March

31 March

March 31st

Thomas Pitts Europe, Music, Poland March, Polonaise de concert No. 1 in D major, Wieniawski

Henryk Wieniawski 10 July 1835 – 31 March 1880

Polonaise de concert No. 1 in D major Op. 4

Henryk Wieniawski
By Fritz Luckhardt – This image is part of the Portrait Collection Friedrich Nicolas Manskopf at the library of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main.ID: {{{1}}}This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3275787

Henryk Wieniawski was a Polish violinist and composer, regarded as one of the greatest violin virtuosos of the 19th century. Born in Lublin, he displayed prodigious talent from a young age, entering the Paris Conservatoire at just eight years old. His exceptional technique and expressive playing quickly gained him recognition, and he embarked on a successful career as a soloist and composer.

Wieniawski’s compositions, particularly his violin works, remain staples of the repertoire. His two violin concertos showcase both technical brilliance and deep lyricism: the Violin Concerto No. 1 in F-sharp minor (1853) is known for its difficulty, while the Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor (1862) is favoured for its expressive qualities. Other notable works include Légende, Scherzo-Tarantelle, and Polonaise Brillante No. 1, all of which highlight his virtuosity and Romantic sensibilities.

Alongside composing, Wieniawski was a dedicated teacher. His influence on violin playing extended beyond his music, as he contributed to bowing techniques and performance styles still studied today.

Despite his success, Wieniawski’s health deteriorated in his later years, forcing him to cut short his performances. He died in Moscow in 1880 at the age of 44.

30 March

March 30th

Thomas Pitts Estonia, Europe, Music Aarne, Ballad for piano and orchestra, March

Els Aarne 30 March 1917 – 14 June 1995

Ballad for piano and orchestra

Els Aarne
Via http://entsyklopeedia.ee/meedia/aarne_els1/aarne_els

Els Aarne was an Estonian composer, pianist, and music educator whose work played a significant role in the development of Estonian classical music. Born in Makiivka, Ukraine, she studied at the Tallinn State Conservatory, where she trained in music pedagogy, piano, and composition under Heino Eller. Her diverse career included teaching at the conservatory and other institutions, as well as extensive work as a performer and critic.

Aarne’s compositions include two symphonies, instrumental concertos, solo song cycles, chamber music, choral works, and pieces for children. She was particularly innovative in her choice of solo instruments, writing for the double bass and French horn in addition to more conventional choices. Her music often incorporated Estonian folk elements and modal structures. Her vocal works addressed themes of nature, human relationships, and Estonian identity, often reflecting the mood and nuances of the text with great sensitivity.

Several of her compositions, including Cat’s Song and Song about a Grasshopper, became part of Estonia’s national song celebrations.

29 March

March 29th

Thomas Pitts Europe, Greece, Music Chariots Of Fire: Main Theme, Conquest Of Paradise, March, Vangelis

Vangelis 29 March 1943 – 17 May 2022

Conquest Of Paradise

Chariots Of Fire: Main Theme

Vangelis
By NikolasforWiki – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6042320

Vangelis was a Greek composer and electronic music pioneer best known for his work in film scores and progressive electronic music. Born as Evángelos Odysséas Papathanassíou, he showed an early talent for music and was largely self-taught, experimenting with sounds rather than undergoing formal training. He gained recognition in the 1960s as a member of the rock band Aphrodite’s Child, whose album 666 became a cult classic.

Vangelis’ breakthrough came with his solo work, particularly his film scores. His iconic soundtrack for Chariots of Fire (1981) won the Academy Award for Best Original Score, with its main theme becoming one of the most recognisable pieces in film history. He also composed the score for Blade Runner (1982), a landmark in electronic film music, which influenced the genre for decades. His other notable film scores include 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992) and Alexander (2004).

Outside of film, Vangelis created a wide range of electronic, orchestral, and ambient works, often blending classical influences with synthesised textures. Albums like Albedo 0.39 (1976) and Spiral (1977) showcase his pioneering approach to synthesiser-based music. He also collaborated with Jon Anderson of Yes, forming the duo Jon & Vangelis, which produced hits such as I’ll Find My Way Home and State of Independence.

Vangelis was deeply influenced by space exploration, composing music inspired by NASA missions, including Mythodea (2001), which was associated with NASA’s Mars Odyssey mission. His work extended beyond music into painting and other artistic pursuits. Despite avoiding mainstream celebrity culture, he remained one of the most influential figures in electronic music. He passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking compositions that continue to inspire musicians and filmmakers worldwide.

28 March

March 28th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Japan, Music In the Month of March, March, November Steps, Takemitsu

Tōru Takemitsu (武満徹) 8 October 1930 – 20 February 1996

In the Month of March

November Steps

Tōru Takemitsu
By Guy Vivien – This image has been downloaded from http://www.durand-salabert-eschig.com/english/photos_composer_zoom.php?name=takemitsu&img=142., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10697367

Tōru Takemitsu was a Japanese composer known for blending Western classical music with traditional Japanese sounds. Largely self-taught, he was influenced by composers like Debussy, Messiaen, and Cage. His works often feature delicate textures, silence, and a deep connection to nature.

Takemitsu’s orchestral piece November Steps (1967) is one of his most famous works, combining Western instruments with the Japanese biwa and shakuhachi. He also composed for film, writing scores for directors like Akira Kurosawa. His music often evokes dreamlike atmospheres, using rich harmonies and subtle timbral shifts.

A key figure in 20th-century music, Takemitsu bridged cultural traditions and developed a unique, contemplative style that continues to influence composers worldwide.

27 March

March 27th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music d'Indy, March, Symphony on a French Mountain Air

Vincent d'Indy 27 March 1851 – 2 December 1931

Symphony on a French Mountain Air Op.25

Vincent d’Indy
By unidentified photograph – archives de –FinitoR Originally uploaded in ruwiki by ru:Участник:Финитор as ru:Postcard-1910 d-Indi.jpg., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7038338

Vincent d’Indy was a French composer, conductor, and teacher known for his contributions to late Romantic and early 20th-century music. A devoted student of César Franck, he played a key role in promoting Franck’s music and extending his harmonic language. D’Indy was deeply influenced by German symphonic traditions, Gregorian chant, and French folk music, blending these elements into his own compositions.

His most famous work, Symphony on a French Mountain Air (1886), showcases his ability to integrate folk melodies into symphonic form. Other notable works include the opera Fervaal, the Istar variations, and numerous orchestral and chamber pieces. In 1894, he co-founded the Schola Cantorum de Paris, an influential conservatory that championed counterpoint and traditional composition techniques.

Though highly respected for his teaching and music, d’Indy’s legacy is complicated by his conservative, nationalist views. His impact on French music was significant, shaping generations of composers and solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the transition from Romanticism to modern French music.

Joseph_Karl_Stieler's_Beethoven_mit_dem_Manuskript_der_Missa_solemnis

26 March

March 26th

Thomas Pitts Europe, Germany, Music Beethoven, March, Piano Concerto No.5 in Eb, Piano Trio No. 5, String Quartet No. 13 in B♭ Major, Symphony no. 5 in C minor, Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major

Ludwig van Beethoven Baptised 17 December 1770 – 26 March 1827

Piano Concerto No.5 in Eb Op.73

Piano Trio No. 5 Op. 70, No. 1 "Ghost"

String Quartet No. 13 in B♭ Major Op. 130

Symphony No. 5 in C minor Op.67

Symphony No. 9 in D minor Choral

Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major Op. 24

Ludwig van Beethoven
By Joseph Karl Stieler – Google Arts & Culture, rotated and cropped to remove the potentially copyrighted photo of the frame., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=133271390

Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western music. His works bridged the Classical and Romantic eras, expanding the possibilities of form, harmony, and emotional expression. Born in Bonn, he showed musical talent from an early age and moved to Vienna in his twenties, studying under Joseph Haydn. His early compositions reflected the Classical style of Mozart and Haydn, but he soon developed a more personal, dramatic voice.

Beethoven’s career can be divided into three periods. His early period (up to 1802) included works like the Pathétique Sonata and his first two symphonies, still rooted in Classical tradition. His middle period, often called the “heroic” period, saw larger, more expressive works, including Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), the Fifth Symphony, and the Appassionata Sonata. During this time, he began to lose his hearing, but this did not halt his creativity. His late period, marked by profound innovation, includes the Ninth Symphony with its famous Ode to Joy, the Missa Solemnis, and the final string quartets, which explore complex structures and deep emotion.

Despite his deafness, Beethoven revolutionised music with his expanded symphonic forms, powerful use of motifs, and bold harmonic progressions. His legacy influenced composers from Brahms to Mahler, and his works remain central to the classical repertoire.

25 March

March 25th

Thomas Pitts Europe, Hungary, Music Bartók, Erdélyi táncok, March, Transylvanian Dances

Béla Bartók 25 March 1881 – 26 September 1945

Transylvanian Dances Erdélyi Táncok ; Tänze aus Siebenbürgen

Béla Bartók
By Unknown author – http://w3.rz-berlin.mpg.de/cmp/bartok_9.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=153286378

Béla Bartók was a Hungarian composer, pianist, and ethnomusicologist, regarded as one of the most influential composers of the 20th century. His music combines elements of Hungarian folk traditions with modernist techniques, resulting in a highly original style.

Bartók was deeply interested in folk music, travelling extensively to collect and study traditional melodies from Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and beyond. His research significantly shaped his compositions, which often featured asymmetrical rhythms, modal harmonies, and bold dissonances. Notable works include Concerto for Orchestra, Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta, and six string quartets, which are considered landmarks of 20th-century chamber music.

As a pianist, Bartók was known for his technical precision and innovative approach. He worked as a teacher at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest, influencing generations of musicians. During World War II, he emigrated to the United States, where he continued composing despite financial and health struggles. His later works, including the Third Piano Concerto and Viola Concerto, remained unfinished at his death but were later completed based on his sketches.

Bartók’s legacy is profound, influencing both classical and folk-inspired music. His pioneering ethnomusicological work preserved Eastern European folk traditions, and his compositions remain central to the concert repertoire.

24 March

March 24th

Thomas Pitts Europe, Germany, Music Battle Suite, March, Scheidt

Samuel Scheidt Baptised 3 November 1587 – 24 March 1654

Battle Suite

Samuel Scheidt
By Ioach. Caesar – http://www.mitteldeutsche-barockmusik.de/mibamu-wAssets/img/S_Scheidt_Portrait.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=279757

Samuel Scheidt was a German composer, organist, and teacher of the early Baroque period. He was a key figure in the development of Protestant church music and instrumental composition in Germany. Scheidt studied in Amsterdam under the influential organist Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, whose contrapuntal techniques and expressive organ writing had a lasting impact on him.

Returning to his native Halle, Scheidt became court organist and later Kapellmeister to the Margrave of Brandenburg. He was instrumental in shaping Lutheran church music, composing numerous chorale settings, motets, and sacred concertos. His most significant work, the Tabulatura Nova (1624), was a groundbreaking collection of organ music that abandoned traditional organ tablature in favour of modern staff notation. This helped standardise organ composition in Germany and influenced later composers, including Bach.

Scheidt also contributed to instrumental music, writing suites and variations for ensembles. His works often displayed a fusion of polyphonic textures and expressive harmonies, characteristic of the early Baroque. Despite political and economic hardships during the Thirty Years’ War, he continued composing and teaching, leaving a lasting legacy in German sacred and instrumental music.

23 March

March 23rd

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music Drowning By Number 2, March, Nyman

Michael Nyman 23 March 1944

Drowning By Number 2

Michael Nyman
By Anton V. Shpigunov – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42490383

Michael Nyman is an English composer, pianist, and musicologist known for his minimalist compositions and film scores. He gained international recognition for his soundtrack to The Piano (1993), which became one of the most popular film scores of the decade. Nyman’s music is often characterised by repetitive motifs, rich harmonies, and energetic rhythms, blending classical traditions with contemporary influences.

He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and later developed an interest in early music, which influenced his compositional style. In the 1970s, he coined the term “minimalism” in a musical context and began composing works that reflected this approach. His collaborations with filmmaker Peter Greenaway, including The Draughtsman’s Contract (1982) and Drowning by Numbers (1988), showcased his distinct musical language, featuring driving rhythms and a blend of Baroque and modern elements.

Beyond film music, Nyman has written operas, chamber works, and orchestral compositions. His Michael Nyman Band, founded in the 1970s, has been instrumental in bringing his music to a wider audience. He has also composed for dance, theatre, and multimedia projects.

Nyman’s influence extends beyond classical music; his works have been embraced in popular culture, and his style has inspired contemporary composers. His ability to create emotionally compelling music with minimalist techniques has cemented his status as one of the most significant British composers of his generation.

22 March

March 22nd

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Lully, March

Jean-Baptiste Lully 28 or 29 November [O.S. * 18 or 19 November] 1632 – 22 March 1687

Miserere

Jean-Baptiste Lully
By Paul Mignard – http://www.photo.rmn.fr/archive/17-510739-2C6NU0ATWZKF7.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13254553

Jean-Baptiste Lully was an Italian-born composer who became one of the most influential figures in French Baroque music. He served as the court composer for King Louis XIV and played a key role in shaping the French operatic tradition. Lully’s music, known for its grandeur and rhythmic precision, was central to the development of tragédie en musique, a distinctively French form of opera that combined music, dance, and drama.

Originally from Florence, Lully moved to France as a young man and quickly gained favour at the royal court. He collaborated extensively with the playwright Molière, producing comédies-ballets that integrated theatrical performances with music and dance. His later operas, such as Atys and Armide, became models of French Baroque opera, known for their expressive recitatives, dramatic intensity, and elegant orchestration. Lully also played a crucial role in standardising the French overture, a musical form characterised by a stately opening followed by a lively, fugal section.

Beyond opera, Lully had a lasting impact on instrumental music, particularly in the development of orchestral discipline. He led ensembles with a strong emphasis on precision and unity, setting the foundation for modern conducting. His influence extended beyond France, shaping European music for generations.

Lully’s career ended tragically when he accidentally struck his foot with a conducting staff, leading to a fatal infection. Despite his early death, his legacy endured through his operas and instrumental works, which continued to influence composers well into the 18th century.

*Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) indicate dating systems before and after a calendar change, respectively. Usually, they refer to the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar as enacted in various European countries between 1582 and 1923.