Composer Gallery

Here are quick and easy reference guides to the all-time great composers, a roster that we're always expanding. For each composer, you'll find vital statistics (birth, death, nationality), a short biographical sketch and a few fun facts, plus a basic guide to the music and a list of weblinks and resources, plus a few of the most famous tunes and one or two videos. Whether you're heading off to a concert, writing a research paper, looking for reliable, current information, or just want to explore some cool music and video, this is the first stop on your web search.

Baroque

Handel, George Frideric

Born in Germany and trained in Italy, Handel immigrated to London and became the most celebrated composer in English history. Originator of the English oratorio, most notably Messiah.

20th century

Harrison, Lou

Known for his innovative syntheses of music from the Pacific Rim and modern classical, Harrison had an explorer’s heart, but also a lyrical gift he used freely.
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Classical

Haydn, Franz Joseph

“Papa” Haydn; the most celebrated composer of his time, developer of the string quartet and a major influence on symphonic composition.

Medieval

Hildegard of Bingen

An 11th-century composer, author, and political and spiritual advisor, known for her liturgical works and credited with writing the first morality play.