by Cicely Richard

Created on: January 24, 2012   Last Updated: May 19, 2012

Before the turn of the 20th century, classical music carried elitist connotations, seemingly excluding the common people from enjoying it. Twentieth-century composers changed the face of classical music, often mixing contemporary musical styles to traditional classics. Talented composers of the 20th century used new media, film and radio, to invite everyone to enjoy their pieces. Their works live on in the productions in which they appear.

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

English composer Edward Benjamin Britten was a prominent figure in the British classical music movement of the 20th century. He was born on November 22, 1913 in Lowestoft, England, on St. Cecilia’s Day, a Catholic holiday. Britten got his first exposure to music through his mother, an amateur singer, and he composed his first piece at five years old. He started taking piano lessons at seven and viola lessons at 10. In his late teens, Britten studied at the Royal College of Music in London and began attending concerts in the city. He moved to America in 1939. His noted works include “Hymn to St. Cecilia,” “Rejoice in the Lamb” and “War Requiem.”

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)

American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein not only made a name for himself as a classical musician; he wrote some of the most memorable songs for musicals of stage and film. Bernstein was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Jewish working-class parents. His father, a bookstore owner, at first resisted Bernstein’s interest in music; however, he took his son to orchestra concerts and paid for music classes. He attended Harvard University and helped with college productions. Bernstein served as conductor and music director of the New York Philharmonic in the late 50’s and early 60’s. He also composed music for musicals “On the Town,” “Candide” and “West Side Story,” probably his most popular work. He worked with Stephen Sondheim and Jerome Robbins on “West Side Story.”

Aaron Copland (1990-1990)

Brooklyn-born composer Aaron Copland created contemporary music, including ballads celebrating America’s frontier past and jazz-inspired compositions. Born on November 14, 1900, he was the youngest of Sarah and Harris Copland’s five children. He began writing piano songs as a young boy before getting formal piano lessons. Before graduating from high school, he has his first public performance. After graduation,

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