March

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.

21 March

March 21st

Thomas Pitts Asia, Europe, Music, Russia March, Mussorgsky, The Five

Modest Mussorgsky 21 March [O.S. * 9 March] 1839 – 28 March [O.S. 16 March] 1881

Pictures at an Exhibition

Modest Mussorgsky
By Self-scanned, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4050848

Modest Mussorgsky was a Russian composer known for his bold, innovative style and works deeply rooted in Russian history and folklore. A member of the nationalist group known as The Five, he sought to create a distinctly Russian musical identity, rejecting Western European influences.

Born into an aristocratic family, Mussorgsky initially pursued a military career before dedicating himself fully to music. His compositions often featured unconventional harmonies, vivid orchestration, and dramatic storytelling. His most famous works include Pictures at an Exhibition, originally written for piano and later orchestrated by Maurice Ravel, Night on Bald Mountain, and the opera Boris Godunov, which remains a cornerstone of Russian opera.

Despite his talent, Mussorgsky struggled with financial instability and alcoholism, which led to an erratic career and an untimely death at 42. Many of his works were left incomplete or revised by other composers, particularly Rimsky-Korsakov, who edited and orchestrated several of Mussorgsky’s compositions. Despite this, his music had a lasting impact, influencing later Russian composers such as Stravinsky and Shostakovich. Today, Mussorgsky is celebrated for his ability to capture Russian history, folk traditions, and psychological depth in music, making him one of the most distinctive composers of the 19th century.

20 March

March 20th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Europe, Music, Russia March, Rachmaninoff

Sergei Rachmaninoff 1 April [O.S.* 20 March] 1873 – 28 March 1943

Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor Op. 18 – 2. Adagio Sostenuto

Symphony No. 2 in E minor Op. 27 – 3. Adagio

Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor Op. 30

Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini Op. 43

Sergei Rachmaninoff
By Kubey-Rembrandt Studios (Philadephia, Pennsylvania) – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs divisionunder the digital ID cph.3a40575.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=37407922

Sergei Rachmaninoff was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor, widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of the late Romantic period. His music is known for its deep emotion, lyrical melodies, and rich harmonies, often reflecting Russian folk traditions and Orthodox church music.

Rachmaninoff was born into a noble family but faced financial struggles as a child. He showed exceptional musical talent from an early age and studied at the Moscow Conservatory, where he trained as both a pianist and composer. His early works, including Prelude in C-sharp minor, brought him fame, but his career suffered a setback when his First Symphony was poorly received. This failure led to a period of depression, but with the help of therapy, he regained confidence and went on to compose some of his greatest works.

Rachmaninoff’s music is beloved for its sweeping melodies and emotional depth. Some of his most famous pieces include:

Piano Concerto No. 2 – One of the most popular piano concertos ever written, known for its romantic and powerful themes.
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini – A set of variations for piano and orchestra, featuring the famous 18th variation, often used in films and TV.
Symphony No. 2 – A lush and expressive symphony full of passion and longing.

His piano music, including his Études-Tableaux and Preludes, is known for its technical difficulty and beauty, making him a favourite among pianists.

After the Russian Revolution in 1917, Rachmaninoff left Russia and eventually settled in the United States. He focused more on performing than composing, becoming one of the most celebrated pianists of his time. His large hands and incredible technique allowed him to play challenging pieces with ease.

Despite his success, he always longed for his homeland, and this sense of nostalgia is reflected in his later works. His final major composition, Symphonic Dances, captures both his Russian roots and modern influences.

Today, Rachmaninoff’s music remains widely performed and loved for its emotional power and technical brilliance. His legacy as a composer and pianist continues to inspire musicians and audiences around the world. 🎶

19 March

March 19th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Ireland, Music Machonchy, March

Elizabeth Maconchy 19 March 1907 – 11 November 1994

String Quartet No. 3 Op. 15

Elizabeth Maconchy
By This work created by the United Kingdom Government is in the public domain.This is because it is one of the following:It is a photograph taken prior to 1 June 1957; orIt was published prior to 1975; orIt is an artistic work other than a photograph or engraving (e.g. a painting) which was created prior to 1975.HMSO has declared that the expiry of Crown Copyrights applies worldwide (ref: HMSO Email Reply)More information.See also Copyright and Crown copyright artistic works. – https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/search/portrait/mw47668/Dame-Elizabeth-Maconchy-Dame-Elizabeth-LeFanu, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116176447

Elizabeth Maconchy (1907–1994) was a British composer known for her expressive and modernist music, particularly her 13 string quartets. Born in England but raised in Ireland, she was influenced by folk traditions and showed early musical talent. She studied at the Royal College of Music under Ralph Vaughan Williams but leaned more towards the European modernist tradition, drawing inspiration from composers like Bartók and Janáček.

Maconchy gained recognition for her emotionally intense compositions, especially her chamber music. Her string quartets, composed over several decades, showcase a stylistic evolution from lyrical and impressionistic to dissonant and dramatic. Other notable works include Symphony for Double String Orchestra (1953), The Land (1930), and the opera The Departure (1962). She also wrote choral and orchestral music, often displaying rhythmic vitality and rich harmonies.

Despite her talent, Maconchy faced challenges as a female composer in a male-dominated field. She was determined to succeed, earning critical acclaim and becoming the first female chair of the Composers’ Guild of Great Britain. In 1977, she was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Her legacy lives on through her influential string quartets, which remain an essential part of British chamber music, and through her daughter, Nicola LeFanu, who also became a noted composer. Maconchy’s work is celebrated for its intellectual depth, emotional intensity, and contribution to 20th-century music.

18 March

March 18th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Europe, Music, Russia March, Rimsky-Korsakov, The Five

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov 18 March 1844 – 21 June 1908

Sadko Chanson Hindu

Scheherezade Op.35 Lento - Adagio

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
By Valentin Serov – The Yorck Project (2002) 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei (DVD-ROM), distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH. ISBN: 3936122202., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156413980

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov was a Russian composer famous for his colourful and imaginative music. He was part of a group called The Five, who wanted to create a unique Russian style of classical music.

Although he started his career in the navy, music was his true passion. He became a professor at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, where he taught many future famous composers.

Rimsky-Korsakov is best known for pieces like Scheherazade, Flight of the Bumblebee, and Capriccio Espagnol. His music often told stories and used rich orchestral sounds, making it exciting and magical to listen to.

17 March

March 17th

Thomas Pitts Europe, Ireland, Music, North America, United States of America Kreisler, March, St. Patrick's Day

Traditional

Londonderry Air St. Patrick's Day

The Londonderry Air is a well-known Irish melody, linked to the song Danny Boy. The tune was collected by Jane Ross in the mid-19th century from a fiddler in Limavady, County Londonderry (now in Northern Ireland).

Although the exact origins of the melody are unclear, it is believed to come from older Irish folk music. The tune became famous worldwide, especially when paired with the lyrics of Danny Boy in 1913.

The Londonderry Air has since been used in many songs and arrangements, becoming a symbol of Irish culture and identity.

Fritz Kreisler performs this version.

Fritz Kreisler
by Bain News Service, publisher – This image is available from the United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs divisionunder the digital ID ggbain.36721.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing for more information., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2816677

Fritz Kreisler (1875–1962) was a famous Austrian-born violinist and composer, known for his warm tone and expressive playing style. He started learning the violin at a very young age, entering the Vienna Conservatory at just seven years old!

Kreisler became one of the greatest violinists of his time, performing around the world and winning audiences with his charm and incredible skill. He also wrote many pieces for the violin, some of which he said were by older composers—but later admitted he had written them himself!

Even after a car accident in 1941, which affected his health, he continued to inspire musicians with his talent. His most famous pieces include Liebesfreud, Liebesleid, and Caprice Viennois.

16 March

March 16th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music March, Monk

William Henry Monk 16 March 1823 – 1 March 1889

Eventide

William Henry Monk
By Unknown author – [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32596577

William Henry Monk was an English composer, organist, and music teacher, best known for writing the hymn tune Eventide, which is used for the famous hymn Abide with Me.

Monk was a key figure in church music, helping to create Hymns Ancient and Modern, a hugely popular hymnbook in the 19th century. As the musical editor, he worked hard to make sure the hymns were easy to sing and meaningful for worshippers.

He taught music at King’s College London and played the organ at several churches, dedicating his life to improving church music. His work made a lasting impact, with many of his hymn tunes still sung today.

15 March

March 15th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Boulanger, March

Lili Boulanger 21 August 1893 – 15 March 1918

Vieille prière bouddhique

Faust et Hélène

Lili Boulanger
By Henri Manuel – [1], Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=114463198

Marie-Juliette Olga “Lili” Boulanger was a French composer and the first woman to win the prestigious Prix de Rome for music in 1913, at just 19 years old. She was a musical prodigy, showing talent from a very young age, and was taught by her older sister, Nadia Boulanger, who also became a famous music teacher.

Despite struggling with poor health for most of her life, Lili created powerful and emotional music. Her works often had religious and poetic themes, such as Psalm 24 and Vieille prière bouddhique (Old Buddhist Prayer).

Lili’s music was known for its rich harmonies and intense feeling, and she pushed the boundaries of what was expected from women composers at the time. She died at the age of 24, but her music and influence have lived on, inspiring generations of musicians.

14 March

March 14th

Thomas Pitts Europe, Germany, Music March, Telemann

Georg Philipp Telemann 24 March [O.S. 14 March] 1681 – 25 June 1767

Sonata in D major TWV 44:1

Georg Philipp Telemann
by Valentin Daniel Preisler, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111944

Georg Philipp Telemann was a German composer and musician, one of the most famous and productive composers of the Baroque period. He wrote over 3,000 pieces of music, including operas, church music, and instrumental works.

Telemann was mostly self-taught, learning to play several instruments and composing music from a young age, despite his family wanting him to study law. His music was admired for its creativity and mix of different styles, including French, Italian, and Polish influences.

He worked in many cities, but his most important job was in Hamburg, where he ran the city’s music scene, composing for churches and organising concerts.

Telemann’s music was popular during his lifetime, and he was friends with other famous composers like Johann Sebastian Bach. Today, he is remembered for his lively, elegant music that often combined traditional and modern styles.

13 March

March 13th

Thomas Pitts England, Europe, Music March, Woodforde-Finden

Amy Woodforde-Finden 1860 – 13 March 1919

Kashmiri Song

Amy Woodforde-Finden
By Katchuri – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=86088907

Amy Woodforde-Finden was a British composer known for her romantic songs, especially inspired by Eastern and Indian themes. Born in Chile, she later moved to England and studied music in London.

Her most famous work is the collection Four Indian Love Lyrics (1902), which includes the popular song Kashmiri Song. These pieces were influenced by the time she spent in India after marrying Colonel Woodforde-Finden, who served in the British Army.

Her music became widely loved for its emotional, exotic style and was often performed in concerts and drawing rooms across Britain.

Though not as famous today, Amy Woodforde-Finden’s songs offer a glimpse into the Edwardian fascination with faraway lands and romantic ideals.