Beer Lover’s Guide to Classical Composers

There’s something harmonious about pairing two enduring crafts: classical music and a cold pint of beer. Whether you’re listening to a piano concerto on a quiet evening or attending a symphony under the stars, every beer-loving music enthusiast knows that great music deserves an equally memorable brew. In this beer lover’s guide to classical composers, we pair iconic composers—from Baroque to contemporary—with some of the most beloved beer styles. Cheers to exquisite brews and legendary notes!

Stout, Beethoven, and Sorey: Deep, Powerful, and Soulful

We begin with Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827), a towering figure in classical music. From the Moonlight Sonata to the Ninth Symphony, his work is full of passion, resilience, and stormy brilliance—much like a well-poured stout.

Complementing Beethoven’s drama is Tyshawn Sorey, a 21st-century American composer and multi-instrumentalist whose experimental, genre-blending pieces evoke complexity and power. His bold, boundary-pushing sound is every bit as satisfying and substantial as a dark, full-bodied brew.

Recommended Beer: Left Hand Brewing Co.’s Milk Stout Nitro

Recommended Concert: Beethoven and Brews at the ‘Plex

Pilsner, Dai Wei, and Mozart: Crisp, Classic, and Crowd-Pleasing

Dai Wei is a Chinese-born composer whose orchestral and choral works shimmer with lyrical clarity. Like a modern craft pilsner, her music embraces tradition while adding a clean, contemporary edge.

That same spirit of brilliance and balance can be found in the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791), a child prodigy whose masterful piano concertos, operas, and symphonies helped define the Classical period. Like a pilsner, Mozart’s music is refined and effervescent—the perfect balance of artistry and accessibility.

Recommended Beer: Wackadoo Brewing’s New Zealand Pilsner

Recommended Concert: Mozart & Now with Peter Oundjian

Bock, Bach, and Ortiz: Traditional, Structured, and Rich

Baroque titan Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) brought spiritual depth and rigorous beauty to works like the Brandenburg Concertos. His intricate counterpoint calls for a beer with heritage and complexity, making the traditional German bock a perfect match.

Bach fans can find a modern counterpart in Gabriela Ortiz, a Mexican composer known for her vibrant, layered compositions that draw on classical and folk traditions. Like a bock, her music offers a nod to structure and heritage while speaking in a distinctly modern voice.

Saison, Martinaitytė, and Chopin: Expressive, Nuanced, and Surprising

King of Carrot Flowers can and glass from Ratio Beerworks

Contemporary Lithuanian composer Žibuoklė Martinaitytė brings emotional depth to the modern stage, crafting immersive, atmospheric pieces that unfold with elegance and tension. Her music reflects a saison’s subtle yet compelling complexity.

Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849) wrote almost exclusively for solo piano, his works brimming with romantic nuance and introspection. A saison—lightly spiced, floral, and expressive—mirrors the delicacy of his études and nocturnes.

Amber Lager, Brahms, and Chen: Warm, Balanced, and Grounded

Three cans of Konstruct Brewing's B-Side Amber

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) blended classical structure with romantic emotion in pieces like his Hungarian Dances and symphonies. The amber lager—toasty, satisfying, and full of character—is a fitting companion to his grounded yet expressive voice.

In the modern era, Chen Yi, a Chinese-American composer, fuses Eastern and Western traditions in orchestral works that echo with depth and sincerity, reminiscent of the pleasing heartiness of an amber lager.

Blonde Ale, Price, and Schumann: Bright, Melodic, and Elegant

Colorful sign for Elizabeth Brewing Company's Smash the Falcon Blonde Ale

Groundbreaking African American composer Florence Price (1887–1953) wrote symphonies, spiritual arrangements, and art songs that remain radiant and relevant. Her music blends tradition with cultural richness, qualities mirrored in a well-balanced blonde ale.

Clara Schumann (1819–1896), a trailblazing pianist and composer, created romantic songs and piano pieces that shine with lyrical clarity and emotional honesty. Her work is now celebrated for its sophistication and charm, much like the approachable but underrated blonde ale.

Sour, Tchaikovsky, and Chin: Tart, Expressive, and Inventive

Image of Black Sly Brewery glass, about half full of beer, featuring a city scape and blue skies in the background.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893) was a Romantic master known for lush ballets and rousing orchestral works. His emotional intensity and flair for drama match the vivaciousness of a fruit-infused sour.

Fast forward to today’s global stage and meet Unsuk Chin, a South Korean composer known for kaleidoscopic orchestral textures and vivid timbres. Her innovative works are surprising and sharp, like a cherry-lime sour that hits all the right notes.

India Pale Ale (IPA), Rimsky-Korsakov, and Mazzoli: Bold, Bright, and Adventurous

For audacious flavor and boundary-breaking music, the IPA calls for trailblazers. Missy Mazzoli is a daring contemporary composer known for operas and chamber works that blend electronic and acoustic sounds. Her music’s edgy textures and dynamic punch make her the ideal modern IPA match—vibrant, modern, and unapologetically intense.

Pair her with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844–1908), who brought vivid orchestration and Eastern influences to works like Scheherazade, pushing late-Romantic color to new heights, much like the burst of hops in a classic IPA.

Both craft beer and classical music honor centuries of tradition while continuing to innovate. Whether you’re exploring the Romantic composers of the 19th century or today’s genre-defying visionaries, there’s a perfect pint to complement every piece.

Beethoven and Brews at the ‘Plex

Experience these beers with live from the Colorado Symphony at Beethoven and Brews at the ‘Plex! The beer and music festival returns to the Denver Performing Arts Complex on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Tickets are on sale now!

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