How Much Do You Know About Famous Composers?

Mozart was an absolute genius even as a tiny child. By the time a lot of children are still struggling to speak clearly, he'd already become a master of the keyboard and violin.

It might be the most famous ballet in world history. "The Nutcracker," by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, is a legendary work of art that's performed all over the world each year.

As classical composers go, Igor Stravinsky is a relatively recent creator. He was born in Russia in 1882 and lived much of his life in the United States, where he died in 1971.

Bach created the "Brandenburg Concertos" in the early 1700s. The Concertos are six instrumental pieces that historians regard as icons of the Baroque era.

In adulthood, Beethoven began to lose his hearing, a fact that greatly impacted his social and professional life. But he was so talented and dedicated that he continued to write amazing compositions -- and never got to hear them with his own ears.

Some composers were virtually ignored by critics during their lifetimes. Bach's reputation was limited to small circles at first, but he later enjoyed great fame and traveled parts of the world for his work.

He wrote hundreds of pieces in his celebrated life, but "The Marriage of Figaro" is one of Mozart's most famous works. It is a comic opera that he completed in 1786.

Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi is renowned for his iconic operas, created in a classic Italian style. His "Otello" and "Requiem" are both masterpieces of the art form.

Chopin was born in Warsaw, Poland in 1810 and died in 1849. But during his short life, he created some of the world's most memorable music.

Franz Liszt was a virtuoso pianist of the 19th century. His "Piano Sonata in B minor" and "“Liebesträume No. 3” are two of his best-known works.

In 1913, Stravinsky unveiled "The Rite of Spring," which became one of his best-known pieces. The composition includes some unique choices in terms of structure and tone that threw many critics of the time for a loop … but is now regarded as a masterpiece.

German composer Felix Mendelssohn created music for "A Midsummer Night's Dream," as well as some original symphonies. He was particularly well-known for his masterful solo piano compositions.

Haydn was a huge proponent of chamber music, that is, music made to be played by smaller groups of musicians. He was often called the "Father of the Symphony."

Mozart is one of the most famous Austrians of all-time. His brilliance at a young age propelled him to performances for some of the most powerful men and women in Europe.

Chopin shot to incredible fame during his lifetime. He was a geniune rock star of the 19th century, and in some ways, the fame took a toll on his career.

Wagner had some revolutionary ideas about arrangements, tone, and other factors. In "Tristan und Isolde," he called his work a "music drama," a sort of theatrical production that leaned heavily on Wagner's compositions.

In 1741, George Frideric Hande wrote the "Messiah" oratorio, which ended with the world-famous "Hallelujah" chorus. It might be Handel's finest moment.

Bach lived in the Baroque period. He was incredibly prolific, as he wrote hundreds of compositions in his life.

Antonio Vivaldi was a Venetian who adored the violin, an instrument that he mastered in his life. He composed amazing violin concertos like the "Four Seasons."

In December 1791, Mozart died at the tender age of 35. Researchers have never been able to pinpoint the cause of his death, which created a void in the music culture of the day.

Tchaikovsky composed the ballet titled "Swan Lake" in the 1870s. It was actually a flop at first -- but it is now regarded as one of the most popular ballets ever.

His genius is impossible to overstate. After mastering multiple instruments at age 5, Mozart began his work as a composer … at age 6. He was a prodigy whose work will stand the test of time.

The lovelorn Beethoven created the Piano Sonata No. 14 in 1802 for his romantic interest (and pupil) Giulietta Guicciardi. It is now known as the Moonlight Sonata.

Wagner was an intelligent music maker who had zero money sense. He spent much of his life running away from creditors.

Chopin had a topsy-turvy love life, completed with a broken engagement, and later, a very public romance with French writer Amantine Dupin, better known as George Sand. The two had a rollercoaster relationship that endly badly.

In 1816, Rossini unveiled his comic opera "The Barber of Seville," in Rome. Two centuries later, it is still regarded as one of the best works of comical music ever.

Mozart's Requiem in D minor, K, was completed in the early 1790s. It was a commissioned piece meant to mark the death of Count Franz von Walsegg's wife.

Wagner may have created lasting music, but he had some controversial political ideas, some of which were anti-Semitic. No wonder Hitler loved his music so.

Beethoven was in his early 40s when he finally lost the last of his hearing. He continued to play very loud music, straining to create beauty in spite of his disability.

During his life, Italian reunification was a major issue. Giuseppe Verdi was, for a short time, an elected politician. But as a very private person, he wasn't really cut out for public displays of power.