Jules Massenet

French composer of operas and orchestral works

Jules Massenet - French composer of operas and orchestral works
Born

May 12th, 1842
182 years ago

Died

August 13th, 1912
112 years ago — 70 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

France

Links & References

A prominent composer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this individual created over 30 operas and is recognized for contributions to French opera. Works include 'Manon' and 'Thaïs', which remain popular in the operatic repertoire. His musical style often blended lush melodies with rich orchestration, capturing romantic themes and emotions. In addition to operas, compositions encompassed orchestral works, song cycles, and ballets, reflecting a mastery of lyrical expression. Active during a period of significant change in the music world, the composer influenced the direction of French music.

Composed the opera 'Manon'

Composed the opera 'Thaïs'

Influenced French lyrical music

Other People Born on May 12th

Gabriel Byrne

Irish actor in 'The Usual Suspects'
Born
May 12th, 1950 74 years ago

An Irish actor, director, and producer, this individual gained prominence in film, television, and theatre. Debuted in the late 1970s and became a prominent figure in the 1990s with critical acclaim for performances in several productions. Starred in 'The Usual Suspects' as Dean Keaton and received accolades for his role as Paul Weston in the HBO series 'In Treatment'. Directed and produced various projects, contributing significantly to the arts.

Continue Reading

José de La Mar

Peruvian military leader, President
Born
May 12th, 1776 248 years ago
Died
October 11th, 1830 194 years ago — 54 years old

Military leader held the position of President of Peru from 1827 to 1828. Played a significant role in the country’s early independence struggles and was a key figure in the conflicts surrounding Peruvian independence from Spanish rule. His leadership was influential during the tumultuous period of the early republic in Peru.

Continue Reading

Rishi Sunak

British politician and Prime Minister
Born
May 12th, 1980 44 years ago

Held the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer from February 2020 to July 2022. Played a significant role in the government during the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing measures such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to support businesses and workers. Assumed office as Prime Minister in October 2022, focusing on economic stability and public services. Received education from prestigious institutions including Oxford and Stanford, contributing to the political landscape in the United Kingdom. Emphasized fiscal policies and economic reforms during tenure.

Continue Reading

Augustus II the Strong

Polish King and Elector of Saxony
Born
May 12th, 1670 354 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1733 292 years ago — 62 years old

Ruled as King of Poland and Elector of Saxony during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Played a significant role in the political landscape of Central Europe, engaging in numerous wars, including the Great Northern War. Known for fostering the arts and architecture, commissioning the construction of notable structures such as the Zwinger Palace in Dresden and supporting the development of Baroque art. Faced challenges to his rule, including conflicts with rival factions and foreign interventions, particularly from Russia and Sweden. His reign was marked by efforts to solidify the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's power.

Continue Reading

Jesús Franco

Filmmaker and horror genre pioneer
Born
May 12th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
April 2nd, 2013 12 years ago — 82 years old

A Spanish director, screenwriter, producer, and actor, recognized for contributions to the horror genre. Directed over 200 films, spanning various styles and themes. Developed a unique style characterized by low budgets and provocative content. Collaborated with notable actors, including Christopher Lee and Soledad Miranda. Gained a cult following through films that often blended eroticism with horror. His works included titles such as 'Count Dracula', 'The Awful Dr. Orlof', and 'Vampyros Lesbos', which have garnered attention in film studies and retrospectives.

Continue Reading

Eleftheria Eleftheriou

Singer and musician, represented Cyprus
Born
May 12th, 1989 35 years ago

Born in 1989, a Greek Cypriot singer and musician, gained recognition after representing Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with the song 'Aphrodisiac'. She began her music career at a young age and has released several singles and albums reflecting her musical versatility. In addition to her singing career, Eleftheriou has also appeared in theatre productions, showcasing her talents as an actress. Her contribution to the music scene in Cyprus and participation in international competitions highlights her artistic endeavors.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 13th

Otto Stuppacher

Austrian race car driver
Born
1947 78 years ago
Died
August 13th, 2001 23 years ago — 54 years old

Competed in various racing events during the 1970s and 1980s, particularly known for participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Achieved notable success in the European endurance racing circuit. Stuppacher's career included driving for several teams, demonstrating skill in both speed and endurance racing disciplines. He contributed to the growing popularity of motorsport in Austria during this era.

Continue Reading

Collis Potter Huntington

American railroad magnate and entrepreneur
Born
October 22nd, 1821 203 years ago
Died
August 13th, 1900 124 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent American businessman and railroad magnate, played a significant role in the development of the western United States during the 19th century. Founded the Central Pacific Railroad, which was instrumental in the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, connecting California with the eastern United States. Expanded business ventures into mining and shipping industries, establishing a strong economic presence in the region. During the late 1800s, worked on several other railroad projects that contributed to the expansion of the American railway system.

Continue Reading

Jean Vincent

Footballer and manager with AS Monaco
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
August 13th, 2013 11 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent footballer and coach, achieved recognition as a forward. Played for teams including Lille OSC and AS Monaco, securing multiple league titles. Transitioned to management roles and guided multiple clubs, contributing to the development of football in France. Managed teams such as the Moroccan national team and AS Cannes, showcasing leadership skills and tactical acumen.

Continue Reading

Lavelle Felton

American basketball player, NBA player
Born
1980 45 years ago
Died
August 13th, 2009 15 years ago — 29 years old

A professional basketball player participated in the National Basketball Association (NBA), recognized primarily for playing as a guard. Played college basketball at the University of North Carolina before entering the NBA. Played for teams such as the Seattle SuperSonics. Career in the league spanned from 2004 to 2006. Additionally, contributed to basketball internationally and in various leagues after leaving the NBA.

Continue Reading

Jan Křesadlo

Psychologist and author of notable works
Born
December 9th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
August 13th, 1995 29 years ago — 68 years old

Contributed to psychology with an emphasis on the relationship between psychology and literature. Authored several works that analyze the psychological aspects of literary creation and its impact on society. Explored themes of identity, culture, and existentialism through a psychological lens. Engaged in academic discourse and published articles discussing psychological theories and literature. Also translated significant literary texts, enriching the cultural exchange between Czech and English literature.

Continue Reading

Helen Gurley Brown

American journalist and author of 'Sex and the Single Girl'
Born
February 18th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
August 13th, 2012 12 years ago — 90 years old

A prominent journalist and author, contributed significantly to the fields of women's lifestyle and self-help literature. Authored the groundbreaking book 'Sex and the Single Girl' in 1962, which examined the sexual liberation and independence of women in the modern era. Took on the role of editor-in-chief at Cosmopolitan magazine, transforming its content and establishing it as a leading voice for young women in the 1960s and 1970s. Advocated for women's rights and personal empowerment through her writings, influencing generations of readers.

Continue Reading