When we speak of ampampldquoclassical musicampamprdquo it often refers rather loosely to serious ampampldquoartampamprdquo music but at the core is really the music of the classical period running from about 1730 to 1800 give or take. This was truly one of the most glorious periods for both composition and performance and it is this classical music which is still at the core of todayampamprsquos repertoire. Obvious names connected with this period are Haydn Mozart and Beethoven but there were many more still reasonably well known like Gluck and C.P.E Bach and dozens more who are regrettably little known today.This Historical Dictionary of Music of the Classical Period includes not only these composers but also eminent conductors and performers patrons and publishers.