Giuseppe Verdi is an Italian composer known for his operas, including "La Traviata", "Rigoletto", and "Aida".

The "Big Five" orchestras in the United States are the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Cleveland Orchestra.

Pierre Monteux conducted the premiere of Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" in 1913, which caused a riot due to its innovative and dissonant music.

Wilhelm Furtwängler's 1951 recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with the Berlin Philharmonic is often regarded as one of the greatest classical music recordings due to its emotional intensity and dramatic interpretation.

Maria Callas is renowned for her interpretation of the role of Norma in Bellini's opera, known for its demanding vocal requirements and emotional intensity.

Johannes Brahms composed only one violin concerto, which is known as the Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77.

Vladimir Horowitz is renowned for his interpretations of Chopin's études, known for their technical difficulty and expressive range.

Richard Wagner's "Parsifal" is a sacred opera based on the legend of the Holy Grail and the story of Parsifal, a pure and innocent knight who is destined to heal the wounded king Amfortas and restore the Holy Grail to its rightful place.

Terry Riley is an American composer known for his minimalist style and works such as "In C" and "Music for 18 Musicians", which explore repetitive patterns and gradual changes over time.

Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 3, also known as "With Tenor Solo and Women's Chorus", is a monumental work that incorporates elements of folk music, nature, and philosophical texts, exploring themes of life, death, and resurrection.

Herbert von Karajan is renowned for his interpretations of the works of Richard Strauss and his long association with the Vienna Philharmonic, leading to numerous acclaimed recordings of Strauss's operas and orchestral works.

Giacomo Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" is an opera based on the Japanese tragedy of the same name, telling the story of a young Japanese woman who falls in love with an American naval officer and the tragic consequences that ensue.

Georges Bizet is known for his opera "Carmen", which features the famous "Habanera" aria and tells the story of a passionate gypsy woman and her tragic love affair with a soldier.

Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7, also known as "Leningrad", is a powerful and emotional work that reflects the composer's experiences during the Siege of Leningrad during World War II.

Leonard Bernstein is renowned for his interpretations of the works of Gustav Mahler and his long association with the New York Philharmonic, leading to numerous acclaimed recordings of Mahler's symphonies.