In remembrance of the most influential composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s classical music still thrives today, especially when it comes to modern day music and even the band at Millbrook.

Classical music essentially originated from the medieval times. During the medieval period, which was from 1150s to the 1400s, this music usually had a religious basis. It was traditionally either Gregorian chants or plainsong, which mostly had one melodic line and an instrument alongside. As the 15th century came about, there were more freedoms such as harmony and polyphony. This was considered the Renaissance Era. Composers were still into choral music as well. Some of the influential composers during this time were Dunstable and Ockeghem. This became the golden period for choral composition. New ways of music such as a cappella, motets, anthems, psalms, and madrigals.

The Baroque Era was the era of new genres of music. This was also considered the Classical Period simply because it introduced the eventual present day form of classical music. Junior and band member Nathaniel McDonald said, “The birth of classical music is a basis/origin for all of our present day music.” This era made room for the creation of modern concerto, symphony, sonata, trio, and quartet. Towards the 18th century of this era, composers such as Mozart dominated this type of music.

As classical music reached its peak, it was obvious that many composers wanted to use classical music to express themselves. As time went on, composers tried to balance their music between expression and formal composition in music. Composers such as Franz Schubert and Richard Wagner were two of the most popular composers during this time period. This era was considered the early Romantic Period which was 1839 to 1860.

In today’s music, classical has made a foundation for many artists. Musicians such as The Beatles, Billy Joel and Bright Eyes have been influenced by Beethoven’s music for certain songs. The Beatles song, “Because” was inspired by Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata. Billy Joel even sampled Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata. Artists have also used snippets of  a composer’s music to amplify their songs. Many artists in genres from R&B to Rock n’ Roll somehow incorporate classical music as a basis for their songs. Beyonce is one of the many R&B artists to do so, with her song “Ave Maria,” she was inspired by the composer Franz Schubert. This shows how classical music still thrives as a foundation for the majority of music today.