John Lennon and Paul McCartney turned themselves into the most influential composers of the late twentieth century. Their music wasn’t just immensely popular. It also proved that traditional western harmony – the main building block of European music – still had plenty to offer. They, more than anyone, saved the western musical tradition from extinction, and gave it a new purpose and a direction.

• Howard Goodall

• Cole Porter
• John Lennon
• Ringo Starr