American Composers Countdown 2026

You voted for your favorite composers, listen as host Tom Crann reveals the results on YourClassical’s American Composers Countdown!


Who is host Tom Crann's favorite American composer?

Who is host Julie Amacher's favorite American composer?

Who is host Steve Seel's favorite American composer?

Who is host Vernon Neal's favorite American composer?

YourClassical's American Composers Countdown

Wind Quintet I. Allegro ben moderato

Serenade No. 10 "Gran Partita": IV: Adagio

String Quartet Op. 76 No. 3 "Emperor"

String Quartet No. 1: I. Un poco andante

String Quintet in C Major: I. Allegro ma non troppo

Piano Quintet II. In modo d'una marcia. Un poco largamente

Quartet for the End of Time: I. Liturgie de cristal

Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp: II. Interlude; Tempo di minuetto

Horn Trio: I. Andante - poco piu animato

String Quartet No. 1: II. Andante cantabile

String Quartet No. 14 "Death and the Maiden" Andante con moto

String Quartet No. 14 "Death and the Maiden"

String Quartet No. 2 "Intimate Letters" III. Moderato

String Octet: I. Allegro moderato, ma con fuoco

Serenade for Winds: I. Moderato, quasi marcia

String Quartet: II. Assez vif et bien rythme

String Quartet: II. Assez vif. Tres rythme

Clarinet Quintet: II. Larghetto

Piano Trio No. 7 "Archduke": I. Allegro moderato

"Trout Quintet": IV. Thema with Variations; Andante

String Quartet No. 12 "American": I. Allegro ma non troppo

We asked listeners to tell us their favorite chamber music pieces. Here are the top 20 vote-getters.


The top 20 chamber pieces

Wedding music can range anywhere from intimate to epic. Likewise, there are an infinite number of instrumental combinations that can make your big day special. Classical MPR's Brad Althoff shares the top five instruments for weddings.


Top five instruments for your wedding ceremony

Beethoven: Symphony No. 6: II. Scene by the Brook

We asked listeners to write poems inspired by  Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 6: II. Scene by the Brook. Here’s what they told us.


Classical Poetry: Read poems inspired by Beethoven's 'Scene by the Brook'

Irish Inspirations

Listen to this classical music special that does double duty and looks at music from Ireland, with an emphasis on women composers and performers, as well as music with female themes.


Irish Inspirations: Celebrating Women in Irish Music

What do your favorite classical hosts love to listen to? You might be surprised. Here are top 10 lists from the people behind the microphone.


Top 10: Our classical hosts pick their musical favorites

Classical Kids Music Lesson: Beethoven Bonanza

Ludwig van Beethoven
F&uuml;r Elise
Louis Lortie

F&uuml;r Elise

Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 I. Allegro con brio
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig; Herbert Blomstedt. conductor

Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67 I. Allegro con brio

Ludwig van Beethoven
String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 IV. Alla danza tedesca
Yale Quartet

String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 IV. Alla danza tedesca

Ludwig van Beethoven
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 II. Allegretto
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig; Herbert Blomstedt. conductor

Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 II. Allegretto

Ever heard of a composer named Beethoven? In this K-8 lesson, we'll learn a few basics about the composer, his life, and music. Plus, we'll listen to a few greatest hits.


Meet the Composer: Beethoven

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, Nicholas Cords finds solace in a thankful musical sentiment from Beethoven.


Brooklyn Rider's Nicholas Cords on Beethoven, gratitude and the power of creativity

Steve Staruch's Escape the Noise Playlist

Elena See's Escape the Noise Playlist

Scott Blankenship's Escape the Noise Playlist

Brian Newhouse's Escape the Noise Playlist

Julie Amacher's Escape the Noise Playlist

Andrea Blain: Life's Infinite Variety

Hear the pieces your favorite classical hosts turn to when they need calm. Enjoy music specially selected by Steve Staruch, Elena See, Scott Blankenship, Brian Newhouse, Julie Amacher and Andrea Blain.


Feel better with these calming classical playlists curated by our hosts

In the run-up to Valentine's Day, we asked you what musical selections articulate feelings of love and romance. We've tallied your votes - here are the results!


YourClassical's American Composers Countdown

The results

Who are our host’s favorite American Composers?