His incorporation of unusual instrumentation in his concertos is one of the things that that made him unique. Handel also specialized in operas and often took on the Italian-style cantatas. The concertos are among the world’s most performed; their happy and upbeat nature easily inspires and excites listeners of all nationalities. Henry Purcell’s opera, Dido and Aeneas, was the English composer’s first opera. He is often credited as the first person to create basic violin technique. The opera is a great example of baroque period opera. Keep in mind, though, that this is a short list of the best-known and most influential composers of the era. Popular Works: "Canon in D Major" (aka Pachelbel Canon), "Chaconne in F Minor," "Toccata in C Minor for Organ". His church music is most notable. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041, Concerto for Strings and Continuo in G minor, RV 156, Sonata con tre violini (XXI from Canzoni et Sonate, 1615), In dulci jubilo (Polyhymnia caduceatrix 1619), Act 3. For example, his famous Paris Quartets were scored for flute, violin, viola da gamba, and continuo. 1 in F, HWV 348: 17 : Hornpipe. Corelli’s 12 Concerti Gross - Performed by The English Concert with Conductor, Trevor Pinnock. Joshua Bell - Vivaldi, The Four Seasons - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields. Aaron M. Green is an expert on classical music and music history, with more than 10 years of both solo and ensemble performance experience. A natural genius at the keyboard, he mastered the organ and harpsichord and was simply a brilliant composer. The concertos are arguably the boldest program music ever written in the baroque period (music that is composed to depict a narrative). Before the start of the classical period, baroque music was written in many forms by many composers over the course of 150 years. Giovanni Battista Sammartini is considered to be the originator of the classical symphonic form (in particular, the sonata form), and many believe his symphonies and thematic development are the precursors to those written by Haydn and Mozart. Handel, too, composed for every musical genre of his time. Gregorio Allegri composed this sacred work in the 1630s, during the papacy of Pope Urban VIII. He was also admired by his contemporaries and influenced many, including the Portuguese keyboard composer, Carlos de Seixas. The elder Bach said that his brother greatly admired Pachelbel’s music and many people see stylistic similarities between the two. 1994 / 2004 ITS Philharmonic Orchestra, Louis Jullien / All Rights Reserved 00:00:00 Cantata No. What is so fascinating about Baroque music? The Greatest Composers of the Classical Period, Musical Forms and Styles of the Baroque Period, B.A., Classical Music and Opera, Westminster Choir College of Rider University. This caused controversy, particularly from those who preferred the styles of either Jean-Baptiste Lully or Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. Many believe his symphonic pieces and thematic development are the precursors to Haydn and Mozart. A French composer and music theorist, Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683–1764) was known for music with bold melodic lines and harmonies. Listen to Yo Yo Ma perform Bach’s Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello. Concerto for Violin and Strings in F minor, Op. Unlike other famous composers, Telemann’s musical abilities were largely self-taught. His wide use of moods and musical colors in these French lyrical tragedies were beyond those of his counterparts. The suites are so popular, they have been transcribed for a variety of different instruments. 8/4, RV 297 "L'inverno", Zadok the Priest (Coronation Anthem No.1, HWV 258), 1. Think of the Baroque period as a funnel collecting all forms of music and ideas. They intended the Messiah be performed at Easter, but it found its home at Christmastime instead. Find album reviews, stream songs, credits and award information for 50 Greatest Baroque Works - Various Artists on AllMusic ... Water Music Suite No. Sammartini is one of the earliest composers of the symphony and 68 of these revolutionary works have survived. Telemann’s incorporation of unusual instrumentation in his concertos is one of the things that that made him unique. Popular baroque music ideas are picked up and expounded, then further studied and expanded. This newly identified music earned Vivaldi the title, “The Viennese Counterpart to Bach and Handel.”, Popular Works: "The Four Seasons," "Gloria," "Con Alla Rustica in G". He was the first baroque composer to write music in that style. As a music teacher, he was known for organizing students and offering concerts to the public. Popular Works: "Dido & Aeneas," "The Fairy Queen," "Sound the Trumpet". The younger Scarlatti wrote 555 known harpsichord sonatas, over half of which were written in the last six years of his life. Popular Works: "Concerto Grossi," "Christmas Concerto," "Sonata da camera in D Minor". He was considered one of England’s greatest composers and the most original composer of his time. For 100 years, it was performed exclusively at the church. Popular Works: "Viola Concerto in G," "Trio Sonata in C Minor," "(The) Paris Quartets". Corelli worked during the time of expressive opera known as High Baroque.