Why is the music of some composers so wonderful? What makes some composers more famous than others? In this music appreciation course, we will examine the biographical details, historical and social background, musical styles and great works of eight more composers. We will explore the lives and music of Vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Verdi, Rachmaninov, Elgar, Stravinsky and Shostakovich. No prior musical knowledge is necessary.