Bedřich Smetana
Czech composer of classical music
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
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Carl Schurz
German-American politician and general
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March 2nd, 1829 197 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1906 119 years ago — 77 years old
Born in Germany, a prominent general fought in the American Civil War. Served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri and the 13th Secretary of the Interior under President Rutherford B. Hayes. Advocated for civil service reform and worked towards the rights of Native Americans and the African American community. After retirement from politics, contributed to journalism and wrote extensively on political issues, emphasizing liberty and justice.
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March 2nd, 1921 105 years ago
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Journalist and author of 'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test'
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March 2nd, 1930 96 years ago
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March 2nd, 1459 567 years ago
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September 14th, 1523 502 years ago — 64 years old
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Continue ReadingLaura Kaeppeler
Beauty queen, Miss America 2012
Born
March 2nd, 1988 38 years ago
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Author and composer of 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown'
Born
March 2nd, 1938 88 years ago
Died
July 23rd, 2002 23 years ago — 64 years old
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Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 12th
Cornell Borchers
Lithuanian-German actress and singer
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March 16th, 1925 101 years ago
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May 12th, 2014 11 years ago — 89 years old
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Trinidadian Olympic sprinter
Born
January 23rd, 1935 91 years ago
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May 12th, 2016 9 years ago — 81 years old
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Russian soldier and author of memoirs
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October 1st, 1791 234 years ago
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Engineer of the Tupolev Tu-144 jet
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May 20th, 1925 100 years ago
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German poet and influential judge
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October 3rd, 1720 305 years ago
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February 5th, 1848 178 years ago
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