1658. Henry Purcell (London), 1658-95. A composer of great and original genius, among whose works, in many styles, are various interesting chamber music compositions.
1659. Alessandro Scarlatti (Trapani), 1659-1725. Although not pre-eminently distinguished as an instrumental composer, it is claimed for him that he was the first to publish a genuine string quartett for two violins, viola, and ’cello. Copies of such compositions by him are, it is stated by Mr. E.J. Dent, to be found in the Santini Library at Münster in Westphalia.
1660. Ariosti (Bologna), 1660-1740 (about). Italian composer, who for a short time taught Handel. He, Buononcini, and Handel wrote an opera, each taking an act. Ariosti left some chamber music for the viola d’amore, on which he himself was a performer.
1662. E.F. del Abaco (Verona), 1662-1726. Italian composer, who wrote some noteworthy sonatas for two violins and continuo (figured bass).
1662. Henri Desmarets (Paris), 1662-1741. Chamber musician to Louis XIV.
1668. François Couperin, 1668-1733. French organist and composer of works for the clavecin which are of historic importance. He also wrote some trios for two violins and bass.
1669. Johann Pezel (Leipzig), 1669-86. A German composer who published various works for strings in chamber music style.
1674. C.H. Abel (Hanover), about 1674. Composer of various instrumental pieces for strings; other members of the Abel family were composers of chamber music.
1674. T. Albinoni (Venice), 1674-1745. Composer of chamber music. J.S. Bach esteemed his music, and wrote two fugues on themes by him.
1675. Antonio Vivaldi (Venice), 1675-1743. Italian violinist and composer of great distinction who wrote important chamber music.