Johann Sebastian Bach
- Born: Germany (1685–1750), one of the greatest Baroque composers.
- Famous For: ‘Brandenburg Concertos’, many church cantatas and keyboard works.
- Family: Came from a long line of musicians.
- Instruments: A brilliant organ, violin, and harpsichord player.
- Style: Known for complex counterpoint and rich harmony.
- Character: Serious, hardworking, and deeply religious.
- Legacy: Influenced later composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
- Fun Fact: Had 20 children, and several became musicians.
George Frideric Handel
- Born: Germany (1685–1759), later became a British citizen.
- Famous For: ‘Messiah’ (Hallelujah Chorus) and ‘Water Music’.
- Family: His father wanted him to study law, not music.
- Instruments: Played organ, harpsichord, and violin.
- Style: Grand, dramatic, and often for royal events.
- Character: Confident, independent, and determined.
- Legacy: His music is still performed worldwide at holidays.
- Fun Fact: Went blind near the end of his life but still composed.
Antonio Vivaldi
- Born: Venice, Italy (1678–1741), nicknamed ‘The Red Priest.’
- Famous For: ‘The Four Seasons’ violin concertos.
- Career: Taught at a girls’ orphanage in Venice.
- Instruments: A brilliant violinist and teacher.
- Style: Known for energetic rhythms and bright melodies.
- Character: Passionate, innovative, and energetic.
- Legacy: Rediscovered and became hugely popular in the 20th century.
- Fun Fact: Called 'The Red Priest' because of his red hair.
Henry Purcell
- Born: London (1659–1695), England’s most famous Baroque composer.
- Famous For: ‘Dido and Aeneas’, one of the first English operas.
- Family: Came from a musical family working for the royal court.
- Career: Organist at Westminster Abbey and composer for the King.
- Style: Blended English, French, and Italian influences.
- Character: Brilliant, respected, but died young at age 36.
- Legacy: Helped shape English Baroque traditions.
- Fun Fact: His music was played at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.