May 02

Born on May 2, 1660 in Palermo, Sicily. He was a pioneering Baroque composer and teacher who helped shape the Neapolitan school. Scarlatti composed over 600 cantatas, 40 operas, and numerous oratorios and sacred works. He served at the courts of Naples and Florence and influenced many pupils, including his sons. His style is known for its dramatic expressiveness and richly ornamented arias. Scarlatti's works had a lasting impact on the development of Italian opera into the classical era.

Born on May 2, 1695 in Florence, Italy. He became famous for stage sets and festival architecture in Paris. His works combined painting, architecture, and dramatic lighting. He designed the grand façade of the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris. Servandoni contributed to the development of scenography in 18th-century theater. His integrated approach influenced both urban design and theatrical productions.

Born on May 2, 1707 in Bordeaux, France. He excelled as a cellist at the French royal court and in Parisian salons. Barrière composed numerous sonatas and chamber pieces featuring the cello. His writing advanced cello technique and enriched the instrument’s repertoire. He influenced generations of cellists with his expressive and melodic style.

Born on May 2, 1752 in Mannheim, Germany. He was principal oboist at the Mannheim court orchestra. Lebrun composed concertos and chamber works highlighting the oboe. His playing was celebrated for its expressive tone and technical brilliance. He toured Europe and collaborated with leading composers of his time. Lebrun’s compositions enriched the classical wind repertoire.

Born on May 2, 1754 in Valencia, Spain. He wrote over 30 operas for courts in Italy, Vienna, and Russia. Martín y Soler was praised for his melodic inventiveness and dramatic flair. His opera Il burbero di buon cuore was a favorite of Catherine the Great. He collaborated with librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte in Vienna. His works influenced the development of Classical opera in the late 18th century.

Hans Christian Lumbye was born in Copenhagen in 1810 and became court conductor at the famous Tivoli Gardens. Nicknamed the 'Strauss of the North', he composed waltzes, galops, polkas, and marches, including the enduring Champagne Galop. Lumbye’s orchestra popularized light orchestral music, blending Viennese influences with Scandinavian flair. He published several collections of dance music and arranged overtures for Copenhagen concerts. His charismatic conducting style and musical innovations shaped Denmark’s public concert culture. Lumbye died in 1874, but his melodies remain a staple of Nordic musical heritage.

John Frederick Coots co-wrote one of the most enduring Christmas songs, "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town". First performed in 1934, the song quickly became a holiday standard recorded by countless artists. Coots collaborated with lyricist Haven Gillespie to create a cheerful and catchy tune. Throughout his career, he penned songs that were featured in films and musicals. Although few of his works reached the same level of fame, his contribution to holiday music remains unparalleled. Coots's melodies continue to evoke festive spirit each December. He passed away in 1985, but his music lives on in annual Christmas celebrations.

Henry Hall rose to fame as the leader of the BBC Dance Orchestra during the 1930s. His smooth conducting style and arrangements made him a household name in Britain. Hall composed and popularized songs such as "Teddy Bears' Picnic" and "The Music Goes Round and Round". He also appeared in several films, showcasing his talents as a performer. During World War II, Hall entertained troops and contributed to wartime morale. After the war, he continued broadcasting and touring, influencing a generation of bandleaders. Hall was honored for his contributions to British music before his death in 1989.

Born in Rotterdam in 1912, he studied at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels. He created the comic strip 'Tom Puss' (Tom Poes) in 1941, introducing the witty feline hero beloved by readers. Partnering the character with Panda, he crafted one of the most enduring comic duos in Dutch popular culture. His work was noted for its clever dialogue, satirical humour, and engaging storytelling for audiences of all ages. Toonder’s strips appeared in newspapers and magazines across Europe and were translated into multiple languages. He was awarded the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of his cultural contributions, and his legacy endures in the world of comics.

Born in Staten Island, New York in 1915, she began performing in vaudeville before turning to songwriting. In the 1940s, she signed with 20th Century Fox, where she co-wrote songs featured in major Hollywood films. Working with lyricists such as Carl Sigman, she composed hits like 'By the Bend of the River' and 'Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdy'. Her melodies blended jazz, pop, and traditional songwriting idioms, making her a sought-after composer. Over her career, she wrote more than a hundred songs for movies and Broadway productions. Fisher retired from the music industry in the late 1950s to focus on her family and remained a respected figure until her death in 2003.

Born Joseph Henderson in 1920 in Scotland, he rose to prominence with his energetic boogie-woogie style on BBC radio broadcasts. His instrumental hits such as 'Sing It Again' and 'Disaster Taxi' charted in the British music scene, showcasing his lively technique. He toured extensively across Europe, captivating audiences with spirited live performances. Henderson composed original pieces that blended jazz, swing, and early rock elements. His dynamic playing influenced a generation of British pianists and earned him the affectionate nickname 'Mr. Piano'. Joe Henderson remained an active performer throughout his life, leaving a lasting impact on mid-20th-century popular music.

Theodore Bikel was born in Vienna and escaped Nazi persecution via the Kindertransport to England. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before emigrating to the United States to pursue acting. Bikel appeared in over sixty films, including The Defiant Ones and as Tevye in the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof. A gifted folk musician, he co-founded the Newport Folk Festival and recorded numerous albums of international folk songs. He was a founding member of Actors' Equity Association and a passionate civil rights activist. Bikel continued performing into his 90s, earning Tony and Grammy nominations and writing memoirs reflecting on his storied career.