Georg Philipp Telemann

Georg Philipp Telemann was a German composer of the high baroque. Almost completely self-taught in music, he became a composer against his family's wishes. Telemann was one of the most prolific composers in history and was considered by his contemporaries to be one of the leading German composers of the time—he was compared favorably to J.S. Bach and Handel (both of whom Telemann knew personally). Telemann's music incorporates several national styles: French, Italian, German, and Polish. He remained at the forefront of all new musical innovations throughout his long life, and his music is an important link between the late Baroque and early Classical styles.