Michael Eagan, 55, musician, composer

LOS ANGELES -- Classical musician and composer Michael Eagan, who cofounded Musica Angelica, a highly regarded early music group based in Los Angeles, died last week at his home in Los Angeles, apparently of a heart attack. He was 55.

His body was found Wednesday but the coroner's office had not yet determined the day he died.

Considered one of the foremost lute players in the country, Mr. Eagan performed and recorded with a variety of chamber orchestras, including San Francisco's Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and the Boston Baroque Orchestra. As a soloist, he appeared with several leading early music conductors.

Mr. Eagan founded Musica Angelica in 1993 with Mark Chatfield, a Baroque cello player.