December 5 - Henry Lawes (The Musical Birthday Series, 5th Annual Cycle)

Previous posts for December 5th are here: Little Richard; Grace Moore (2019), Osvaldo Golijov (2020), Francesco Scarlatti (2021), and José Carreras; Francesco Geminiani (2022)

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Henry Lawes (bapt. 5 January 1596 – 21 October 1662) was the leading English songwriter of the mid-17th century, linking the period of  Dowland to that of Purcell. {NB: Henry Lawes was not born on December 5th.  He was included here because of an error in one of the sources I used to find birthdays.  What's done it done, so here he is.] 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sing, Ye Songsters!

Though some of his 1638 psalm tunes are found in modern hymn-books, his devotional music does not now appeal. It is his output of more than 430 songs. especially the three Bookes of Ayres and Dialogues on which his reputation rests. – adapted from Wikipedia

Of Lawes it’s said that no one cares

For music that he wrote for prayers,

So set aside his sacred wares

And listen to his solos Ayres

And Dialogues (to be sung by pairs),

And thus forget the world’s affairs

Through tuneful solace such as theirs.

 

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December 4 - Friedrich Burgmüller (The Musical Birthday Series, 5th Annual Cycle)

Previous posts for December 4th are here: Deanna Durbin (2019), Fred Armisen (2020), Hamilton Harty (2021), and André Campra (2022)

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Friedrich Burgmüller (4 December 1806 – 13 February 1874) was a German pianist and composer. -- Wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Faint Praise

Burgmüller is best known for his three collections of children's etudes (or "teaching pieces") for the piano, particularly his Op. 100 "25 Études faciles et progressives" (25 Easy and Progressive Studies).  -- adapted from Wikipedia

Burgmüller’s études were progressive and easy,

With just enough challenge to avoid being breezy,

And just enough feeling without being cheesy.

His études, which tutored by being progressive

Developed the hands without being excessive,

And had titles that hinted at being expressive.

Perhaps it’s unfair to slight or pooh-pooh him,

For many young pianists found mastery through him,

So give, on his birthday, his accolades to him.

 

 

 

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December 3 - Anton Webern (The Musical Birthday Series, 5th Annual Cycle)

Previous posts for December 3rd are here: Anton Webern (2019), Anton Webern; Casimir Schweizelsperg (2020),  Anton Webern; Andy Williams (2021), and Antonio Soler; Anton Webern (2022)

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Anton Webern (3 December 1883 – 15 September 1945) was one of the most important composers of the 20th century.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Retrograde

It pains me now to have to say

That Anton Webern’s had his day.

Fifty years ago his star

Was still a beacon, near and far,

And young composers in his debt,

Studied him with mind and sweat, —

And now his works so deftly made

Are scarcely ever heard or played.

 

 

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Either/Or

His lapidary works devised

  With crystalline precision

Are praised by some, by some despised,

   For few, a no decision.

 

 

 

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December 2 - Maria Callas (The Musical Birthday Series, 5th Annual Cycle)

Previous posts for December 2nd are here: Maria Callas; Britney Spears (2019), Harvey Phillips (2020), Adolph Green (2021), and Peter Carl Goldmark; Sylvia Syms (2022)

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Maria Callas (2 December 1923 – 16 September 1977) was one of the most admired sopranos of 

the mid twentieth century.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Toast

Let’s raise a centennial chalice,

And drop any sneering or malice,

Let bravas and cheers

Fill the musical spheres

For the one hundredth birthday of Callas.

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Panegyrick Verse on the Late Lamented Maria Callas

Oh Callas! Can it be One Hundred Years?

We conjure now thine image through our Tears,

And see thy Form upon the Lighted Stage,

The operatic Wonder of your Age!

Alas, oh Goddess! Thou hadst some detractors

Who plaudits gave to other singing Actors,

Who criticize, Divina, thine intensity. —

We leave them, unrepentant, to their density!

Unjust! That thou didst die at fifty-four,

The gods, in fairness, should have granted more, –

Immortal Gods! How more than cruel to skimp us,

By raising Callas up to Mount Olympus!

 

 

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December 1 - Bette Midler; Franz Xaver Richter (The Musical Birthday Series, 5th Annual Cycle)

Previous posts for December 1st are here: Bette Midler (2019), Agathe Backer-Grøndahl (2020), Bette Midler (2021), and Giuseppe Sarti (2022)

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Bette Midler (b. 1 December 1945) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and comedian.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You Bette-cha!

On December the First, don’t forget

To find an LP or cassette,

And relish again,

As you did way back when,

The unique vocal stylings of Bette.

 

 

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Franz Xaver Richter  (1 December 1709 – 12 September 1789) was an Austro-Moravian singer, violinist, composer, conductor and music theoretician.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow the Leader

Richter, as a contemporary engraving clearly shows, must have been one of the first conductors to actually have conducted with a music sheet roll in his hand. – Wikipedia

When Franz Xaver Richter exerted control,

He rolled up a score, and then brandished that roll,

Though you’d think if the band were not keeping the beat,

He might have found something a tad more discreet. 

 

 

If you enjoy these posts, please help me, and consider sharing.  [Also, please visit my other blog: Alternate Tales: Great Art Repurposed.]