Their contribution to classical music has been invaluable, and yet we don’t ever envisage composers doing anything except for…well…sitting and composing. But finally, the dirty laundry has been aired! A new blog on Tumblr sheds light on the mysterious and colourful life of composers – in Attenborough-like detail.

Prokofiev plays chess – with himself…

With a catalogue ranging from ballets to concerti, Prokofiev has built a reputation as one of the most popular composers of the 20th Century. But did you know that ol’ mate Sergei loved to whittle away the hours playing chess against himself?

Britten with strategically placed thigh…

Composer of Peter Grimes and The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, Benjamin Britten was rather partial to a bit of cheeky sunbathing. Absolutely starkers. One presumes that the photo wasn’t taken in November in Aldeburgh.

Richard Strauss, otherwise know as ‘old poker-face’

Richard Strauss wrote some of the 20th century’s most passionate operas and tone poems. He may or may not also have cosied up to the Nazis. No wonder it’s so hard to tell, mind, looking at that expressionless ‘card face’.

So, turns out it’s not just wacky contemporary composers who led a life beyond the manuscript:...