One of the most important innovators of the 17th century, the Italian composer, Giovanni Maria Trabaci spent his life in Naples, from 1601 as organist and then as maestro di cappella to the vice-regal chapel. His published compositions include some 165 works for the keyboard, many also suitable for instrumental ensembles. In both technical accomplishment and harmonic experimentation, they surpassed other works composed at this time, and became the earliest examples of the musical period subsequently defined as the Baroque era.