Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643)
An Italian organist and composer, was an important
link in the history of fugal form.
Although he wrote no works that were actually called fugues, his monothematic
ricercars were among the most
important forerunners of the fugue. He was recognized as one of the
greatest organists of his day, and was appointed
organist at St. Peter's in Rome. His compositions include
toccatas, capriccios,
ricercars,
and canzonas, typical organ
forms of the early Baroque.