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.
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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.
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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.
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Late Romantic/Early Modern
Holst, Gustav
The composer of one of the most popular orchestral works of all time, The Planets.
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