Classical Music Composers' Scandals

Hector Berlioz was known for his eccentric behavior and was once arrested for throwing a rock at a conductor who had refused to perform one of his works.

Robert Schumann was involved in a love triangle with two sisters, Clara and Ernestine Wieck. He eventually married Clara, but not before engaging in a duel with Ernestine's husband.

George Handel was accused of plagiarism by his contemporaries, leading to a bitter feud. The accusations were eventually dropped, but the feud continued for many years.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was known for his lavish lifestyle and was often in debt. He died at the age of 35, leaving his wife and children in poverty.

Richard Wagner was involved in a political scandal that led to his exile from his home country. He was accused of participating in the Dresden Uprising of 1849, and was forced to flee to Switzerland.

Richard Strauss was known for his controversial operas, which were often criticized for their sexual content. His opera "Salome" was particularly controversial, and was banned in several countries.

Gustav Mahler was involved in a love affair with a married woman, Alma Schindler. The affair caused a public scandal, and Mahler was forced to resign from his position as conductor of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Igor Stravinsky was accused of being a spy during World War I. The accusations were eventually dropped, but they caused a great deal of controversy.

George Gershwin was involved in a legal battle over the copyright to his most famous work, "Rhapsody in Blue". The battle was eventually settled in Gershwin's favor, but it caused a great deal of controversy.

Sergei Rachmaninoff was known for his eccentric behavior and was often seen wearing a cape and a hat. He was also known for his love of cats, and he often had several cats living with him.

Dmitri Shostakovich was involved in a political scandal that led to his arrest and imprisonment. He was accused of being a "formalist" and of writing music that was "un-Soviet". He was eventually released from prison, but he continued to be under surveillance by the Soviet government.

Alfred Schnittke was known for his controversial operas, which were often criticized for their political content. His opera "Life with an Idiot" was particularly controversial, and was banned in the Soviet Union.

Valentin Silvestrov was involved in a love affair with a married woman, which led to a public scandal. The affair caused a great deal of controversy, and Silvestrov was forced to leave his position as a professor at the Moscow Conservatory.

Giya Kancheli was known for his eccentric behavior and was often seen wearing a long beard and a flowing robe. He was also known for his love of nature, and he often spent time hiking and camping in the mountains.

Alexander Raskatov was involved in a political scandal that led to his exile from his home country. He was accused of being a dissident, and was forced to leave the Soviet Union in 1978. He eventually settled in the United States, where he continued to compose music.