The Most Famous Baroque Composer, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the composer you think is the most famous!
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:03
In an era of intricate musical ornamentation and rich textures, Baroque composers brought to life compositions that continue to resonate through time. Identifying the most impactful composers from this period can be a delightful challenge for enthusiasts and scholars alike, as each composer brought a unique voice and transformative technique to the art of music.
By engaging with a list that ranks these historic figures, users have the opportunity to contribute their perspective, thus shaping a collective consensus on the legends of Baroque music. This active participation not only enriches one's understanding but also connects a community of classical music appreciators across the globe.
Who Is the Most Famous Baroque Composer?
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172votes
Elias Gottlob Haussmann · Public domainConsidered one of the greatest composers of all time, Bach's works spanned many genres including choral music, organ music, and instrumental music. His compositions are known for their intricate counterpoint and harmonic complexity.Johann Sebastian Bach in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous musical composer
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous organist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous composer of oratorios in this period
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous classical composer
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Baroque artist
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous father
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238votes
Attributed to Balthasar Denner · Public domainKnown for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental music, Handel's works were often grand and majestic in nature. His most famous piece is the oratorio Messiah.George Frideric Handel in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous composer of oratorios in this period
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous classical composer
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320votes
Unidentified painter · Public domainA virtuoso violinist and composer, Vivaldi is known for his concertos, particularly The Four Seasons. His music often features fast and virtuosic passages.Antonio Vivaldi in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Italian composer
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous composer of oratorios in this period
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous classical composer
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413votes
anonymous · Public domainOne of the most important English composers of the Baroque era, Purcell's compositions include operas, church music, and instrumental works. His most famous work is the opera Dido and Aeneas. -
517votes
Bernardo Strozzi · Public domainOne of the pioneers of opera, Monteverdi's works were influential in the development of the genre. His operas often feature dramatic recitative passages and arias.Claudio Monteverdi in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Italian composer
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Madrigal Enchanted
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Opera composer
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Baroque artist
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614votes
Hugh Howard (1675-1737) · Public domainA violinist and composer, Corelli's works were influential in the development of the concerto grosso. His music is known for its elegance and simplicity.Arcangelo Corelli in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Italian composer
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77votes
Ducarme · Public domainA composer of French Baroque music, Lully's works include operas, ballets, and instrumental music. He was known for his use of dance rhythms in his compositions. -
87votesA German composer, Pachelbel's most famous work is the Canon in D. He was known for his organ music and his use of counterpoint.Johann Pachelbel in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous organist
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96votes
Unidentified painter · Public domainAn Italian composer, Scarlatti's works include operas, oratorios, and chamber music. He was known for his use of vocal harmony and his expressive melodies. -
104votes
Johannes Voorhout · CC BY-SA 4.0A Danish-German composer, Buxtehude's works include vocal and instrumental music. He was known for his organ music, which often featured complex passagework and harmonies.Dietrich Buxtehude in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous organist
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Ranking factors for famous composer
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Historical SignificanceHow important were their contributions to Baroque music and the development of music in general?
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Musical InnovationDid they introduce new musical forms, techniques, or styles that had a significant impact on the genre?
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Popularity and SuccessWere they commercially successful during their time, and has their music remained popular throughout history?
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Performance and Recording HistoryHow often and prominently are their works performed and recorded by classical musicians and orchestras today?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Baroque composer. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Composer is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1283 views
- 197 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Composer once every 24 hours. The rank of each Composer is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous baroque composer
Baroque music, a style that emerged in Europe during the 17th century, is known for its ornamental melodies and grandiose structure. Among the many composers who contributed to this rich musical period, several stand out as true icons of the Baroque era. One such figure is Johann Sebastian Bach, whose works are still widely performed and celebrated today. Other notable Baroque composers include George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, and Claudio Monteverdi, to name just a few. But when it comes to the most famous Baroque composer of all, the answer is hotly debated. Some argue for Bach, while others champion Handel or Vivaldi. Regardless of personal preference, there's no denying that Baroque music has left an indelible mark on the world of classical music, and continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
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