Music for all“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world” - Martin LutherWho can listen to music? Today anyone, of any social class, can listen to music using the Internet, going to a concert or tuning into a radio station; however, 300 years ago it was a different story. Not only did the lack of technology prevent people from listening to each other on the radio or the Internet, but ordinary people lacked the money to support a concert. Any skilled musician would only play for those who were wealthy enough to afford it. Because of this, music was limited because the rich controlled it; however, with the advent of the Baroque period music was about to change. Baroque composers such as Beethoven and Mozart had a temper that infuriated aristocrats and royalty, and they composed music that drew crowds from every field and farm in the area. These composers would break the musical barrier by providing music for ordinary people, creating new techniques, and establishing a foundation for modern music. Europe during the Baroque period was not a rich country. While wealthy aristocrats ruled prosperously over their subjects, those who performed basic jobs fared well. Money collected from the poor through taxes was pumped through the higher levels of society, but rarely returned to the poor. Instead, money circulated at the upper levels creating a massive influx of wealth. This attracted musicians to the highest levels of society in search of profit. Born in 1756 into a middle-class family of nine, Mozart began composing at the age of four. His innate gift for music earned him the position of Konzertmeister, first violin at the court of Salzbury in 1769. Mozart, however, due to his arguments with the archbishop left and tu...... middle of paper ..... .ly from the life and works of the baroque composers Beethoven and Mozart. By changing the status quo and the musical audience, music not only expanded, but continued to impact people long after the time of its composers. The bad temperament of Beethoven and Mozart created tension in the upper class by composing musical works that did not follow what the royals wanted. Instead Beethoven and Mozart composed works from the heart and not for money that inspired the less fortunate in churches across Europe. Even today, modern musicians use the techniques of classical composers in their works. It was thanks to composers such as Beethoven and Mozart who challenged common practices that music was able to advance. Just as their music inspired people 300 years ago, their legacy inspires us today, and thanks to Baroque composers today we have music for everyone.