Claudio Monteverdi
Claudio Giovanni Antonio Monteverdi was born on May 15, 1567, and died on November 29, 1643. He was an Italian composer, choirmaster, and string player. He wrote both secular and sacred music and was a pioneer in creating opera.
Tomás Luis de Victoria
Tomás Luis de Victoria (sometimes spelled with Italian names as da Vittoria; around 1548 – between August 20 and 27, 1611) was the most well-known Spanish composer of the Renaissance. He was one of the most important composers of the late Renaissance, along with Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina and Orlande de Lassus. His music was especially known for the strong emotions in some of his motets and religious works.
John Wilbye
Wilbye received the support of the Cornwallis family, who lived at Brome Hall. Wilbye worked at Hengrave Hall, near Bury St Edmunds, for many years. He was hired in the 1590s by Elizabeth Kitson, who was married to the owner of Hengrave Hall, Sir Thomas Kitson (or Kytson).
Thomas Weelkes
Thomas Weelkes (1576 (?) – November 1623) was an English composer and organist. He became the organist at Winchester College in 1598 and later moved to Chichester Cathedral. His works are mostly vocal music, including madrigals, anthems, and services.
Christopher Tye
Christopher Tye (around 1505 – before 1573) was an English Renaissance composer and organist. He was probably born in Cambridgeshire and studied at the University of Cambridge. He became the master of the choir at Ely Cathedral.
Nicolas Gombert
Nicolas Gombert (around 1495 – around 1560) was a composer from France and Flanders during the Renaissance. He was one of the most well-known and important composers during the time between Josquin des Prez and Palestrina. He best shows the highly developed and intricate polyphonic style of that time in music history.
Jacques Arcadelt
Jacques Arcadelt (also known as Jacob Arcadelt; born August 10, 1507; died October 14, 1568) was a composer from France and Flanders during the Renaissance. He worked in both Italy and France and is best known for writing non-religious vocal music. While he also composed religious music, he was one of the most famous early composers of madrigals, a type of music that became popular in Italy.
Hans Leo Hassler
Hans Leo Hassler (in German, Hans Leo Haßler) was born on October 26, 1564, and died on June 8, 1612. He was a German composer and organist who lived during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. He was the older brother of Jakob Hassler, a composer who is not as well-known.
Michael Praetorius
Michael Praetorius was born on September 28, 1571, and died on February 15, 1621. He was a German composer, organist, and music theorist. He was one of the most talented composers of his time and played an important role in creating new musical forms using Protestant hymns.
John Dowland
John Dowland (c. 1563 – buried 20 February 1626) was an English Renaissance composer, lutenist, and singer. He is best known for his sad songs, including “Come, heavy sleep,” “Come again,” “Flow my tears,” “I saw my Lady weepe,” “Now o now I needs must part,” and “In darkness let me dwell.” His instrumental music has become popular again, and since the early 20th century, it has remained an important part of the music played by lutenists and classical guitarists.