Edward Elgar

Composer of orchestral and choral works

Edward Elgar - Composer of orchestral and choral works
Born

June 2nd, 1857
167 years ago

Died

February 23rd, 1934
91 years ago — 76 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

A prominent English composer, contributions include works that have become staples of the orchestral and choral repertoire. Significant compositions include the 'Enigma Variations', which showcases a theme with numerous variations, and the 'Pomp and Circumstance Marches', specifically the first march, which gained vast popularity and is often played at graduation ceremonies. Elgar also composed the 'Violin Concerto in B minor', noted for its depth and lyrical quality. Alongside composition, involvement in education as an academic strengthened the field of music.

Composed 'Enigma Variations'

Created 'Pomp and Circumstance Marches'

Wrote 'Violin Concerto in B minor'

Other People Born on June 2nd

Zachary Quinto

Actor and producer, Star Trek series
Born
June 2nd, 1977 47 years ago

An actor and producer gained recognition for roles in television and film. Played Spock in the Star Trek film series, which revitalized the franchise. Portrayed the character Samuel Sullivan in the television series Heroes. Produced several projects through his production company. Involved in various theater productions, showcasing versatility as a performer.

Continue Reading

Dorothy West

Journalist and author of 'The Living is Easy'
Born
June 2nd, 1907 117 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1998 26 years ago — 91 years old

Contributed to the Harlem Renaissance through literature and journalism. Worked as a writer for several publications, including The Chicago Defender and The New York Age. Published the novel 'The Living is Easy' in 1948, which explored African American life and identity. Involved in various literary societies and advocated for the rights and recognition of African American authors. Edited 'Challenge' magazine, providing a platform for Black writers during the 1930s.

Continue Reading

Wallace Hartley

Violinist and bandleader on RMS Titanic
Born
June 2nd, 1878 146 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 34 years old

A violinist and bandleader played on the RMS Titanic during its tragic maiden voyage in April 1912. The band continued to perform as the ship sank, contributing to the stories of heroism associated with the disaster. Hartley and his band members played music to calm passengers amidst chaos and uncertainty. Hartley’s life and the last performance of the band have been commemorated in various media, capturing the emotional gravity of the event.

Continue Reading

Takijirō Ōnishi

Japanese admiral and pilot
Born
June 2nd, 1891 133 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1945 79 years ago — 54 years old

Served as a naval officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Participated in significant operations during World War II, including the attack on Pearl Harbor. Played a key role in the development of naval aviation in Japan and was a proponent of carrier-based operations. Served as commander of the aircraft carrier Shōkaku and later commanded the Carrier Division 1 during the Battle of Midway. Also contributed to the establishment of the Japanese kamikaze tactics later in the war.

Continue Reading

Heather Couper

Astronomer and physicist; science communicator
Born
June 2nd, 1949 75 years ago
Died
2020 5 years ago — 71 years old

An English astronomer and physicist specialized in astronomy outreach and education. Played a significant role in popularizing science through numerous television programs and public lectures. Worked with the British National Space Centre and contributed to various publications related to space science. Served as a director of campaigns promoting space exploration and astronomy.

Continue Reading

Karl Adolph Gjellerup

Danish author and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 2nd, 1857 167 years ago
Died
October 13th, 1919 105 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1857, a Danish author and poet contributed significantly to literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gjellerup's works often explored themes of spirituality and existentialism, reflecting the intellectual currents of his time. He gained international recognition for his literary contributions, culminating in the receipt of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1917. His writings include both poetry and prose, showcasing a deep engagement with philosophical ideas and a quest for meaning. Gjellerup's influence extended beyond Denmark, as he became an important figure in the literary movements of his era.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 23rd

Robert K. Merton

Sociologist known for social theory
Born
July 4th, 1910 114 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 2003 22 years ago — 92 years old

A prominent sociologist and academic contributed significantly to the field of sociology through major theories and concepts. Developed the notion of the 'self-fulfilling prophecy' and worked on the concept of 'anomie'. Authored foundational texts such as 'Social Theory and Social Structure', which explored the interplay between social structure and individual behavior. Engaged with various sociological issues throughout his career and influenced many students and academics.

Continue Reading

John Ritchie

Footballer with notable career at Stoke City
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 2007 18 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent English footballer had a successful career primarily with Stoke City. Started professional playing in the 1960s and gained recognition as a reliable forward. Played a key role in helping the team achieve promotion to the First Division during the 1962-63 season. Continued to contribute significantly to the team's performance throughout the 1960s and 1970s, known for impressive goal-scoring abilities. Later transitioned to playing for various clubs in lower leagues. Retired from professional football and continued involvement in the sport in different capacities until later years.

Continue Reading

Philip Abbott

American actor and director in television
Born
March 21st, 1924 101 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1998 27 years ago — 73 years old

An actor and director, contributed to American television with roles in various series. Played a significant role in the long-running series 'The F.B.I.' from 1965 to 1974, portraying Inspector Erskine. Additionally appeared in several films and made guest appearances on multiple television shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Directed various television productions, showcasing a range of talents in the field of performing arts.

Continue Reading

José Napoleón Duarte

Salvadoran engineer and politician
Born
November 23rd, 1925 99 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1990 35 years ago — 64 years old

An engineer and politician served as President of El Salvador from 1984 to 1989. Focused on modernizing the economy while battling a civil war that lasted over a decade. Implemented various economic reforms and policies aimed at reconstruction and alleviating poverty. Advocated for human rights and worked towards fostering peace in a divided nation.

Continue Reading

Friedrich von Esmarch

Surgeon and academic with a focus on medicine
Born
January 9th, 1823 202 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1908 117 years ago — 85 years old

Born in 1823, this German surgeon and academic contributed significantly to the field of medicine. He became a professor of surgery and authored influential textbooks used in medical education. One of his prominent works was the development of antiseptic techniques in surgery, which enhanced surgical safety and outcomes. He also played a crucial role in establishing medical education standards in Germany. His contributions laid the groundwork for modern surgical practices.

Continue Reading

Leo Baekeland

Chemist known for Bakelite invention
Born
November 14th, 1863 161 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1944 81 years ago — 80 years old

A chemist and engineer contributed significantly to the development of synthetic resins and plastics. In 1907, invented Bakelite, the first true synthetic plastic, which revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Established the Bakelite Corporation in 1910, which led to mass production of this material. His innovative work paved the way for modern plastics, impacting various sectors from electronics to automotive. Received numerous accolades for contributions to chemical engineering and polymer science until death in 1944.

Continue Reading