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1567
Claudio Monteverdi
Transition composer between the renaissance and the baroque periods, he pioneered the operatic genre. He also developed the secunda practica and wrote the first complete operas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb2TURdBeEQ -
Barbara Strozzi
A prolific composer who published more secular music than any other composer in her era, specializing in the secunda practica. She is known for her lyrical music and focused on soprano pieces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z2xtmkqaAs -
Jean-Baptiste Lully
Best known for his operas and his work in the court of King Louis XIV in France. He incorporated basso continuo and dance music throughout his operas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_QGz818Rek -
Dietrich Buxtehude
Primarily known as a keyboard composer, though he composed over 100 vocal pieces. He is known as a major influence of Bach, especially for his chorale set organ works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pULZa82Jm4E -
George Frideric Handel
Incorporated German polyphonic choral tradition with Italian baroque style. Known for exemplifying the 'high baroque' style with his development of Italian opera and the genre of the English oratorio. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmeyG5LlFWU -
Johann Sebastian Bach
Established counterpoint, harmonic organization, and incorporated Germanic rhythms with Italian and France influences. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VW1vQTx1EhA