When people think of classical music, certain names come to mind almost immediately. These names belong to great composers whose music continues to inspire, teach, and move people across the world. While there are many important figures in the history of music, three of them are often grouped together as the "Big 3." These are Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Each of these men lived in a different time and brought their own style and voice to music. Together, they shaped the foundation of what we now call classical music. They wrote many of the most loved and performed classical songs in history. In this article, we will explore who they were, what they did, and why they are still remembered today. Who are the Big 3 in Classical Music? The Big 3 in classical music are not just famous names. They are legends whose work changed music forever. Johann Sebastian Bach was a master of harmony and counterpoint. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart brought elegance and emotion to his music. Ludwig van Beethoven pushed the boundaries of sound and expression. They were not the only great composers, of course. But their work stands out. It has stood the test of time and continues to be played by orchestras and soloists all around the world. Their classical songs are taught in music schools and loved by audiences of all ages. Let us take a closer look at each of them. Johann Sebastian Bach: The Master of Structure Bach was born in 1685 in Germany. He came from a family of musicians and spent most of his life working as a church organist and music director. His music is known for its order, balance, and deep spiritual feeling. Bach wrote in many forms, including cantatas, concertos, and fugues. His work often included complex layers of sound. This is called counterpoint, where several melodies are played at the same time and still sound good together. One of his most famous works is the "Brandenburg Concertos." Another is "The Well-Tempered Clavier," a set of keyboard pieces that explore every key. Even though Bach was not very famous during his life, musicians later rediscovered his work. In the 1800s, people began to study and perform his music again. Since then, Bach has been seen as one of the true giants of classical music. His classical songs are still performed today, often by both students and professionals. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Child Prodigy Mozart was born in 1756 in Salzburg, Austria. He showed amazing talent from a very young age. By the time he was five, he could play the keyboard and violin. He also began to compose music at that age. Mozart traveled across Europe as a child, playing for kings and queens. As he grew older, he wrote music in every major form of his time. This included symphonies, operas, concertos, chamber music, and sacred music. What made Mozart’s music special was its beauty and balance. His melodies were simple but full of feeling. He had a deep understanding of how music works and could write with both ease and grace. Some of his most famous works include "Eine kleine Nachtmusik," "The Magic Flute," and "Requiem." Mozart died young, at the age of 35, but he left behind over 600 pieces of music. Many of these classical songs are now part of the standard repertoire. They continue to inspire musicians and bring joy to audiences. Ludwig van Beethoven: The Revolutionary Spirit Beethoven was born in 1770 in Bonn, Germany. He came at a time when the style of music was changing. Classical music was becoming more expressive, and Beethoven was at the heart of that change. He started his career in Vienna, where he studied with some of the best musicians of the time. His early music was similar to Mozart’s, but he soon found his own voice. As he grew older, he began to break the rules of music. He added more emotion and power to his work. Beethoven’s life was full of struggle. One of the biggest challenges he faced was going deaf. By the time he wrote some of his greatest works, he could no longer hear. But he continued to compose, using his memory and inner ear to create music that was bold, dramatic, and full of life. Some of Beethoven’s most famous works include his nine symphonies, especially the Fifth and Ninth. His piano sonatas, string quartets, and one opera, "Fidelio," are also widely known. His classical songs have a unique mix of strength and beauty.
Since I always liked dance music I really like Strauss' The Blue Danube piece. Waltz in general I always liked. During the Disco era there were quite a few remakes of classical pieces. Even during the British Rave era (1989-1992) there were a few tracks that were modernized versions of classical works. I remember playing a house version of Vivaldi's Four Seasons which was quite popular in the clubs in 1991 (Space Trax - Vivi 'The' Section).