Rarely heard Classical composers

[Kernos]

I am familiar with a couple of Classical composers (actually on the Classical/Romantic cusp like Beethoven) who I seem to always like when I hear them, usually on the radio:

Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778 - 1837) from Bratislava and Franz Berwald (1796-1868) a Swede.

What rarely heard composers do you like?

[Badger Bob]

I adore the British light classics from the golden age of radio. Eric Coates wrote some of the finest marches ever, Knightbridge is a particular favourite. Ketelbey is also a favourite of mine, everyone has heard "In a Persian Market" but I bet very few people could name it (Wilson, Kepple and Betty did the sand dance to this tune). He also wrote the sublime "Bells Across the Meadows" and "In a Monastery Garden".

I also love early music, especially the works of William Byrd (Kyrie, Agnus Dei), Guillaume Dufay (O Sancte Sebastiane) and Josquin Desprez (Mille Regretz).

And of course, Wood's "Barwick Green" is the unofficial national anthem of England...

[Dryadia2]

While it may not be considered 'Classical' music (because he's still alive), my favorite 'contemporary' composer is Ennio Morricone; most known for his 'Spaghetti Western' scores:  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly; A Fistful of Dollars; For a Few Dollars More; Two Mules for Sister Sara; and others.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ennio_Morricone
http://www.mfiles.co.uk/composers/Ennio-Morricone.htm
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001553/

'Spaghetti Western' music is fun to listen to while riding in a car.  And I love to see people's expressions, upon hearing the music, when I'm at an intersection, waiting for the light to change.
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[pobble]

While it may not be considered 'Classical' music (because he's still alive), my favorite 'contemporary' composer is Ennio Morricone

Being alive is fine.  Several of the composers I've mentioned on other threads are still alive.  I guess it counts if it is written in the tradition of classical music, using classical music instruments and conventions.