an English musician, composer, and prolific arranger of vocal music for harpsichord. He wrote numerous keyboard arrangements of arias from popular operas of his time. These were published in France, the Netherlands and Germany as well as in England, and formed the basis of his musical reputation. His style was strongly influenced by his close acquaintance wi...

an English musician, composer, and prolific arranger of vocal music for harpsichord. He wrote numerous keyboard arrangements of arias from popular operas of his time. These were published in France, the Netherlands and Germany as well as in England, and formed the basis of his musical reputation. His style was strongly influenced by his close acquaintance with George Frideric Handel. Johann Mattheson thought he surpassed Handel as an organ virtuoso, but music historian Charles Burney criticised his manner of playing arrangement.

a German Classical period musician and composer, the fifth child and second (surviving) son of Johann Sebastian Bach and Maria Barbara Bach. His second name was given in honor of his godfather Georg Philipp Telemann, a friend of Johann Sebastian Bach. He ...

a German Classical period musician and composer, the fifth child and second (surviving) son of Johann Sebastian Bach and Maria Barbara Bach. His second name was given in honor of his godfather Georg Philipp Telemann, a friend of Johann Sebastian Bach. He was an influential composer working at a time of transition between his father's baroque style and the classical and romantic styles that followed it. His personal approach, an expressive and often turbulent one known as empfindsamer Stil or 'sensitive style', applied the principles of rhetoric and drama to musical structures. Bach's dynamism stands in deliberate contrast to the more mannered galant style also then in vogue.

a German composer and musician of the Baroque. He was the father of the so-called "Erfurt line" of Bach family musicians. In 1635 he became town musician and director of the Raths-Musikanten in Erfurt, and was organist at the town's Predigerkirche from 1636. His first wife, Barbara Hoffman (a daughter of his teacher), died half an hour after bearing a stillb...

a German composer and musician of the Baroque. He was the father of the so-called "Erfurt line" of Bach family musicians. In 1635 he became town musician and director of the Raths-Musikanten in Erfurt, and was organist at the town's Predigerkirche from 1636. His first wife, Barbara Hoffman (a daughter of his teacher), died half an hour after bearing a stillborn son in 1639. Following this he married Hedwig Lämmerhirt, the daughter of a town councilman in Erfurt. His children from this marriage included Johannes Christian Bach, Johann Aegidius Bach, and Johann Nicolaus Bach. Bach's works included two motets, Unser Leben ist ein Schatten and Sei nun wieder zufrieden, and an aria, Weint nicht um meinen Tod.

a German composer, and second cousin of Johann Sebastian Bach. Most of his musical output has been lost, but amongst his surviving music there are four orchestral suites. It is known that J. S. Bach had individual parts prepared for performance by his orc...

a German composer, and second cousin of Johann Sebastian Bach. Most of his musical output has been lost, but amongst his surviving music there are four orchestral suites. It is known that J. S. Bach had individual parts prepared for performance by his orchestra. His musical style has been described as being similar to that of Telemann.

a nephew of Johann Sebastian Bach. He was a German composer and organist. Johann Bernhard was born and died in Ohrdruf. From 1715 he worked for his uncle as a copyist. In 1721 he followed his father, Johann Christoph Bach, in the post of organist at St. M...

a nephew of Johann Sebastian Bach. He was a German composer and organist. Johann Bernhard was born and died in Ohrdruf. From 1715 he worked for his uncle as a copyist. In 1721 he followed his father, Johann Christoph Bach, in the post of organist at St. Michael in Ohrdruf.

a composer of the Classical era, the eleventh surviving child and youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach. He is sometimes referred to as "the London Bach" or "the English Bach", due to his time spent living in the British capital, where he came to be known...

a composer of the Classical era, the eleventh surviving child and youngest son of Johann Sebastian Bach. He is sometimes referred to as "the London Bach" or "the English Bach", due to his time spent living in the British capital, where he came to be known as John Bach. He is noted for influencing the concerto style of Mozart.

a German musician of the Baroque period. A court and town musician in Arnstadt, he was the third son of Christoph Bach and the twin brother of Johann Ambrosius Bach. He was the uncle of Johann Sebastian Bach. He married Martha Elisabeth Eisentraut (1654â€...

a German musician of the Baroque period. A court and town musician in Arnstadt, he was the third son of Christoph Bach and the twin brother of Johann Ambrosius Bach. He was the uncle of Johann Sebastian Bach. He married Martha Elisabeth Eisentraut (1654–1719).

the ninth son of Johann Sebastian Bach, sometimes referred to as the "Bückeburg Bach". Bach wrote keyboard sonatas, symphonies, oratorios, liturgical choir pieces and motets, operas and songs. Because of Count Wilhelm's predilection for Italian music, B...

the ninth son of Johann Sebastian Bach, sometimes referred to as the "Bückeburg Bach". Bach wrote keyboard sonatas, symphonies, oratorios, liturgical choir pieces and motets, operas and songs. Because of Count Wilhelm's predilection for Italian music, Bach had to adapt his style accordingly, but he retained stylistic traits of the music of his father and of his brother, C. P. E. Bach.

a German composer of the Bach family. He was the son of Johann Bernhard Bach. He was born in Eisenach, the son of Johann Bernhard Bach, and studied in the Thomasschule in Leipzig with Johann Sebastian Bach. n 1742 he was hired as the official advocate in ...

a German composer of the Bach family. He was the son of Johann Bernhard Bach. He was born in Eisenach, the son of Johann Bernhard Bach, and studied in the Thomasschule in Leipzig with Johann Sebastian Bach. n 1742 he was hired as the official advocate in Eisenach. Since 1756, he was Court music of Duke Ernst August of Saxe-Weimar. His son Johann Georg Bach succeeded him as organist at the Church of St. George in Eisenach. He died in Eisenach.

a German composer, lawyer and music theorist. He was a son of Johann Elias Bach (1705–1755), and therefore a nephew of Johann Sebastian Bach. He is not to be confused with his great uncle Johann Michael Bach (1648–1694, brother of Johann Christoph Bac...

a German composer, lawyer and music theorist. He was a son of Johann Elias Bach (1705–1755), and therefore a nephew of Johann Sebastian Bach. He is not to be confused with his great uncle Johann Michael Bach (1648–1694, brother of Johann Christoph Bach) He was active as a lawyer in Güstrow (Mecklenburg), then a music teacher at the high school in Elberfeld, Wuppertal. His main theoretical work was his Kurze und systematische Anleitung zum General-Bass und der Tonkunst uberhaupt published at Kassel in 1780.

a German composer and musician of the Baroque period. He enriched established German styles through his skill in counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organisation, and the adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures from abroad, particularly from Italy and France. Bach's compositions include the Brandenburg Concertos, the Goldberg Variations, the Mass in B mino...

a German composer and musician of the Baroque period. He enriched established German styles through his skill in counterpoint, harmonic and motivic organisation, and the adaptation of rhythms, forms, and textures from abroad, particularly from Italy and France. Bach's compositions include the Brandenburg Concertos, the Goldberg Variations, the Mass in B minor, two Passions, and over three hundred cantatas of which around two hundred survive. His music is revered for its technical command, artistic beauty, and intellectual depth.

the only grandson of Johann Sebastian Bach to gain fame as a composer. He was music director to Frederick William II of Prussia. One of Ernst Bach's most remarkable compositions was Dreyblatt, a concerto for piano involving six hands. He wrote it in such...

the only grandson of Johann Sebastian Bach to gain fame as a composer. He was music director to Frederick William II of Prussia. One of Ernst Bach's most remarkable compositions was Dreyblatt, a concerto for piano involving six hands. He wrote it in such a way in that it was to be performed with one large male in the middle and two petite females on either side of him. Ernst Bach indicated that the man was to stretch his arms around the ladies to play the outside parts, while the ladies performed the middle parts.

a German composer. Bagges father was rector at the gymnasium to Coburg. After Selmar Bagge early his musical studies began, he had 1837 students of Dionys Weber at the Conservatory in Prague and later at Simon Sechter in Vienna . From 1851 to 1855 he taught at the Conservatory in Vienna, after which he worked as a music critic and -journalist. From 1863 to 1...

a German composer. Bagges father was rector at the gymnasium to Coburg. After Selmar Bagge early his musical studies began, he had 1837 students of Dionys Weber at the Conservatory in Prague and later at Simon Sechter in Vienna . From 1851 to 1855 he taught at the Conservatory in Vienna, after which he worked as a music critic and -journalist. From 1863 to 1865 he was editor of the general musical newspaper . Since 1868, he directed the music school in Basel, since 1876 he also taught at the local university . He composed four symphonies , a piano concerto, two fairs , chamber music and choral works, songs and piano pieces in the tradition of Ludwig van Beethoven and Robert Schumann. His textbook of music became known.

a Spanish classical era composer and organist. Perhaps Baguer's most important works are his nineteen symphonies which rank him as one of the principal composers of symphonies in Spain at the time. Most of his symphonies clearly show the influence of the Italian and German masters. He also wrote a concerto for two bassoons, an English horn concerto (which is...

a Spanish classical era composer and organist. Perhaps Baguer's most important works are his nineteen symphonies which rank him as one of the principal composers of symphonies in Spain at the time. Most of his symphonies clearly show the influence of the Italian and German masters. He also wrote a concerto for two bassoons, an English horn concerto (which is now lost), a series of six duets for flute and many individual keyboard works.

an Irish composer, best-remembered for his opera The Bohemian Girl. After a short career as a violinist, Balfe pursued an operatic singing career, while he began to compose. In a career spanning more than 40 years, he composed at least 29 operas, almost 250 songs and other works. He was also a noted conductor, directing Italian Opera at Her Majesty's ...

an Irish composer, best-remembered for his opera The Bohemian Girl. After a short career as a violinist, Balfe pursued an operatic singing career, while he began to compose. In a career spanning more than 40 years, he composed at least 29 operas, almost 250 songs and other works. He was also a noted conductor, directing Italian Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre for seven years, among other conducting posts.

an English musical composer and violinist. His most important composition is the music to the tragedy of Circe by Dr. C. Davenant, which was performed at the Duke of York's Theatre in 1676. In the same year he wrote music to The Tempest in conjunction with Pelham Humphrey.Several songs by Banister are in a manuscript in the Christ Church Library, Oxford. Bes...

an English musical composer and violinist. His most important composition is the music to the tragedy of Circe by Dr. C. Davenant, which was performed at the Duke of York's Theatre in 1676. In the same year he wrote music to The Tempest in conjunction with Pelham Humphrey.Several songs by Banister are in a manuscript in the Christ Church Library, Oxford. Besides his vocal compositions, he wrote a great many short pieces for one, two, and three violins, and also for the lute. He was especially skilled in writing upon a ground bass.

an Infanta of Portugal and later Queen of Spain as wife of Ferdinand VI of Spain. Although Barbara was not considered beautiful by her contemporaries — her homely looks were thought by observers to cause her future husband a visible shock when he was first presented to her — Ferdinand became deeply attached to her, sharing her passion for music. Ferdin...

an Infanta of Portugal and later Queen of Spain as wife of Ferdinand VI of Spain. Although Barbara was not considered beautiful by her contemporaries — her homely looks were thought by observers to cause her future husband a visible shock when he was first presented to her — Ferdinand became deeply attached to her, sharing her passion for music. Ferdinand soon became dependent on Barbara for advice and support; when he ascended the Spanish crown as Ferdinand V. Barbara was well-educated, adept at languages and was an avid reader of many varied subjects.

a German composer. After leaving Leipzig in 1850, he returned to Berlin where he tried to make ends meet by giving private lessons. Eventually, Clara and Robert were able to arrange for the publication of some of his early works, including his First Piano Trio. Besides teaching and composing, Bargiel served with more

a German composer. After leaving Leipzig in 1850, he returned to Berlin where he tried to make ends meet by giving private lessons. Eventually, Clara and Robert were able to arrange for the publication of some of his early works, including his First Piano Trio. Besides teaching and composing, Bargiel served with Johannes Brahms as co-editor of the complete editions of Robert Schumann's and Frederic Chopin's works.

an Italian musicologist and composer. Basevi was born in Livorno. He began as a physician in Florence (1858) but then devoted himself exclusively to music. His first attempts as a composer failed but in time he composed operas (Romilda ed Ezzelino 1840; and Enrico Howard, 1847) and other music. Basevi was editor of the musical journal L'Armonia. He founded t...

an Italian musicologist and composer. Basevi was born in Livorno. He began as a physician in Florence (1858) but then devoted himself exclusively to music. His first attempts as a composer failed but in time he composed operas (Romilda ed Ezzelino 1840; and Enrico Howard, 1847) and other music. Basevi was editor of the musical journal L'Armonia. He founded the Beethoven Matinées (1859), which developed into the Società del Quartetto, a source of influence upon the musical life of Florence and Italy in general. Basevi offered an annual prize in this connection for the best string quartet.

a German violinist, composer, conductor and music teacher who spent the greater part of his life in France, where he became director of the Bordeaux Grand Théâtre. Beck is an important representative of the second generation of the so-called Mannheim school. His fame rests on his 24 symphonies that are among the most original and striking of the pre-Classi...

a German violinist, composer, conductor and music teacher who spent the greater part of his life in France, where he became director of the Bordeaux Grand Théâtre. Beck is an important representative of the second generation of the so-called Mannheim school. His fame rests on his 24 symphonies that are among the most original and striking of the pre-Classical period. He was one of the first composers to introduce the regular use of wind instruments in slow movements and put an increasing emphasis on thematic development. His taut, dramatic style is also remarkable for its employment of bold harmonic progressions, flexible rhythms and highly independent part writing.

a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers. His best-known compositions include 9 symphonies, 5 concertos for piano, 1 violin concerto, 32 piano sonatas, and 16 string quartets. He also composed other chamber...

a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential of all composers. His best-known compositions include 9 symphonies, 5 concertos for piano, 1 violin concerto, 32 piano sonatas, and 16 string quartets. He also composed other chamber music, choral works (including the celebrated Missa solemnis), and songs.

an American composer, singer, and compiler of tune books. He was one of the members of the so-called First New England School, a group of mostly self-taught composers who created sacred vocal music for local choirs. Like most of his colleagues, Belcher could not make music his main occupation, and worked as tax assessor, schoolmaster, town clerk, and so on; ...

an American composer, singer, and compiler of tune books. He was one of the members of the so-called First New England School, a group of mostly self-taught composers who created sacred vocal music for local choirs. Like most of his colleagues, Belcher could not make music his main occupation, and worked as tax assessor, schoolmaster, town clerk, and so on; nevertheless he was considerably well known for his musical activities, and even dubbed 'the Handell (sic) of Maine' by a local newspaper. Most of his works survive in The Harmony of Maine, a collection Belcher published himself in Boston in 1794.

a Swedish songwriter, composer, musician, poet and entertainer. He is a central figure in the Swedish song tradition and remains a powerful influence in Swedish music, as well as in Scandinavian literature, to this day. He has been compared to Shakespeare, Ludw...

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a Swedish songwriter, composer, musician, poet and entertainer. He is a central figure in the Swedish song tradition and remains a powerful influence in Swedish music, as well as in Scandinavian literature, to this day. He has been compared to Shakespeare, Ludwig van Beethoven, Mozart, and Hogarth, but his gift, using elegantly rococo classical references in comic contrast to sordid drinking and prostitution—at once regretted and celebrated in song—is unique.

a Bohemian violinist and composer. He was the brother of Jirí Antonín Benda, and he worked for much of his life at the court of Frederick the Great. Benda became the founder of a German school of violin playing. Benda was a master of all the difficulties of violin playing, and the rapidity of his execution and the mellow sweetness of his highest notes were...

a Bohemian violinist and composer. He was the brother of Jirí Antonín Benda, and he worked for much of his life at the court of Frederick the Great. Benda became the founder of a German school of violin playing. Benda was a master of all the difficulties of violin playing, and the rapidity of his execution and the mellow sweetness of his highest notes were unequalled. He had many pupils and wrote a number of works, chiefly exercises and studies for the violin. Benda died in Potsdam.

a Franco-Italian composer of large scaled polychoral sacred choral works (e.g., one work featured forty-eight vocal and instrumental lines). He composed Masses, motets, Magnificats, and other sacred vocal works. Much of Benevolo's fame as a composer has rested largely on his supposed composition of the fifty-three part Missa Salisburgensis, which musicologis...

a Franco-Italian composer of large scaled polychoral sacred choral works (e.g., one work featured forty-eight vocal and instrumental lines). He composed Masses, motets, Magnificats, and other sacred vocal works. Much of Benevolo's fame as a composer has rested largely on his supposed composition of the fifty-three part Missa Salisburgensis, which musicologists believed was first performed by Benevolo in Salzburg Cathedral in 1628. Nevertheless, external and internal evidence have demonstrated that the Mass is in fact the work of composer Heinrich Ignaz Biber.

a Flemish composer of Belgian nationality. Benoit's most important compositions include the Flemish oratorios De Schelde (The river Scheldt) and Lucifer (which met complete failure when it was staged in London in 1888), the operas Het Dorp in 't Gebergte (The village in the mountains) and Isa, and the Drama Christi, a huge body of songs, choruses, small cant...

a Flemish composer of Belgian nationality. Benoit's most important compositions include the Flemish oratorios De Schelde (The river Scheldt) and Lucifer (which met complete failure when it was staged in London in 1888), the operas Het Dorp in 't Gebergte (The village in the mountains) and Isa, and the Drama Christi, a huge body of songs, choruses, small cantatas and motets. Benoit also wrote a great number of essays on musical matters.

a Ukrainian composer, opera singer, and violinist. Berezovsky was the first Ukrainian composer to be recognized throughout Europe and the first to compose an opera, symphony, and violin sonata. His most popular works are his sacred choral pieces written for the Orthodox Church. Much of his work has been lost; only three of the 18 known choral concertos have ...

a Ukrainian composer, opera singer, and violinist. Berezovsky was the first Ukrainian composer to be recognized throughout Europe and the first to compose an opera, symphony, and violin sonata. His most popular works are his sacred choral pieces written for the Orthodox Church. Much of his work has been lost; only three of the 18 known choral concertos have been found.

a German pianist, composer, and piano teacher. He was born in Berlin, and spent his youth in Templin and Frankfurt, where he studied both flute and piano. Later, he studied composition with J. A. Gürrlich in Berlin. He became friendly with the composer Clementi, and visited him in Russia, where he stayed for eight years. While in Russia, he married, but was...

a German pianist, composer, and piano teacher. He was born in Berlin, and spent his youth in Templin and Frankfurt, where he studied both flute and piano. Later, he studied composition with J. A. Gürrlich in Berlin. He became friendly with the composer Clementi, and visited him in Russia, where he stayed for eight years. While in Russia, he married, but was widowed in less than a year. During the Napoleonic wars, he fled to London, where his piano performances were well received. He returned to Berlin in 1815, and lived there for the rest of his life. A nervous disorder in his arm led to the end of his career as a piano virtuoso, and he built a reputation as a teacher, numbering Felix Mendelssohn, Taubert, Henselt, Dorn, and August Wilhelm Bach among his more distinguished pupils.

a Dutch conductor and composer. He wrote nine operas, seven ballets, an oratorio ("Moses auf Nebo"), a symphony, a cantata, a mass, several overtures, and chamber-music. During his long service as conductor at the Royal Theater at Amsterdam, he was held in high regard by the king, who in 1860 bestowed upon him the decoration of the order of merit of the king...

a Dutch conductor and composer. He wrote nine operas, seven ballets, an oratorio ("Moses auf Nebo"), a symphony, a cantata, a mass, several overtures, and chamber-music. During his long service as conductor at the Royal Theater at Amsterdam, he was held in high regard by the king, who in 1860 bestowed upon him the decoration of the order of merit of the king of Holland.

a German-born Norwegian rococo composer and organist, remembered as one of the founders of the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters. He allegedly composed many works, but only a few of the compositions of Berlin have been preserved. His book, Musicaliske Elementer (Musical Elements), printed in Trondheim in 1744, was the first Norwegian textbook o...

a German-born Norwegian rococo composer and organist, remembered as one of the founders of the Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters. He allegedly composed many works, but only a few of the compositions of Berlin have been preserved. His book, Musicaliske Elementer (Musical Elements), printed in Trondheim in 1744, was the first Norwegian textbook on the theory of music and instruments.

a French Romantic composer, best known for his compositions Symphonie Fantastique and Requiem: Grande Messe des Morts. Berlioz made significant contributions to the modern orchestra with his Treatise on Instrumentation. He specified huge orchestral forces for some of his works, and conducted several concerts with more than 1,000 musician...

a French Romantic composer, best known for his compositions Symphonie Fantastique and Requiem: Grande Messe des Morts. Berlioz made significant contributions to the modern orchestra with his Treatise on Instrumentation. He specified huge orchestral forces for some of his works, and conducted several concerts with more than 1,000 musicians. He also composed around 50 songs. His influence was critical for the further development of Romanticism.

an Italian composer. He began his career in his native country as a composer of operas. In 1755 he was appointed to the post of Kapellmeister at the Bavarian court in Munich where he produced several more operas successfully and a few symphonies. After 1772 his compositional output consisted of entirely sacred music. He was the stepfather of soprano Antonia ...

an Italian composer. He began his career in his native country as a composer of operas. In 1755 he was appointed to the post of Kapellmeister at the Bavarian court in Munich where he produced several more operas successfully and a few symphonies. After 1772 his compositional output consisted of entirely sacred music. He was the stepfather of soprano Antonia Bernasconi.

a Bohemian-Austrian composer and violinist. Biber was one of the most important composers for the violin in the history of the instrument. His technique allowed him to easily reach the 6th and 7th positions, employ multiple stops in intricate polyphonic passages, and explore the various possibilities of scordatura tuning. He also wrote one of the earliest kn...

a Bohemian-Austrian composer and violinist. Biber was one of the most important composers for the violin in the history of the instrument. His technique allowed him to easily reach the 6th and 7th positions, employ multiple stops in intricate polyphonic passages, and explore the various possibilities of scordatura tuning. He also wrote one of the earliest known pieces for solo violin, the monumental passacaglia of the Mystery Sonatas. During Biber's lifetime, his music was known and imitated throughout Europe.

a French piano teacher whose full name was Marie Kiéné Bigot de Morogues. As a composer she is best known for her sonatas and études. She was highly accomplished at the keyboard and played for Joseph Haydn. She became a friend of Salieri. Her husband being th...

a French piano teacher whose full name was Marie Kiéné Bigot de Morogues. As a composer she is best known for her sonatas and études. She was highly accomplished at the keyboard and played for Joseph Haydn. She became a friend of Salieri. Her husband being the librarian of Count Razumovsky, she became friendly with Ludwig van Beethoven, who admired her playing.

regarded as the first American choral composer. He possibly received musical instruction from John Barry, one of the choir members at the New South Church, but for the most part he was self-taught. Virtually all of Billings' music was written for four-part chorus, singing a cappella. His many hymns and anthems were published mostly in book-length collection...

regarded as the first American choral composer. He possibly received musical instruction from John Barry, one of the choir members at the New South Church, but for the most part he was self-taught. Virtually all of Billings' music was written for four-part chorus, singing a cappella. His many hymns and anthems were published mostly in book-length collections

a French violinist, clarinetist, conductor, and composer. Born Matthäus (French: Matthieu, Mathieu) Blasius, he used Frédéric as his pen name on his publications in Paris. Blasius wrote a number of works for the stage as well as instrumental pieces for Harmoniemusik (music for wind band), concertos with orchestra, and chamber music with a particular emph...

a French violinist, clarinetist, conductor, and composer. Born Matthäus (French: Matthieu, Mathieu) Blasius, he used Frédéric as his pen name on his publications in Paris. Blasius wrote a number of works for the stage as well as instrumental pieces for Harmoniemusik (music for wind band), concertos with orchestra, and chamber music with a particular emphasis on works for violin, clarinet, and bassoon. He also wrote pedagogical works for clarinet (see next) and bassoon.

an English Baroque composer and organist, appointed to Westminster Abbey in 1669. In 1685 he was named a private musician to James II. His only stage composition, Venus and Adonis (ca. 1680–1687), was thought to influence more

an English Baroque composer and organist, appointed to Westminster Abbey in 1669. In 1685 he was named a private musician to James II. His only stage composition, Venus and Adonis (ca. 1680–1687), was thought to influence Henry Purcell's later opera Dido and Aeneas. In 1687 he became choirmaster at St Paul's Cathedral, where many of his pieces were performed. In 1699 he was appointed to the newly created post of Composer to the Chapel Royal.

an Italian classical era composer and cellist whose music retained a courtly and galante style while he matured somewhat apart from the major European musical centers. Boccherini composed several guitar quintets including the "Fandango" which was influenced by Spanish music. His vast chamber music output includes some 125 string quintets, some 90 string quar...

an Italian classical era composer and cellist whose music retained a courtly and galante style while he matured somewhat apart from the major European musical centers. Boccherini composed several guitar quintets including the "Fandango" which was influenced by Spanish music. His vast chamber music output includes some 125 string quintets, some 90 string quartets, and many string trios.

a German pastor, cantor and composer. He was cantor at Schulpforta from 1600 to 1603 and pastor in Groß-Osterhausen/Querfurt from 1608 onwards. He produced several motets. Among his best known works was the edited motet collection Florilegium Portense, meaning "Schulpforta's anthology". It was published in two volumes in Leipzig in 1618 and 1621 and held 36...

a German pastor, cantor and composer. He was cantor at Schulpforta from 1600 to 1603 and pastor in Groß-Osterhausen/Querfurt from 1608 onwards. He produced several motets. Among his best known works was the edited motet collection Florilegium Portense, meaning "Schulpforta's anthology". It was published in two volumes in Leipzig in 1618 and 1621 and held 365 motets by 58 composers, giving a good insight into the 17th century choral repertoire in Saxony and Thuringia.

a German composer about whom very little is known. Bodinus was born in the village of Bittstädt in Saxe-Gotha and trained as a violinist. It is known that in 1718 he entered the service of the Margrave Karl III of Baden-Durlach at the court in Karlsruhe. He left Karlsruhe in 1752, returned in a disoriented state in 1758 and was committed to an insane asylum...

a German composer about whom very little is known. Bodinus was born in the village of Bittstädt in Saxe-Gotha and trained as a violinist. It is known that in 1718 he entered the service of the Margrave Karl III of Baden-Durlach at the court in Karlsruhe. He left Karlsruhe in 1752, returned in a disoriented state in 1758 and was committed to an insane asylum in Pforzheim where he died. His compositions include concertos and symphonies but there are predominantly chamber works in the late Baroque style, including not only solo and trio sonatas but also quartets, a considerable rarity at the time he composed them in the 1720s and 1730s.

a French composer, organist, and pianist. Besides mastering the piano and organ, Boëly was also a talented violist. Much of his chamber music follows models established by Joseph Haydn; however, Boccherini is often credited with improving Haydn's model of the s...

a French composer, organist, and pianist. Besides mastering the piano and organ, Boëly was also a talented violist. Much of his chamber music follows models established by Joseph Haydn; however, Boccherini is often credited with improving Haydn's model of the string quartet by bringing the cello to prominence, whereas Haydn had frequently relegated it to an accompaniment role.

a German Baroque organist and composer. He is notable for his development of the chorale partita and for his influence on the young Johann Sebastian Bach. Böhm is mainly known for his compositions for organ and harpsichord (primarily preludes, fugues, an...

a German Baroque organist and composer. He is notable for his development of the chorale partita and for his influence on the young Johann Sebastian Bach. Böhm is mainly known for his compositions for organ and harpsichord (primarily preludes, fugues, and partitas). Many of his works were designed with flexibility of instrument in mind: a particular piece could be played on the organ, the harpsichord, or the clavichord, depending on the situation in which the performer found himself. Böhm's music is notable for its use of the stylus phantasticus, a style of playing based on improvisation.

a talented composer, a celebrated piano and organ virtuoso and a master of musical improvisation. In the years 1811-1814 he held predominantly to Nuremberg. In this short time emerged here most of his major compositions, including three of the five highly regarded piano concertos, the Fantasy for Clarinet and Orchestra, Op. 21, and the Fantasy for Bassoon an...

a talented composer, a celebrated piano and organ virtuoso and a master of musical improvisation. In the years 1811-1814 he held predominantly to Nuremberg. In this short time emerged here most of his major compositions, including three of the five highly regarded piano concertos, the Fantasy for Clarinet and Orchestra, Op. 21, and the Fantasy for Bassoon and Orchestra, Op. 1,.

a champion fencer, a virtuoso violinist and conductor of the leading symphony orchestra in Paris. Born in Guadeloupe, he was the son of George Bologne de Saint-Georges, a wealthy planter, and Nanon, his African slave. During the French Revolution, Saint-Georges was colonel of the 'Légion St.-Georges,' the first all-black regiment in Europe, fighting on the ...

a champion fencer, a virtuoso violinist and conductor of the leading symphony orchestra in Paris. Born in Guadeloupe, he was the son of George Bologne de Saint-Georges, a wealthy planter, and Nanon, his African slave. During the French Revolution, Saint-Georges was colonel of the 'Légion St.-Georges,' the first all-black regiment in Europe, fighting on the side of the Republic. Today the Chevalier de Saint-Georges is best remembered as the first classical composer of African ancestry.

an American classical music composer of art songs and works for chorus. Boott's first six songs appeared in 1846 under the pen name of Telford. In 1857 eight songs were published, followed by many individual songs in the following years. Boott composed at least 140 songs during his long life, as well as a handful of duets, choral works, part-songs, and instr...

an American classical music composer of art songs and works for chorus. Boott's first six songs appeared in 1846 under the pen name of Telford. In 1857 eight songs were published, followed by many individual songs in the following years. Boott composed at least 140 songs during his long life, as well as a handful of duets, choral works, part-songs, and instrumental works.

a composer and conductor of Ukrainian origin active in Russia. While Bortniansky wrote operas and instrumental compositions, it is his sacred choral works that are performed most often today. This vast body of work remains central not only to understanding 18th-century Orthodox sacred music, but also served as inspiration to his fellow Ukrainian composers in...

a composer and conductor of Ukrainian origin active in Russia. While Bortniansky wrote operas and instrumental compositions, it is his sacred choral works that are performed most often today. This vast body of work remains central not only to understanding 18th-century Orthodox sacred music, but also served as inspiration to his fellow Ukrainian composers in the 19th century.

a German composer and pianist. In his lifetime, Brahms's popularity and influence were considerable. Brahms wrote a number of major works for orchestra, including two serenades, four symphonies, two piano concertos (No. 1 in D minor; No. 2 in B-flat major), a Violin Concerto, a Double Concerto for violin and cello, and two companion orchestral overtures, the...

a German composer and pianist. In his lifetime, Brahms's popularity and influence were considerable. Brahms wrote a number of major works for orchestra, including two serenades, four symphonies, two piano concertos (No. 1 in D minor; No. 2 in B-flat major), a Violin Concerto, a Double Concerto for violin and cello, and two companion orchestral overtures, the Academic Festival Overture and the Tragic Overture.

a Swedish violinist and composer during the Revolutionary period. Brant succeeded his teacher Johan Helmich Roman as the conductor of the 1758 court orchestra He is one of the main copyists of Swedish and foreign music in the 1700s. Brant also had plans to start a musical academy, and in 1748 received permission to organize a lottery to gather the necessary ...

a Swedish violinist and composer during the Revolutionary period. Brant succeeded his teacher Johan Helmich Roman as the conductor of the 1758 court orchestra He is one of the main copyists of Swedish and foreign music in the 1700s. Brant also had plans to start a musical academy, and in 1748 received permission to organize a lottery to gather the necessary funds. Because of financial difficulties, he was forced to pawn their lottery letter. He is one of the most important copyists of Swedish and foreign music during the 1700s. Manuscripts of Romance works in Brant's hand is especially valuable in the Roman research, because he was her teacher so close and reworked some of his works.

a Flemish composer and organist, born in Brussels in 1673. From the age of 16 he was in the employ of St Nicholas Church in Brussels, first as a choirboy and later as an organist, and from 1705 until his death in 1737 he served as zangmeester (i.e. choirmaster-preceptor-composer-in-residence) of the Collegiate Church of St Michael and St Gudula in the same c...

a Flemish composer and organist, born in Brussels in 1673. From the age of 16 he was in the employ of St Nicholas Church in Brussels, first as a choirboy and later as an organist, and from 1705 until his death in 1737 he served as zangmeester (i.e. choirmaster-preceptor-composer-in-residence) of the Collegiate Church of St Michael and St Gudula in the same city.

a French cellist and composer. He wrote mostly pieces for his own instrument, and performed many world premières of his own pieces. Bréval compositions written between 1775 and 1805 consisted mostly of instrumental pieces. Bréval wrote symphonies, seven cello concerti, 4 cello sonatas, various chamber music including five sets of cello duets, as well as a...

a French cellist and composer. He wrote mostly pieces for his own instrument, and performed many world premières of his own pieces. Bréval compositions written between 1775 and 1805 consisted mostly of instrumental pieces. Bréval wrote symphonies, seven cello concerti, 4 cello sonatas, various chamber music including five sets of cello duets, as well as a comic opera.

a French musician and composer. She was born in Paris, played and composed for the harpsichord and the piano, and lived in Passy. In 1777, she composed the Marche des insurgents (March of the Insurgents) to celebrate an American victory in the American Revolutionary War. She became a friend of more

a French musician and composer. She was born in Paris, played and composed for the harpsichord and the piano, and lived in Passy. In 1777, she composed the Marche des insurgents (March of the Insurgents) to celebrate an American victory in the American Revolutionary War. She became a friend of Benjamin Franklin, with whom she had a large correspondence having become acquainted with him during and after his stay in her home city during the American Revolution.

a Czech classical composer of the 18th century. Brixi was an important composer at the junction between Baroque and the Classical period. Brixi's style is distinguished from that of his contemporaries by its fresh melodic writing, vivacious rhythm and lively bass lines, and from that of his predecessors by its simple yet effective instrumentation. During his...

a Czech classical composer of the 18th century. Brixi was an important composer at the junction between Baroque and the Classical period. Brixi's style is distinguished from that of his contemporaries by its fresh melodic writing, vivacious rhythm and lively bass lines, and from that of his predecessors by its simple yet effective instrumentation. During his lifetime his music was widely disseminated in Bohemia and Moravia.

an English music historian, composer and musician, and father of the writers Frances Burney and Sarah Burney. Burney wrote some music for Thomson's Alfred, which was produced at Drury Lane theatre on 30 March 1745. His Ode for St Cecilia's Day was performed at Ranelagh Gardens in 1759. In 1776 appeared the first volume (in quarto) of his long-projected Histo...

an English music historian, composer and musician, and father of the writers Frances Burney and Sarah Burney. Burney wrote some music for Thomson's Alfred, which was produced at Drury Lane theatre on 30 March 1745. His Ode for St Cecilia's Day was performed at Ranelagh Gardens in 1759. In 1776 appeared the first volume (in quarto) of his long-projected History of Music.

a Danish-German organist and composer of the Baroque period. His organ works represent a central part of the standard organ repertoire and are frequently performed at recitals and in church services. He composed in a wide variety of vocal and instrumental idioms, and his style strongly influenced many composers, including more

a Danish-German organist and composer of the Baroque period. His organ works represent a central part of the standard organ repertoire and are frequently performed at recitals and in church services. He composed in a wide variety of vocal and instrumental idioms, and his style strongly influenced many composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach. Today, Buxtehude is considered one of the most important composers in Germany of the mid-Baroque.

an English composer of the Renaissance. He wrote in many of the forms current in England at the time, including various types of sacred and secular polyphony, keyboard (the so-called Virginalist school), and consort music. He produced sacred music for use in Anglican services, although he himself became a Roman Catholic in later life and wrote Catholic sacre...

an English composer of the Renaissance. He wrote in many of the forms current in England at the time, including various types of sacred and secular polyphony, keyboard (the so-called Virginalist school), and consort music. He produced sacred music for use in Anglican services, although he himself became a Roman Catholic in later life and wrote Catholic sacred music as well.