When they weren’t busy composing some of our favorite music, many great composers also spent time raising families. In the spirit of Father’s Day, here are six classical dads being dads and granddads.

1. Sergei Rachmaninoff and his granddaughter Sophie

No Sophie, Grandpa does not take requests! (AP Photo)

 

2. Dmitri Shostakovich and his daughter Galina

Only his daughter playing C-Major scales (or a soccer match) could bring a smile to Shostakovich’s usually dour face. (Pinterest)

 

3. Jean Sibelius and his grandson Juhana

And that’s why I had to burn my eighth symphony, but keep that between us. (Uncredited)

 

4. Stravinsky and his children

Stravinsky loved going on long walks with his kids and making them hear about that time he started a riot yet again. (Foundation Igor Stravinsky)

 

5. Arnold Schoenberg, giving his kids a tennis lesson

Now that’s how you play tennis kids, but music is another matter entirely. (Schoenberg family)

6. Bela Bartok and his son

Nothing like the joys of father-son walks in search of the latest in folk melodies. (Tumblr)

 

via www.wqxr.org