Timeline composers
A timeline of classical composers by year of birth. With age and year of death.
Click on the preview for a download in .xls
Palestrina, Buxtehude, Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Bruckner, Strauss R, Bizet, Debussy, Verdi, Wagner, Brahms, Mahler
Schonberg, Stravinsky, Britten
Dutch composers
The history of Dutch composers spans centuries, from the Renaissance to the modern era, reflecting both European trends and uniquely Dutch innovations. One of the earliest known Dutch composers was Jacob Obrecht (1457–1505), a key figure in the Franco-Flemish school of polyphony. His intricate choral works earned him international recognition, and he, along with contemporaries such as Johannes Ockeghem and Josquin des Prez, helped establish the Netherlands as a hub of musical creativity during the Renaissance.
In the 17th century, known as the Dutch Golden Age, cultural achievements flourished, particularly in painting and literature. However, music was somewhat overshadowed, with the exception of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562–1621). Sweelinck was a highly influential composer, especially for his organ and keyboard works, which shaped the development of Baroque music across Europe. His style and technical skill impacted composers in Germany, including the early Baroque masters.
The 18th and 19th centuries were quieter periods for Dutch music, with few internationally recognized composers emerging. Nonetheless, figures like Johan Wagenaar and Alphons Diepenbrock marked the late 19th century revival of Dutch composition. Diepenbrock, a self-taught composer, was influenced by Richard Wagner’s romanticism, combining it with a Dutch sensibility.
The 20th century saw a major evolution in Dutch music, with composers such as Willem Pijper and Henk Badings leading the way in modernist experimentation. Their works, often avant-garde, challenged traditional structures and embraced new harmonic languages. Louis Andriessen became a leading figure later in the century, known for his minimalist works infused with jazz and political themes, making him a key representative of Dutch contemporary music.
Today, composers like Michel van der Aa and Mayke Nas continue to push boundaries, keeping the Dutch tradition of musical innovation alive, contributing to the global landscape of modern classical music.
- List of Dutch composers (wiki)
- Jo Sporck (website)
Dutch keywords: Tijdlijn, componisten, leeftijden