Abstract
A description of the female composers who contributed to the success of the Romantic period of music (1825-1900). The paper explains that even though most of the composers of the time were male, Hensel and Schumann were talented and successful and made it to the top in their own right. It examines their different styles and how their music reflected the society and culture of the times.

From the Paper
"Like other composers during this period, Hensel and Schumann were engaged with many of the important motifs of the Romantic period, including an attention to both nationalistic and what might be called "exotic" themes in music. Both this rise in nationalism and this interest in non-Western music reflected larger political and cultural events in the world. Among the most important of these was a series of revolutions that occurred in the middle of the 19th century that served as attempts for nations like Italy to free themselves from foreign rule. Germany was undergoing a different form of nationalist struggle during the middle decades of the 19th century as its leaders strove to build (for the first time) a politically unified nation."

Tags:nationalism, music, notes, compose, patronage, romantic, lieder, orchestra

Abstract
Through an analysis of the music of eight Western classical composers, this paper attempts to understand how their various environments influenced their musical output. The eight composers that this paper studies are: Johann Sebastian Bach, Joseph Haydn, Richard Wagner, Peter Iljitch Tchaikovsky, Claude Debussy, Igor Stravinsky, Bela Bartok and George Crumb. The paper chooses to focus on specific compositions to demonstrate how each artist was affected by the events of his life -- from personal situations such as a family crisis, marriage or the loss of a loved one to broader social/cultural developments in his country or the world.

Outline:
Introduction
Johann Sebastian Bach
Joseph Haydn
Richard Wagner
Peter Iljitch Tchaikovsky
Claude Debussy
Igor Stravinsky
Bela Bartok
George Crumb
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In Bach's Christ lag in Todesbanden (Church Cantata No. 4), written for Easter Sunday, the hymn melody and its verses are used exclusively throughout the piece. The opening measure, in the style of Buxtehude, Bach's mentor, is followed by seven verses, each having its own musical signature. In this opening measure, one can hear that the music is touched by the sorrows of death, but in the third verse, there is an outpouring of joy. This cantata was written in 1724 during a period in Bach's life that was full of musical expression. However, in 1720, his first wife, Maria Barbara died, and in 1721, Bach married Anna Magdalena Wuelken who bore him thirteen children. Thus, through the music of Cantata No. 4, Bach's sadness over the death of his first wife can be sensed; however, due to his strict religious upbringing, his joy can be sensed in the third verse which reflects his knowledge that his late wife is now with God in Heaven."

Tags:music, classical, composition, composer, Johann, Sebastian, Bach, Joseph, Haydn, Richard, Wagner, Peter, Iljitch, Tchaikovsky, Claude, Debussy, Igor, Stravinsky, Bela, Bartok, George, Crumb, movements

Abstract
A look at the formation of the 'Mighty Five', five Russian composers, Korsakov, Balakirev, Borodin, Mussorgsky and Glinka who changed Russian music and stance impacting recognition from the Western world. A look at their contributions and impact on the world of music.

From the Paper
"The culmination of five ingenious, dedicated composers and one highly skilled evangelist led to the recognition of Russian music. This would be the recognition of a distinct, nationalist approach to music. Involving traditional melodies, and folk songs, and composed in a uniquely Russian manner. They would forever change Russian classical music, and made a large impact upon the rest of the Western world. It is important to recognize two key individuals; one Rimsky-Korsakov for his incredibly sophisticated works, and two the work of Stasov as propagandist. Finally the Mighty Five as a whole should be recognized for their achievements, contributions, and enduring impact on music.'

Tags:composer, russia, russian, Korsakov, Balakirev, Borodin, Mussorgsky, Glinka

Abstract
This paper examines the works of the world's greatest composers and looks at how their music was influenced and shaped by the environment in which they lived. The paper explains how classical music of the west breaks down into a handful of major periods and that each great change in musical tastes can be traced back to corresponding developments in society and civilization. Bach and Handel, Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven are just a few of the composers discussed in this paper.

From the Paper
"Romanticism differed from the earlier periods because of its appeal to raw emotion. This is not to say that the works of Bach and Hayden are devoid of human feeling. Rather, it is a different kind of emotional response that is being elicited. In a sense the compositions of the Romantic Era ask the listener to suspend reason, and to listen only with the heart. The Nineteenth Century was a time of great change in Europe. The early years of the century had seen the Old Order torn to bits, and a new, and much more completely secular order take its place. Governments now commanded loyalty not on the basis of their leaders' closeness to God, but on the extent to which these leaders tended to embody, or represent, the "national spirit." Wagner's Ring could never be fully understood outside the context of a rampant German nationalism. The newly unified German Empire wanted to demonstrate that it had arisen out of a proud and ancient past. The fact that the Ring is based on old Teutonic Legends is indicative of the extent to which Wagner himself had become enmeshed in the supposedly primal lore of his people - it is Wotan and not Jupiter who occupies center stage. The prominence given to non-Classical legend represents a major break with the Europe of the previous four centuries."

Tags:radio, listen, ballads, musical, reflections, harmonious, balanced, compositions, audible, form

Abstract
This paper describes the musical styles and influences of three of the greatest 20th Century composers: Claude Debussy, Duke Ellington and John Cage. The paper examines the innovations of each composer and cites examples of their work.

From the Paper
"The works of Claude Debussy represent a transition from the late Romantic era in music to music of the 20th century. His unique musical language veered away from the style of Wagner with its heavy emotion. Instead Debussy wrote..."

Tags:Composers, Debussy, Ellington, Cage, musical styles

Abstract
The paper asserts that people generally do not know much about classical music of the last hundred years. The writer's research leads him to believe that the most influential composer of the previous century was an Austrian man named Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951). The writer relates that he is not the most popular musician, and his music is difficult for ordinary people to enjoy, but his ideas and sound seem to have influenced more composers than any other.

From the Paper
"People generally do not know much about classical music of the last hundred years. My research leads me to believe that the most influential composer of the previous century was an Austrian man named Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951). He is not the most popular musician, and his music is difficult for ordinary people to enjoy, but his ideas and sound seem to have influenced more composers than any other. Schoenberg's position as the most influential composer begins to shape up in the first decade of the twentieth century when he discovered a radical new way to write music. Up until this point he was a self-taught musician composing in a late romantic music style reflecting older composers like..."

Tags:schoenberg, most important, composer

Abstract
The paper offers a brief discussion on Mozart as a transitional character in the history of music.

From the Paper
"Working against strict and rigid eighteenth century rational principles, romantic composers in the nineteenth century came up with an alternative philosophy for making music. Mozart's romantic innovativeness with musical forms delineates him from earlier Age of Reason composers because of his intention to dislodge these fundamental historical issues in music, to whom does the artist appeal to for inspiration, and who is the audience. This essay takes up the issues of that transformation by looking at the relationship between two composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri..."

Tags:Mozart, Salieri, Age of Reason, Romanticism, Transcendental

From the Paper
" Women Classical Composers: A Sociological Perspective

Women composers throughout the centuries have written prolifically, but they have not been recognized as readily as their male counterparts. Ideally, there would be no need to separate the accomplishments of women from those of men. Judgments of merit should be based only on artistic ability. History shows that women have been composing since the third century, but inequities exist in society's recognition of their talent and creativity (LePage vii).

Women have been music makers for as long as men have, but their work, especially in composition, has gone unnoticed, unpublished, unperformed, and often forgotten. This unfortunate situation is due to the manner in which gender is construed, a process which has profoundly impacted women composers in Europe ..."

Abstract
This paper describes the early life and education of composer Gustav Mahler. The paper relates that, although Mahler was a successful pianist, he abandoned performance in favor of composition. The paper also relates the history and orchestration of Mahler's first symphony, which originally was called "Symphonic Poem in Two Parts", premiering in 1889. This work was renamed "Titan" in his revised 1893 version.

From the Paper
"A local farm manager noticed Mahler as he advanced in age. This manager convinced Bernhard that his son should receive a thorough musical training in Vienna. In 1875, upon the urging of the kind manager, Mahler entered the Vienna conservatory. During his three-year stay, Mahler studied piano, harmony, and composition. Although he was a successful pianist, performing well in several school competitions, Mahler abandoned performance in favor of composition. In 1878, Mahler graduated from the composition program."

Tags:late-romantic pianist heroic revisions, turbulent finale

Abstract
This paper identifies - in chronological order - the composers of three chansons written during the Middle Ages. Each composer is identified by listening to each chanson, the reading of each score, and literature research. The composers include Guillaume Dufay, Solage, and Guillaume de Machaut and the chansons include "Ce jour de l'an voudray joye mener," "Quant je ne voy ma dame n'oy," and "Tres Gentil Euer."

From the Paper
"This paper identifies - in chronological order - the composers of three chansons written during the middle ages. Each composer was identified by listening to each chanson, the reading of each score, and literature research. The first chanson - "Quant je ne voy ma dame n'oy" - was written by Guillame de Machaut. Machaut is considered by many to be the greatest poet and composer of the fourteenth century. From the province of Champagne, it is believed Machaut was born about 1300 and died sometime around 1360. According to historical records, his career began in the service of a king..."

Tags:renaissance music, baroque chanson, baroque composer