Changes

A '''composer''' is defined by the Meriam-Webster online [[dictionary]] as "a person who writes music". More specifically, a composer writes the music to be performed by a musician.  Though a composer can refer to anyone who writes music, the term is more commonly associated with European classical music, than the pop culture music genre of today (a person who writes music of this genre would be called a "songwriter" as opposed to a composer). A person who writes songs for movies, plays, etc. is referred to as a composer today. Also there is an emerging genre of modern instrumental music known as [[New Age]] that is written by composers.   

A '''composer''' is defined by the Meriam-Webster online [[dictionary]] as "a person who writes music". More specifically, a composer writes the music to be performed by a musician.  Though a composer can refer to anyone who writes music, the term is more commonly associated with European classical music, than the pop culture music genre of today (a person who writes music of this genre would be called a "songwriter" as opposed to a composer). A person who writes songs for movies, plays, etc. is referred to as a composer today. Also there is an emerging genre of modern instrumental music known as [[New Age]] that is written by composers.   

Famous composers of old Europe include:

Famous composers include:

* Ludwig Van [[Beethoven]]

* Ludwig Van [[Beethoven]] (1770 - 1827)

* [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]]

* [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]] (1756 - 1791)

* George Frideric [[Handel]]

* George Frideric [[Handel]] (1685 - 1759)

* [[Frédéric Chopin]]

* [[Frédéric Chopin]] (1810 - 1849)

Two modern day composers are:

Two modern day composers are:

* [[John Williams]]

* [[John Williams]]

* [[Yanni]]  (New Age composer)  

* [[Yanni]]  (New Age composer)  

Composers are usually more interested in the actual music than fame or fortune, as opposed to many modern day musicians. This quote by Ludvig Van Beethoven shows the respect that composers in general have for the music they write:

Composers are usually more interested in the actual music than fame or fortune, as opposed to many modern day musicians. This quote by Ludvig Van Beethoven shows the respect that composers in general have for the music they write: