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    Composer

    Classical Music & Dogs - Composers and artists with their cute, furry friends

    Classical music and dogs have a long, wonderful history together. We've teamed up with Pet Insurance from John Lewis Finance to bring you the greatest composers, conductors and performers with their beloved furry companions.

    1. classical music and dogs

      1. Richard Wagner

      This charming scene from a party at the Wagners' house clearly shows Tristan & His Owner (sorry).

    2. classical music and dogs

      2. Sir Arthur Bliss

      Sir Arthur Bliss and author JB Priestly are enjoying the English summer - with a dog in the shade.

    3. classical music and dogs

      3. Igor Stravinsky

      Look closely at this picture of the Ballet Russe... what's that in Igor Stravinsky's hand? Poochinella Suite, anyone?

    4. classical music and dogs

      4. Mstislav Rostropovich

      Ah, what a charming scene at the home of Russian cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich. But who's that tinkling the ivories?! A tiny dog, everyone. A tiny dog.

    5. classical music and dogs

      5. Alban Berg

      He might be better known for his atonal experimentation than his status as a dog-lover, but Alban Berg was evidently keen on both. We're assuming that the photo is blurred, otherwise there's something up with that collie.

    6. classical music and dogs

      6. Cole Porter

      It's not just classical composers who love to have dogs by their side when they compose - maestro of Broadway musicals Cole Porter also enjoyed a bit of creative canine company at the keyboard.

    7. classical music and dogs

      7. Yehudi Menuhin

      Violinist extraordinaire Yehudi Menuhin proves he's also a dab hand with dogs as well.

    8. classical music and dogs

      8. Benjamin Britten

      This photo is literally incredible. Not only is Benjamin Britten chatting away to the legendary tenor Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, he's also holding a dachshund. Oh, to be a fly on the wall.

    9. classical music and dogs

      9. Claude Debussy

      A rather cheesed-off Debussy sits in the woods begrudgingly for a picnic. Looks like his dog isn't too happy about it either.

    10. classical music and dogs

      10. Franz Schubert

      We're not too sure what's going on in this painting (Fresher's Week at the Vienna Stadtkonvikt?), but at least Schubert's got his faithful hound with him to protect him from the rabble.

    11. classical music and dogs

      11. Haydn Wood

      Yorkshire-born composer Haydn Wood shows off his powers of dog levitation with his furry friend, Pete. Get a load of those socks, too.

    12. classical music and dogs

      12. Carl Orff

      Carl Orff shakes hands with his dog.

    13. classical music and dogs

      13. Jules Massenet

      French composer Jules Massenet shows he likes his dogs like he likes his moustaches - fuzzy.

    14. classical music and dogs

      14. Mstislav Rostropovich... again

      More from the Russian cellist and conductor - this time the dog has thankfully been removed from the piano.

    15. classical music and dogs

      15. Katherine Jenkins

      Taking us right up to date, here's KJ with the perfect accessory for a night out.

    16. classical music and dogs

      16. Alfie Boe

      Showing his British credentials, Alfie Boe showed up at the Classic BRITs in 2007 with a bulldog. He's also the proud owner of a golden retriever named Guinness (not pictured).

    17. classical music and dogs

      17. Leonard Bernstein

      Maestro Leonard Bernstein relaxes in the bar with some friends.

    18. classical music and dogs

      18. Leonard Bernstein... again

      Still having a good time, Leonard Bernstein is at home this time. And with a different dog.

    19. classical music and dogs

      19. Malcolm Sargent

      Legendary conductor Malcolm Sargent shows his softer side with this nuzzly little fellow.

    20. Ethel Smyth

      20. Dame Ethel Smyth

      Looking like more like Dame Maggie Smith in Downton, Dame Ethel Smyth relaxes at home with a gorgeous shaggy sheepdog. Aww.

    21. John Lewis Pet Insurance

      21. And your furry friend

      You might not pen symphonies or virtuosically smash out concertos in your spare time, but your pet still adores you. To make sure you've got their health and happiness covered, there's Pet Insurance from John Lewis Finance - head to johnlewisfinance.com/pet for more...

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