prokofiev - greatest musical genius of the 20th century. his music is clever and modern yet never unpalatable as is sometimes the case with modern 'classical' music.

tchaikovsky - the height of romanticism. responsible for several of the most 'romantic' melodies ever written, and possibly more well-known pieces of music than any other composer.

bach - probably the greatest musical genius of all time. has shaped 'classical' music like none before or since. some actually argue that all true musical innovation died with him.