The Most Famous Opera Composer, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the composer you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 20, 2024 08:16

Opera has long been a cultural touchstone, capturing the essence of human emotions and stories through powerful vocal performances and rich orchestral compositions. Ranking the most influential composers who have mastered this art form can help new enthusiasts to direct their attention to key works that have shaped the genre. It also serves to highlight the historical and stylistic developments within opera, showing how it has transformed over centuries. By participating in the ranking process, opera lovers contribute to a communal recognition of excellence, acknowledging those whose work resonates deeply and stands the test of time. This dynamic ranking not only encourages a deeper engagement with opera but also helps to foster a shared understanding of which composers have most profoundly influenced the direction and reception of opera as an art form.

Who Is the Most Famous Opera Composer?

1

36
votes
Johann Nepomuk della Croce · Public domain

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

He is considered one of the greatest composers of all time and his operas, such as The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni, are still performed today.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous classical composer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most talented boy in the world
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous musical composer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most talented person in the world
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Freemason
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous composer of oratorios in this period
2

31
votes
Disegnatore: A. Cairoli - Incisore: Ernesto Mancastroppa · Public domain

Giuseppe Verdi

Verdi is known for his dramatic and emotional operas, including La Traviata and Aida. Many of his works have become staples of the operatic repertoire.
Giuseppe Verdi in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Italian composer
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Italian person
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous musical composer
3

12
votes
Franz Hanfstaengl · Public domain

Richard Wagner

Wagner's epic operas, such as The Ring Cycle and Tristan und Isolde, revolutionized the genre with their use of innovative orchestration and incorporation of mythological themes.
Richard Wagner in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous musical composer
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Richard
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous classical composer
4

19
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Giacomo Puccini

Puccini's operas, such as La Bohème and Tosca, are known for their lush melodies and emotional intensity. His works are still regularly performed in opera houses around the world.
Giacomo Puccini in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Italian composer
5

21
votes
Étienne Carjat · Public domain

Georges Bizet

Bizet's most famous work, Carmen, is one of the most popular operas ever written. The opera's vibrant Spanish-inspired music and compelling story have made it a favorite among audiences.
Georges Bizet in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous French composer
6

12
votes
Étienne Carjat · Public domain

Gioachino Rossini

Rossini's operas, such as The Barber of Seville and William Tell, are known for their lively and playful music. His works helped to define the Italian opera buffa style.
Gioachino Rossini in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Italian composer
7

17
votes
Fritz Luckhardt · Public domain

Johann Strauss II

Strauss was known primarily for his waltzes and other dance music, but he also composed several operettas, including Die Fledermaus and The Gypsy Baron. His music is still widely performed and beloved today.
Johann Strauss II in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous dancer of the waltz
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Strauss
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous musical composer
8

6
votes
Benjamin Britten

Britten is known for his operas, which often dealt with themes of social and political injustice. His most famous works include Peter Grimes and Billy Budd.
Benjamin Britten in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person from Suffolk
9

13
votes
Bernardo Strozzi · Public domain

Claudio Monteverdi

Monteverdi is considered one of the pioneers of opera, as his works helped to establish the genre in the early 17th century. His most famous operas include L'Orfeo and The Coronation of Poppea.
Claudio Monteverdi in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Italian composer
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Baroque composer
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Madrigal Enchanted
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Baroque artist
10

0
votes
unidentified photograph · Public domain

Richard Strauss

Strauss's operas, such as Salome and Elektra, are known for their intense psychological drama and innovative use of orchestration. He also composed several popular works for the concert hall, including Also sprach Zarathustra and Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks.
Richard Strauss in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Strauss
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Richard

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Ranking factors for famous composer

Number and quality of compositions

The quantity and quality of an opera composer's works play a significant role. Composers with a large number of successful and widely performed operas have a stronger claim to fame.
Historical significance

The historical impact of an opera composer is essential. Composers who introduced revolutionary techniques, broke convention, or defined specific periods in opera history are often more renowned.
Popularity and frequency of performances

The frequency of performances and the overall popularity of a composer's works can be a valuable indicator. Composers whose operas are regularly staged and consistently attract audiences tend to have higher fame rankings.
Influence on other composers

A composer's influence on subsequent generations can demonstrate their importance. Those who have inspired and paved the way for others often carry more significant weight in terms of fame.
Critical acclaim and awards

The reception of a composer's works by critics and the recognition they have received in terms of awards, honors, or accolades can contribute to their fame ranking.
Cultural impact

The impact of a composer's operas on broader culture, including their incorporation into popular culture, can also be a relevant factor.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Opera composer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Composer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1614 views
166 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Composer once every 24 hours. The rank of each Composer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous opera composer

Opera is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it has been shaped by the contributions of many talented composers. These composers have created some of the most beautiful and captivating music in the world, and their work continues to be celebrated today. When it comes to determining the most famous opera composer, there are many factors to consider, including their impact on the genre, the popularity of their works, and their lasting legacy. In this article, we will explore some of the most influential opera composers throughout history and examine their unique contributions to this timeless art form.