February

29 February

February 29th

Thomas Pitts Europe, Italy, Music February, Rossini

Gioachino Antonio Rossini 29 February 1792 – 13 November 1868

Fantasia for clarinet and piano

Gioachino Rossini
by uncredited – Accademia nazionale di Santa Cecila, Public Domain, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57898750

Gioachino Rossini, born in Italy, was a famous composer known for his 39 operas, along with songs, chamber music, piano pieces, and sacred music. He became famous for both comic and serious operas. Rossini was very successful but stopped composing big operas in his thirties, while still at the peak of his fame.

His parents were musicians, and Rossini began composing music at the age of 12. By 18, he had already written his first opera, which was performed in Venice. He was hired in 1815 to write operas and manage theatres in Naples. Between 1810 and 1823, Rossini wrote 34 operas, becoming famous in cities like Venice, Milan, and Naples. Some of his best-known operas from this time are The Barber of Seville, L’italiana in Algeri, and La Cenerentola. These works were known for their catchy melodies, interesting harmonies, and dramatic storytelling. He also wrote some serious operas, such as Tancredi and Otello.

In 1824, Rossini moved to Paris, where he wrote an opera to celebrate the coronation of King Charles X, called Il viaggio a Reims. He also made some changes to his earlier works and created his last opera, Guillaume Tell, in 1829.

For the next 40 years, Rossini stopped composing operas, possibly because of his health, his wealth, and the rise of grand operas by other composers. However, he wrote some entertaining pieces for friends and musicians at his home in Paris, where famous composers like Franz Liszt and Giuseppe Verdi visited him. Rossini’s last major composition was Petite messe solennelle in 1863. He passed away on 13 November 1868.

28 February

February 28th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music February, Gold

Murray Gold 28 February 1969

Doomsday

Murray Gold
by Richard Ecclestone (Navymaroon) – Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/63063159@N06/5733718740/), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15237999

Murray Gold is an English composer and dramatist, best known for his work in television, film, theatre, and radio. Born in Portsmouth in 1969, he studied History at Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge, where he became musical director for the Footlights society.

Gold is most famous for composing the music for Doctor Who, serving as musical director from 2005 to 2017 and returning in 2023. He crafted iconic themes for the Doctor, companions, and villains, and his orchestral scores—often performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales—brought a cinematic feel to the show. He also worked on spin-offs Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Beyond Doctor Who, Gold has composed for a wide range of TV series, including Queer as Folk, Last Tango in Halifax, Gentleman Jack, and It’s A Sin. His music often complements Russell T Davies’ dramas, such as Years and Years and Casanova. He’s been nominated for five BAFTAs for Best Original Television Music and four Royal Television Society awards.

Gold’s work extends to film (Kiss of Life, Death at a Funeral) and stage, with his radio play Kafka the Musical winning the Tinniswood Award in 2013. He also composed The Goblin Song for the 2023 Doctor Who Christmas special, which topped the UK iTunes chart, with proceeds supporting BBC’s Children in Need.

His music has been celebrated in live concerts, from the Doctor Who Proms at the Royal Albert Hall to the 2023 Doctor Who @60: A Musical Celebration.

Gold’s blend of orchestral grandeur and emotional depth continues to captivate audiences, solidifying his place as a vital force in British television and beyond.

27 February

February 27th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music February, Sweeney

Sam Sweeney 27 February 1989

Maid Of The Mill

Sam Sweeney
by Bryn Pinzgauer – Sam Sweeney, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18490465

Sam Sweeney is an English folk musician who plays many instruments, but he is best known for playing the fiddle. He was born in Nottingham and started learning music when he was very young. Sam taught himself to play traditional folk songs by listening to his parents’ records. He began playing the fiddle at the age of six and performed at his first folk festival when he was just 12 years old.

Sam’s first band was Kerfuffle, where he played from 2002 to 2010. After that, he formed a duo with Hannah James, playing fiddle and accordion music together.

In 2008, Sam joined the famous folk band Bellowhead. This band had 11 members and played lively folk music with lots of different instruments. Sam stayed with them until their last concert in 2016. Later, in 2022, Bellowhead reunited for a special tour, and Sam played with them again!

Sam has also played with other groups, including Jon Boden and the Remnant Kings and Fay Hield & The Hurricane Party. In 2015, he helped start the National Youth Folk Ensemble, teaching young people about folk music, and he became their first Artistic Director.

Sam’s solo music career began in 2018 with his album The Unfinished Violin. He released more albums, including Unearth Repeat in 2020 and Escape That in 2022. His music mixes old folk traditions with new, exciting sounds.

Sam has won lots of awards for his music. He won the Musician of the Year award at the 2015 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. His album Unearth Repeat was even voted Album of the Year by fans in 2020.

With his passion for folk music and helping young musicians, Sam Sweeney is an inspiring figure in the world of music.

26 February

February 26th

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America February, Hanson

Howard Hanson 28 October 1896 – 26 February 1981

Symphony No. 2, "Romantic" Op. 30

Howard Hanson
By Unknown author – eBay (front & back), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84055899

Howard Hanson was an American composer, conductor, and teacher. He was famous for writing beautiful classical music that often sounded emotional and dramatic.

Howard was born in Nebraska, USA, and showed a love for music from a young age. He learned to play the piano and studied music at a local college. By the time he was just 19 years old, he was already a teacher!

In 1921, Howard won an important music prize that let him travel to Italy to learn more about composing music. When he came back to America, he became the director of the Eastman School of Music in New York. He worked there for 40 years, helping young musicians and making the school famous.

Howard wrote symphonies — big pieces of music played by orchestras — as well as operas and choral music. His most famous symphony is his Symphony No. 2, also known as the “Romantic” Symphony. People loved it because it sounded bold and powerful, with a strong, emotional feeling.

He believed American composers should create their own style of music instead of copying European traditions. Howard supported young American musicians by performing their music at concerts.

Throughout his life, Howard won many awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1944 for his piece “Symphony No. 4”. He helped shape the future of classical music in the United States.

Howard Hanson’s music is still played by orchestras today, inspiring people with its beauty and passion.

25 February

February 25th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music February, Harrison

George Harrison 25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001

I Remember Jeep

George Harrison
By David Hume Kennerly – Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum – A2428-14A as displayed at Media Photo Kit – The White House Years Page 1 of 3 (Photos 1-17 of 45), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106403979

George Harrison was an English musician, best known as the lead guitarist of The Beatles — one of the most famous bands in music history. Born in Liverpool, George joined The Beatles when he was just a teenager, alongside John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. Although John and Paul wrote most of the band’s songs, George still contributed some of their most loved tracks, including “Here Comes the Sun,” “Something,” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

George was known as “the quiet Beatle” because he was often more reserved than the others, but his music spoke loudly. He was deeply interested in Indian music and culture, learning to play the sitar and working with famous Indian musician Ravi Shankar. This influence can be heard in songs like “Within You Without You.”

After The Beatles broke up in 1970, George had a successful solo career. His first album, All Things Must Pass, was a huge hit, featuring the famous song “My Sweet Lord.” He was the first of The Beatles to have a solo number-one single.

George didn’t just focus on his own music — he also helped others. In 1971, he organised the Concert for Bangladesh — a groundbreaking charity concert to raise money for people suffering from war and famine. This event inspired many future benefit concerts.

In the late 1980s, George formed a new band called The Traveling Wilburys with other famous musicians, including Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison.

Aside from music, George loved gardening and nature, and he spent a lot of time at his home, Friar Park. He was also involved in film production, helping to fund movies like Monty Python’s Life of Brian.

George’s music often explored spiritual themes, as he was deeply interested in faith and inner peace. His gentle, thoughtful approach to life made him a unique voice in rock music.

He passed away in 2001 from cancer, but his music and legacy continue to inspire people around the world. From his time with The Beatles to his solo work, George Harrison remains a powerful figure in music history.

24 February

February 24th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music February, Howells

Herbert Howells 17 October 1892 – 23 February 1983

Elegy for Viola, String Quartet and String Orchestra

Herbert Howells
By Clive Barda – Original publication: Portrait photographImmediate source: National Portrait Gallery, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61862241

Herbert Howells was an English composer and organist, best known for his beautiful choral and church music. He was born in 1892 in Lydney, Gloucestershire, and showed a talent for music from a young age.

As a child, Herbert learned to play the organ and later studied music in London. He was taught by famous composers and became skilled in writing music for choirs, orchestras, and the organ.

Much of his music was inspired by the English countryside, especially the Cotswolds, where he grew up. He wrote many pieces for church choirs, including Like as the Hart and Requiem, which are still performed today. His Hymnus Paradisi, written after the death of his young son, is one of his most moving works.

Howells also composed music for orchestras, chamber groups, and the piano, but he is mainly remembered for his church music. He was a teacher at the Royal College of Music for over 50 years and helped shape the next generation of British composers.

He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to music. Herbert Howells continued composing until his death in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and emotional music that is still enjoyed today.

NPG 3970; George Frideric Handel by Thomas Hudson

23 February

February 23rd

Thomas Pitts Europe, Germany, Music February, Handel

George Frideric Handel 23 February 1685 – 14 April 1759

III. Sarabande HWV 437

George Frideric Handel
By Thomas Hudson – National Portrait Gallery: NPG 3970, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35044605

George Frideric Handel was a famous composer born in Halle, Germany. He loved music from a young age and became known for creating beautiful pieces that people still enjoy today.

As a child, Handel showed a strong interest in music. He learned to play the organ and violin, and his talent quickly became evident. Despite his father’s wish for him to study law, Handel pursued his passion for music.

Handel travelled to Italy, where he learned more about composing operas and other musical forms. Later, he moved to London, England, and became a British citizen. In London, Handel composed many operas and oratorios, which are large musical works for orchestras and singers.

One of Handel’s most famous pieces is the oratorio “Messiah,” composed in 1741. This work includes the well-known “Hallelujah” chorus, which is often performed during the Christmas season. Another popular piece is “Water Music,” written in 1717 for a royal event on the River Thames. These compositions showcase Handel’s ability to create music that is both grand and expressive.

22 February

February 22nd

Thomas Pitts Europe, Germany, Music February, Fresca

Alexander Fesca 22 May 1820 – 22 February 1849

Klavierseptett Op. 26

Alexander Fesca
By Unknown author – Unknown source, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9030690

Alexander Ernst Fesca was a German composer and pianist, born in Karlsruhe. His father, Friedrich Ernst Fesca, was also a composer, and he started teaching Alexander music from a young age.

By the time he was 11, Fesca had already performed as a pianist. At 14, he completed his composition studies at the Prussian Academy of Arts in Berlin, learning from well-known musicians like August Wilhelm Bach and Wilhelm Taubert.

In 1838, Fesca returned to Karlsruhe and found success with his operetta Mariette. He became famous for his songs and piano music, which were praised for their light and elegant style. However, some critics felt his work lacked deeper artistic meaning.

One of his biggest achievements was his opera The French in Spain, which premiered in 1841 to great success. That same year, Prince Egon von Fürstenberg gave him the title of Chamber Virtuoso. He later moved to Brunswick, where his most important work, the five-act opera Il Trovatore, was performed in 1847.

Sadly, Fesca’s life was short. He died of lung disease on 22 February 1849 at just 28 years old. Despite his early death, his music was admired during his time, especially for its graceful melodies and charm.

21 February

February 21st

Thomas Pitts Music, North America, United States of America February, Gould

Morton Gould 10 December 1913 – 21 February 1996

West Point Symphony No. 4

Morten Gould
By http://www.schirmer.com/default.aspx?TabId=2419&State_2872=2&ComposerId_2872=565, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36703966

Morton Gould was an American composer, conductor, and pianist. He was a child prodigy, writing his first piece of music at age six. He studied music in New York and had a talent for mixing different styles of music together.

As a teenager during the Great Depression, Morton played piano in cinemas and for vaudeville acts. By the age of 19, he worked at Radio City Music Hall and later conducted for a national radio station. He became well known for blending popular and classical music, reaching millions of listeners.

Morton composed music for Broadway shows, films, and television. Some of his famous works include Billion Dollar Baby, Cinerama Holiday, and Fall River Legend. He also wrote music for the U.S. government during World War II. Many orchestras across the U.S. performed his music, and he received commissions from the Library of Congress and ballet companies.

As a conductor, Morton led major orchestras in America, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia. He recorded many classical albums and won a Grammy Award in 1966 for conducting Charles Ives’ First Symphony. He later served as the president of ASCAP, fighting for musicians’ rights as the internet changed the music industry.

Morton liked to experiment with music. He wrote a piece with a rapping narrator (The Jogger and the Dinosaur), a Tap Dance Concerto, and a work featuring a singing fire department (Hosedown). In 1995, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Stringmusic. He also received a Kennedy Center Honor and a Billboard award for his work in Latin music.

He passed away in 1996 while attending an event honouring his music. His legacy lives on through his compositions, which continue to be performed and studied today.

20 February

February 20th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music February, Gipps

Ruth Gipps 20 February 1921 – 23 February 1999

Knight in Armour Op. 8

Ruth Gipps
from https://www.malcolmarnoldsociety.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Ruth-Gipps.jpeg

Ruth Dorothy Louisa (“Wid”) Gipps was an English composer, musician, and conductor. She wrote many pieces of music, including five symphonies, concertos, and choral works. She also played the oboe and piano and later became a music teacher.

Ruth was born in Bexhill-on-Sea, England. Her mother was a piano teacher, and her father worked for the government. Her family had a strong musical background, and she showed talent from a young age. She wrote her first piece of music at just eight years old and won many music competitions. She studied at the Royal College of Music, where she learned from famous composers like Ralph Vaughan Williams. She also studied at Durham University, where she became the youngest British woman to earn a doctorate in music at 26.

Ruth was a skilled pianist and oboist, but an injury ended her playing career. Instead, she focused on conducting and composing. She believed she was always meant to be a composer. One of her early pieces, Knight in Armour, was performed at the Proms in 1942, which was a great honour. Her music was inspired by traditional English composers, and she did not follow modern styles like twelve-tone music.

She faced discrimination as a woman in music, which made her determined to prove herself. She created two orchestras, the London Repertoire Orchestra and the Chanticleer Orchestra, to help young musicians and promote new works. She also taught music at Trinity College, the Royal College of Music, and Kingston Polytechnic.

In 1981, Ruth was awarded an MBE for her services to music. Despite her talent, her music was not played as much as it should have been. She retired to Sussex and lived at Tickerage Castle. She passed away in 1999 after suffering from cancer and a stroke.

Ruth Gipps was a passionate musician who never gave up, even when faced with challenges. Her work is now gaining more recognition, and her beautiful music continues to be played today.