

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