Classical hunks: the best-looking composers and musicians

The classical music world is not short on dashing menfolk - explore the coolest, sharpest and most handsome male composers and musicians from history.

1. Leonard Bernstein

Just the absolute coolest. Most other composers lazing around topless with a cigarette dangling just-so from their mouths would usually not be a cause for celebration.
2. Franz Liszt

Check out that pout - the piano genius and original rock star perfected the photo shoot stare before it was even invented.
3. Arthur Nikisch

With his stiff-as-heck moustache and impeccable chair positioning, conductor Arthur Nikisch is proof that smoking is cool. (It's not cool really.)
4. Jonas Kaufmann

Tenor of the moment Jonas Kaufmann is perfectly at home tackling meaty Verdi roles in the opera house, but he's equally happy rocking that "I've just stumbled out of a member's club at 4AM" look, too. Totally pulls it off.
5. Claudio Abbado

Claudio Abbado there, absolutely nailing the moody look and making an early attempt at geek chic.
6. Eric Whitacre

He's not content with being one of the most influential and loved choral composers of his generation. Oh no. Eric Whitacre has to go one better and be a model as well, doesn't he? Not jealous in the slightest...
7. Frederic Chopin

Is that a smattering of designer stubble we see, Mr. Chopin?
8. Charlie Siem

Brace yourselves, everyone: Charlie Siem is here. And he's wearing braces.
9. José Carreras

Hola, José.
10. Benjamin Britten

Believe us, there are far more revealing photos of Benjamin Britten out there on the internet. But this one captures his handsome profile perfectly - and what a cracking suit.
11. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

If ever the classical music world had its very own matinee idol, it was Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. Not only did he possess a fine set of pipes, he also had eyes that made you feel a bit wibbly inside.
12. John Cage

Rugged, unkempt, grizzly charm abounds when it comes to John Cage. His music was known for its reliance on random order, and he seems to have taken a similar approach to his grooming regime.
13. Johannes Brahms

He's usually pictured with a fulsome beard taking over the lower half of his face, but early snaps of Brahms show him to be almost a teen idol, no stranger to a natty suit and slicked back hair.
14. David Garrett

He may be staring at his violin as if he's literally never seen one before, but that doesn't dim his dreaminess...
15. Claude Debussy

Legend of impressionism, goatee pioneer and dapper gent with perfectly-poised cigarette - could Debussy be any more dreamy?
16. Andreas Ottensamer

Andreas Ottensamer leaning on the hood of a classic car holding a clarinet, as if it was completely normal. Oh well, he can pull it off.
17. Giuseppe Verdi

He's like Viggo Mortensen in impeccably pressed trousers - Verdi has clearly done a spot of modelling before. Look how much the camera loves him!