Patrons Who Made Possible The Music You Enjoy

By Gigi Yellen
Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cothen employed Johann Sebastian Bach as his court’s music master, and even sat in himself to jam with the players on harpsichord or violin.
Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Cothen employed Johann Sebastian Bach as his court’s music master, and even sat in himself to jam with the players on harpsichord or violin.
Eccentric businesswoman Nadezhda von Meck donated so much of her vast wealth to Tchaikovsky that he was able to drop his day job and compose full time. Her one condition? That he never meet her.
Eccentric businesswoman Nadezhda von Meck donated so much of her vast wealth to Tchaikovsky that he was able to drop his day job and compose full time. Her one condition? That he never meet her.
Diplomat and librarian Gottfried van Swieten pooled resources with friends to fund a concert series that helped Mozart through a financial crisis.
Diplomat and librarian Gottfried van Swieten pooled resources with friends to fund a concert series that helped Mozart through a financial crisis.
Heiress Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge paid for Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” and created a pension fund for Chicago Symphony Orchestra players.
Heiress Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge paid for Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” and created a pension fund for Chicago Symphony Orchestra players.
Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy played an unusual instrument—the baryton—and had Haydn write dozens of pieces for it. As resident music master of the Esterhazy estate, Haydn and his house orchestra developed the form we know as the classical symphony.
Prince Nikolaus Esterhazy played an unusual instrument—the baryton—and had Haydn write dozens of pieces for it. As resident music master of the Esterhazy estate, Haydn and his house orchestra developed the form we know as the classical symphony.
The “Archduke Trio,” yes, but so much more, Beethoven wrote thanks to Archduke Rudolph of Austria: he paid for Beethoven’s move to Vienna and built cost-of-living raises into the long term arrangement.
The “Archduke Trio,” yes, but so much more, Beethoven wrote thanks to Archduke Rudolph of Austria: he paid for Beethoven’s move to Vienna and built cost-of-living raises into the long term arrangement.
Johann Sebastian’s “Musical Offering” was offered to Frederick the Great of Russia; son C.P.E. served as court musician. Fred’s resident flute teacher, Johann Joachim Quantz, lives on in the music and instruction manuals he wrote for that instrument.
Johann Sebastian’s “Musical Offering” was offered to Frederick the Great of Russia; son C.P.E. served as court musician. Fred’s resident flute teacher, Johann Joachim Quantz, lives on in the music and instruction manuals he wrote for that instrument.
Wagner was so deeply in debt, he despaired of any future, when King Ludwig II of Bavaria got in touch and promised to take care of his financial needs for life.
Wagner was so deeply in debt, he despaired of any future, when King Ludwig II of Bavaria got in touch and promised to take care of his financial needs for life.
Scott Joplin (pictured) was educated by Julius Weiss, his Texarkana neighbor. Weiss gave the future King of Ragtime, the gift of time and education.
Scott Joplin (pictured) was educated by Julius Weiss, his Texarkana neighbor. Weiss gave the future King of Ragtime, the gift of time and education.

Through much of history, composers depended on patrons for financial support or incentive to write the music we enjoy today. Browse through the slideshow above to see some of the best-known patrons – and remember that today, YOU are the most important patron of the arts, when you support Northwest Public Radio.

From whatever resources you are able to share, please step up and pledge your support to ensure that centuries of musical inspiration live and breathe right here. THANKS!

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