March 04

On March 4, 1769, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart concluded his third and final Italian tour and departed for Vienna. During these travels, he met influential patrons and premiered several early compositions. He absorbed Italian operatic styles, which influenced his later works. The experience honed his skills in counterpoint, orchestration, and vocal composition. Mozart’s reputation as a musical prodigy grew throughout the tour. His return to Vienna marked the beginning of his career at the Habsburg court.

On March 4, 1966, John Lennon ignited a fierce debate in an interview with the London Evening Standard when he stated that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus now." Intended to critique declining church attendance among youth, his remark triggered outrage, particularly in the United States, where record burnings and radio boycotts followed. The band’s public image was tested as they navigated the backlash and clarified Lennon’s comments. Despite the tumult, the Beatles continued to dominate music charts and influence popular culture. The episode remains a landmark moment illustrating the power of celebrity statements and the cultural tensions of the 1960s.