Bedřich Smetana

Czech composer of classical music

Bedřich Smetana - Artists & Creatives born March 2nd, 1824
Born
Died
Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

Czech Republic

Links & References

Born in 1824, a Czech composer and pianist became a key figure in the development of Czech national music. His composition, 'The Bartered Bride,' gained international recognition for its incorporation of Czech folk themes. Smetana's work 'Má vlast' contains symphonic poems that celebrate the landscapes and history of Bohemia. Amidst his successful career, he also faced personal challenges, including hearing loss, which impacted his later compositions. His legacy endures through the influence on subsequent generations of composers in the classical genre.

Composed 'The Bartered Bride'

Created the symphonic cycle 'Má vlast'

Pioneered Czech national music

Other People Born on March 2nd

Jim Konstanty

Baseball player and coach, 1950 MVP
Born
March 2nd, 1917 108 years ago
Died
June 11th, 1976 49 years ago — 59 years old

A professional baseball player and coach, played primarily as a relief pitcher. Debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1940 and made significant contributions to several teams including the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies. Achieved the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1950 while playing for the Phillies, becoming the first relief pitcher to receive this honor. Coached at various levels after retirement from playing, impacting the development of future players.

Continue Reading

Camille Desmoulins

Journalist and politician during Revolution
Born
March 2nd, 1760 265 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1794 231 years ago — 34 years old

A journalist and politician played a significant role during the French Revolution. Active in the political landscape of France, contributed to the early days of revolutionary thought through writings and speeches. Established the newspaper 'Le Vieux Cordelier', which addressed the political climate of the time. Also associated with the radical faction of the revolution and supported the Girondins. His advocacy for civil liberties and progressive reforms attracted both followers and enemies, leading to later political conflicts.

Continue Reading

Laura Kaeppeler

Beauty queen, Miss America 2012
Born
March 2nd, 1988 37 years ago

Held the title of Miss America in 2012, participating in various charitable initiatives during her reign. Crowned in Las Vegas, she was the first contestant from Wisconsin to win the title. Advocated for childhood literacy and raised funds for education programs. After the pageant, worked in media and continued to promote her platform focused on education.

Continue Reading

Leif Segerstam

Finnish conductor and composer
Born
March 2nd, 1944 81 years ago
Died
October 9th, 2024 1 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent Finnish conductor and composer, contributed significantly to the classical music scene. Conducted numerous orchestras around the world, including the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra and the Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. Composed over 200 works, showcasing a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Segerstam's approach to conducting emphasized clarity and expression, influencing many musicians. His talents extended beyond conducting, with a reputation as an accomplished composer of orchestral and chamber music.

Continue Reading

Pope Adrian VI

Pope and reformer known for spiritual leadership
Born
March 2nd, 1459 566 years ago
Died
September 14th, 1523 502 years ago — 64 years old

Pope Adrian VI served as the head of the Catholic Church from 1522 until his death in 1523. Born in 1459 in the County of Holland, he had a background in academia and became an influential theologian. His papacy occurred during a period of significant turmoil and challenges for the Church, particularly with the rise of Protestantism. Adrian VI sought to address various issues within the Church and aimed to implement reforms. His time in the papacy was marked by calls for a return to a more austere practice of Catholicism and a desire to unify Christendom under Catholic leadership.

Continue Reading

Kazimierz Górski

Football Coach and Polish National Team Manager
Born
March 2nd, 1921 104 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 2006 19 years ago — 85 years old

Played as a footballer and later became a successful coach, leading the Polish national team to notable achievements. Managed the team during the 1974 FIFA World Cup, where Poland secured a third-place finish. Served as a coach for club teams and was influential in Polish football development. His coaching tenure saw significant successes and contributions to the sport.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 12th

Lucas Achtschellinck

Belgian painter and educator
Born
January 16th, 1626 400 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1699 326 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1626, this individual became a significant figure in the art world through both painting and educational contributions. Specialized in the technique of grisaille, which imitates sculpture through painting, gained recognition for works that displayed mastery in depicting light and shadow. Held a prominent position in the educational sector, influencing a generation of artists and educators through detailed instruction in the aspects of painting and drawing.

Continue Reading

Mike Agostini

Trinidadian Olympic sprinter
Born
January 23rd, 1935 91 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2016 9 years ago — 81 years old

A notable sprinter achieved success in the 100 meters and 200 meters events during the 1960s. Competed in the 1960 Rome Olympics, representing Trinidad and Tobago. Held the national record in the 100 meters, setting a standard for future generations of athletes. Also won several medals in regional competitions, contributing to the development of track athletics in Trinidad and Tobago.

Continue Reading

Felix Steiner

SS officer and military leader
Born
May 23rd, 1896 129 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1966 59 years ago — 69 years old

Served as a high-ranking officer in the Waffen-SS during World War II. Commanded the SS division known as the 11th SS Volunteer Panzergrenadier Division Nordland. Participated in various military operations on the Eastern Front and played a significant role during the battles in the latter stages of the war. Post-war, faced legal issues related to wartime actions.

Continue Reading

Thomas Wentworth

1st Earl of Strafford, English politician
Born
April 13th, 1593 432 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1641 384 years ago — 48 years old

Held the title of 1st Earl of Strafford and served as a prominent English soldier and politician during the 17th century. Played a key role as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, overseeing the governance and administration of Ireland at a tumultuous time. Implemented administrative reforms aimed at strengthening royal authority, often leading to friction with local leaders and the English Parliament. His policies contributed to significant political unrest, culminating in his arrest and execution amid the struggles between monarchy and Parliament.

Continue Reading

Cornell Borchers

Lithuanian-German actress and singer
Born
March 16th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
May 12th, 2014 11 years ago — 89 years old

Born in Lithuania, a prominent actress and singer emerged in post-World War II Germany. Initial performances were concentrated in theater, later transitioning to film. Gained recognition for roles in films during the 1950s, particularly featured in "The Tenth Victim" and "The Man Who Knew Too Much". Contributions extended to music, where performances included popular songs that resonated with audiences across Europe. Active in both fields throughout her life, left a legacy of artistic works appreciated in both theater and cinema.

Continue Reading

Heinie Manush

Baseball player and manager, Hall of Famer
Born
July 20th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1971 54 years ago — 69 years old

A professional baseball player and manager, contributed significantly to Major League Baseball from the 1920s to the 1940s. Played primarily as an outfielder for teams such as the Washington Senators, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Braves. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964. Managed minor league teams following a successful playing career.

Continue Reading