Randall Thompson

Composer and academic, wrote The Peaceable Kingdom

Randall Thompson - Artists & Creatives born April 21st, 1899
Born
Died

1984
42 years ago — 85 years old

Category

Artists & Creatives

Country

United States

Links & References

Born in 1899, this American composer and academic contributed significantly to 20th-century music. The individual served as a professor at both Harvard University and the Curtis Institute of Music, impacting music education. The work 'The Peaceable Kingdom', composed in 1944, showcased a blend of choral and orchestral music, drawing inspiration from Edward Hicks' paintings. This piece became one of the most celebrated works, demonstrating a strong sense of Americana.

Composed 'The Peaceable Kingdom'

Taught at Harvard University

Served as a faculty member at Curtis Institute of Music

Other People Born on April 21st

Jarrett Allen

NBA basketball player, All-Star
Born
April 21st, 1998 28 years ago

A professional basketball player from America, played as a center in the NBA. Drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in 2017 as the 22nd overall pick. Achieved notable excellence while with the Cleveland Cavaliers, earning an All-Star selection in 2022. Contributed significantly to teams' defensive strategies and rebound statistics throughout his career. Played college basketball at the University of Texas before transitioning to the NBA.

Continue Reading

Eve Arnold

Photographer and journalist recognized for portraiture
Born
April 21st, 1912 114 years ago
Died
January 4th, 2012 14 years ago — 99 years old

Achieved acclaim as a documentary photographer and photojournalist. Worked extensively with publications such as Magnum Photos and Life magazine. Captured intimate portraits of notable subjects including Marilyn Monroe and the working-class population in America. Published several photography books and was recognized for contributions to the field of photojournalism.

Continue Reading

Jan van Riebeeck

Dutch politician, founder of Cape Town
Born
April 21st, 1619 407 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1677 349 years ago — 57 years old

A Dutch politician established a refreshment station for the Dutch East India Company at Cape of Good Hope in 1652, which later evolved into Cape Town. The settlement aimed to provide support for ships en route to the East Indies. Van Riebeeck served as the company's first commander, overseeing the initial development of the colony, including agriculture and trade routes. He played a critical role in the interactions between European settlers and local indigenous populations during the early stages of colonial expansion in Southern Africa.

Continue Reading

Ignatius Zakka I Iwas

Iraqi patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church
Born
April 21st, 1933 93 years ago
Died
March 21st, 2014 12 years ago — 80 years old

Served as the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church from 1980 until death in 2014. Oversaw a significant period of growth within the church and participated in interfaith dialogue efforts, promoting cooperation among different Christian denominations and between religions. Actively engaged in humanitarian work, focusing on the rights and welfare of Christians in the Middle East. His leadership spanned major events affecting the church and its followers in Iraq and beyond.

Continue Reading

Charlotte Brontë

English novelist of 'Jane Eyre'
Born
April 21st, 1816 210 years ago
Died
March 31st, 1855 171 years ago — 38 years old

A prominent English novelist and poet, she published a groundbreaking work in 1847 under the pseudonym Currer Bell. The novel, 'Jane Eyre', explored themes of social criticism, morality, and complex character development, gaining significant attention and acclaim. Other notable works include 'Shirley' and 'Villette'. Her writing challenged the gender norms of her time and offered a unique perspective on female independence and emotional depth. Personal experiences influenced her narratives, particularly the struggles and relationships depicted within her novels. The Brontë sisters, including Emily and Anne, crafted a literary legacy that remains influential.

Continue Reading

Licio Gelli

Italian financer of Propaganda Due
Born
April 21st, 1919 107 years ago
Died
2015 11 years ago — 96 years old

A financier associated with a clandestine Masonic lodge, heavily involved in Italian conspiracy and political maneuvering during the Cold War. Established the Propaganda Due (P2) lodge, which gained notoriety for its connections to various political figures, financial institutions, and illegal activities. The activities and influence of P2 were pivotal during a tumultuous period in Italian history, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s. Gelli's role in the lodge included orchestrating efforts that tied together interests across politics, business, and organized crime, causing significant political scandals and controversies in Italy.

Continue Reading