The Baroque period, from the early 1600s to the mid-1700s, was a time of great creativity in art and music. This era saw the development of a rich and intricate musical style that influenced many classical music traditions we enjoy today.
During this lively time, many exceptionally talented composers appeared, including Claudio Monteverdi and Domenico Scarlatti. They all made a lasting impact on music history.
In this article, we’ll explore the works of 15 of the greatest Baroque composers you should know. Their amazing contributions still inspire music lovers around the world. Let’s begin.
1. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Born in Eisenach, Germany, Johann Sebastian Bach is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. He is often compared to literary and artistic giants like Shakespeare and Leonardo da Vinci.
Bach composed a wide variety of music, including pieces for organ and harpsichord, as well as four-part hymns called chorales. He also helped develop the concerto grosso, which features a small group of soloists with an orchestra, best showcased in his Brandenburg Concertos.
Additionally, Bach wrote sonatas, multi-movement pieces for solo instruments or small groups, for instruments like the violin, harpsichord, and flute.
2. George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
Another German composer, George Frideric Handel, started out studying law before pursuing music. He spent time in Italy before settling in London in 1712 and eventually becoming a British citizen.
Handel was well-known for his operas, but it was his oratorios that really captured the hearts of the British public. His most famous work, Messiah, tells the story of Christ in a grand way and remains incredibly popular.
He also composed several anthems for coronations, like Zadok the Priest, which has been performed at every British monarch’s coronation since George II.
Handel would influence later composers from the Classical period, such as Mozart and Beethoven.
3. Domenico Scarlatti (1685–1757)
The previous two composers on this list and Domenico Scarlatti were all born in the same year: 1685. The latter hailed from Naples and was the son of Alessandro Scarlatti, a renowned composer himself.
Scarlatti is best known for his keyboard sonatas, a collection of 555 pieces that stand out in music history. Originally written for harpsichord, clavichord, or fortepiano, these sonatas blend Spanish folk music with technical skill, emotional depth, and creative harmony.
His innovative approach to keyboard music influenced later composers and cemented his legacy as one of the Baroque era’s finest musicians.
4. Alessandro Scarlatti (1660–1725)
Father of the abovementioned Domenico Scarlatti, Alessandro Scarlatti was known for his opera and chamber music and had a hand in developing vocal music during his time.
He learned music from his father and studied in Rome, where he became chapel master at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. He went on to compose over 600 chamber cantatas. He also wrote influential operas like Tigrane, Mitridate Eupatore, and La Griselda.
Alessandro’s music bridged early Baroque to High Baroque styles, influencing later composers such as his son Domenico Scarlatti and Johann Sebastian Bach.
5. Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643)
Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi was a significant figure in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque period of music. Born in Cremona, Italy, he is often regarded as one of the pioneers of opera and a revolutionary composer of his time.
The composer’s most renowned work is his opera L’Orfeo, first performed in 1607. This groundbreaking masterpiece marked a turning point in the history of music, as it established the opera as a prominent and influential art form.
Among Monteverdi’s other important works are his innovative books of madrigals (a type of secular vocal composition), his famous Vespers — an epic religious work scored for soloists, choir, and orchestra — and later, operas like L’incoronazione di Poppea.
6. Francesca Caccini (1587–1641)
Born in Florence, Francesca Caccini later worked at the Medici family court as a composer, singer, and teacher. She also played the lute and wrote poetry, often setting her own words to her songs.
Francesca was one of the few women to publish music in 17th-century Europe and is known as the first woman to compose an opera.
Her comic opera, La liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola d’Alcina, was performed in 1625 and was one of the first Italian operas performed outside of Italy.
People still study and perform her music today, showing her talent, creativity, and important contributions to music.
7. Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632–1687)
Though born into a noble family in Italy, Jean-Baptiste Lully spent most of his life working in France in the court of Louis XIV, later becoming a French citizen.
One of his greatest achievements was creating tragédie-lyrique, a French-style opera that included ballet and elaborate staging. His works, like Armide and Atys, showed his skill with the French language and his talent for expressing emotions through music.
Sadly, Lully’s life was cut short when he accidentally struck his foot with a conducting staff during a performance. Being a passionate dancer, he refused to have his leg amputated, which led to a fatal infection. He passed away soon after.
8. Arcangelo Corelli (1653–1713)
Italian composer and violinist Arcangelo Corelli was a key figure in the development of instrumental music during the Baroque period. This era began the common practice period, which lasted until the 20th century.
In contrast to the mode-based music of the Medieval era and much of the Renaissance period, music was now based on tonal key centers with standard cadences. Corelli’s music helped establish these rules and popularized forms like the sonata.
In addition to writing numerous concertos, Corelli was one of the great violin virtuosos of his day, his playing style influencing accepted instrumental techniques for centuries to come.
9. Henry Purcell (1659–1695)
Henry Purcell showed exceptional musical talent at a young age, becoming a famous composer and organist. He is considered one of England’s greatest composers and a key figure of the Baroque period.
Purcell lived his entire life in Westminster and worked at the Royal Court, writing music for the church and royal events. His best-known work is *Dido and Aeneas*, a chamber opera and a major Baroque theatrical piece.
Although he died young at 36, Purcell left a lasting impact on music that would be felt for centuries. His talent and innovative works made him the most influential English musician until the 20th century.
10. Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741)
The innovative compositions of violinist Antonio Vivaldi have made him one of the most influential figures of the Baroque period. He gained fame for his innovative music for instruments.
Vivaldi’s most famous work is undoubtedly “The Four Seasons,” part of his collection titled The Contest Between Harmony and Invention. This composition vividly portrays the changing seasons through its beautiful melodies and expressive violin solos.
After his death in 1741, Vivaldi’s music faded from view but enjoyed a revival in the 20th century. Today, he’s cherished for his brilliant compositions and emotional depth, making him one of the most beloved composers of the Baroque period.
11. Georg Philipp Telemann (1681–1767)
Like many on this list, German composer Georg Philipp Telemann displayed remarkable musical talent from a young age. He played a vital part in shaping German musical culture.
Telemann had a huge collection of music — over 3,000 pieces including sacred cantatas, Passions, operas, and instrumental suites.
One of his notable achievements was his instrumental music, particularly his concertos. These, such as those for flute, oboe, and trumpet, were known for their impressive solos and creative interactions between soloists and orchestras.
Telemann also held important positions in different cities and mentored younger composers like his godson, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.
12. Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683–1764)
Born into a musical family, Jean-Philippe Rameau immersed himself in music early on. Though he started studying law, he soon switched to focus entirely on music.
Rameau became famous for his writings on music theory, especially his book Treatise on Harmony (1722). This work analyzed harmony and greatly influenced musical theory. His contributions were crucial in connecting the late Baroque and Classical eras.
He also composed many operas, with his first, Hippolyte et Aricie, premiering in 1733.
Rameau passed away in 1764, leaving behind a legacy of music and writings that continue to inspire musicians and scholars today.
13. Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706)
Born in Nuremberg, Germany, Johann Pachelbel learned music early from his father, also a musician. He studied at the University of Altdorf and later played organ at several churches in Nuremberg.
During his life, Pachelbel wrote many works, like the Chaconne in F Minor and the Hexachordum Apollinis, as well as organ music, sacred songs, chamber music, and keyboard pieces. He was admired for his skill in counterpoint and mastery of the fugue.
Even though his music was mostly forgotten after he died, it became popular again in the 20th century, especially his Canon in D, one of the most recognized compositions in the world.
14. Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643–1704)
French Baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier is famous for his sacred music, especially for the Catholic Church. He worked closely with the Jesuit order in Paris, holding musical roles and being influenced by their traditions.
One of his famous pieces is the Messe de Minuit pour Noël (Midnight Mass for Christmas), which blends Christmas carols with the Latin Mass. Another popular work is the Te Deum, a grand composition used for important ceremonies, including modern TV broadcasts.
Despite his talent, Charpentier wasn’t widely recognized in his time. It wasn’t until the 20th century that his music gained more appreciation.
15. François Couperin (1668–1733)
Also known as Couperin the Great, François Couperin was a French composer, harpsichordist, and organist from 1668 to 1733. He came from a family of musicians and became a leading figure in the French Baroque era.
Couperin worked as a composer and performer at Louis XIV’s court in Versailles, serving as organist at the Chapelle Royale and later as the king’s harpsichordist.
His most famous work, L’Art de toucher le clavecin (The Art of Playing the Harpsichord), published in 1716, includes over 200 pieces in four volumes.
Couperin’s music played a significant role in shaping French Baroque music and helped influence later composers like Jean-Philippe Rameau.
Summing Up Our List Of Great Baroque-Period Composers
The Baroque period was a flourishing time for music, marked by the creative brilliance of composers who greatly influenced classical music. The composers listed here are giants of this era.
You might already know some of these composers — works by Bach and Handel are performed often today, unlike those from earlier Medieval and Renaissance times — but we hope you’ve found some wonderful new music among them.
