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A Celebration of God's Grace
There are two tragedies in life.
One is to lose your heart's desire.
The other is to gain it.
--George Bernard Shaw
Peace is not an idea. It's a practice. It needs human hands ot support it. The world becomes habitable only when human beings live together in peace.
--Vassilis Vassilokos (in Z)
Honor your father and mother, even as you honor God; for all three were partners in your creation.
--Zohar
Our passions are like traverlers: at first they make a brief stay; then they are like guests, who visit often; and then they turn into tyrants, who hold us in their power.
--Talmud
Sukkah
Make no mistake about it, responsibilities toward other human beings are the greatest blessings God can send us.
--Dorothy Dix
While there is a lower class, I am in it. While there is a criminal class I am of it. While there is a soul in prison I am not free.
--Eugene V. Debs
Labor and Freedom
I do not pray for a lighter load, but for a stronger back.
--Phillips Brooks
The prayers of the oppressed and the poor are the first to reach the highest heaven.
--Immanuel of Rome
The promise of the generous is a gift; the gift of the miser is a promise.
--Ibn Gabirol
Choice of Pearls
Charity is a virtue of the heart, and not of the hands.
--Joseph Addison
The Guardian
What I want to know is not why I suffer, but only whether I suffer for Thy ske.
--The Berdichever Rabbi
As the print of the seal on the wax is the express image of the seal itself, so Christ is the express image--the perfect representation of God.
--St. Ambrose
When a man (sic) faces his maker, he will have to account for those [God-given] pleasures of life which he failed to enjoy.
--Talmud J.
Kiddushin
Without Christ life is as the twilight with dark night ahead; with Christ it is the dawn of morning with the light and warmth of full day ahead.
--Philip Schaff
A Christian is one who rejoices in the superiority of a rival.
--Edwin Booth
Saints and Seasons A page for spiritual and liturgical meditation |
The primary feast of the Christian year celebrates the central witness of our faith. More than just a day, it is a seven-week season lasting from Easter Day until Pentecost Sunday –the Great Fifty Days, or Eastertide. This witness to the resurrection of Christ, his triumph over all the negative powers of creation, including death, is also the reason for Christians to worship on Sunday, rather than on the Sabbath; every Sunday is “little Easter.” The Resurrection - Painting by El Greco (1596-1600). This painting is certainly a pair with his portrayal of Pentecost, thereby highlighting the relationship in parallel meaning with the Nativity and Baptism. Christ’s resurrection is removed from the historical realm by not including references to the tomb or landscape, but it includes the white banner of victory over death and a blaze of glory surrounding the figure of Christ. The soldiers incorporate all the human responses of terror or denial, praise, and apathy.  The Resurrection - Oil on canvas (1577-1579) by El Greco. El Greco’s first composition on this subject and still in place where it was painted for the Church of Santo Domingo el Antiquo in Toledo, the painting contemplates this mystical event on an ideal plane by indicating space and body only minimally. The Risen Christ - Sculpture (1595-1598) by El Greco, the only remaining sculpture by El Greco in the Toledo Cathedral.  Resurrection - Tempera on wood (c. 1400) by Unknown Flemish MasterThe Resurrection of Christ - Tempera on linen and wood (1675-1700) by Unknown Bulgarian Master Resurrection - Panel by Hans Multscher (1437) |
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| April 12 |  Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Teresa of Los Andes, 1920As a young girl in Santiago, Chile, she read the autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (October 1) which inspired her to become a nun. At nineteen she became a Carmelite and focused her life on prayer and sacrifice. Soon she began writing letters sharing her thoughts on the spiritual life. At age twenty she contracted typhus, quickly took her final vows, and died. She is Chile’s first saint. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Nicolo Amati (Italian violin maker), d. 1684; Pietro Nardini (Italian composer & violinist), b. 1722; Dr. Charles Burney (English music historian), b. 1726, d. 1814; First performance of Handel’s Organ Concerto Op.4, no. 4, 1735; First performance of Handel’s oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, 1747; Pietro Metastasio (Italian poet & librettist), d. 1782; Josef Lanner (Austrian composer & violinist), b. 1801; First performance of Weber’s opera Oberon, 1826; Franz Kullak (German pianist & composer), b. 1844; First performance of Offenbach’s operetta Le Grande Duchesse de Gerolstein, 1892; Karl Vötterle (German music publisher), b. 1903; Istvan Anhalt (Hungarian-Canadian composer & teacher), b. 1919; Harold E. Samuel (American music librarian & teacher), b. 1924; First performance of Janácek’s opera From the House of the Dead, 1930; Jenri Lazarof (Bulgarian-American composer), b. 1932; First performance of Ligeti’s opera Le Grand Macabre, 1978 |
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| Resurrection - Tempera on wood (1500-10) by M.S. Master |
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| April 13 | Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Martin I, 655 Martin’s martyrdom was the result of political conflict between Rome and Constantinople, a conflict that eventually split the church between East and West. His death came not directly from a mortal blow, but tortures and cruelty weakened his body so that natural causes took his life prematurely. Martin’s status as a martyr emphasizes the true meaning of the word, a sacrificial witness, not necessarily death. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Handel’s oratorio Messiah, 1742; Johann Gottlieb Goldberg (German composer & keyboard virtuoso), buried 1756; Felicien David (French composer), b. 1810; William Sterndale Bennett (English composer), b. 1816; Franz Danzi (German composer), d. 1826; Ethel Leginska (Enlish pianist, composer, conductor & teacher), b. 1886; Lily Pons (French-American coloratura soprano), b. 1898; Frederic Rzewski (American composer & pianist), b. 1938; First performance of Thompson’s A Testament of Freedom, piano version, 1943; Cécile Chaminade (French composer & pianist), d. 1944; First performance of Nono’s opera Intolerance 1960, 1961; First performance of Schnittke’s opera Life with an Idiot, 1992; First performance of Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, 1997 |
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| Resurrection (High Altar of St. Mary) - Wood (1477-1489) by Veit Stoss |
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| April 14 | Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating Blessed Peter Gonzalez, 1246 Spaniard Peter Gonzalez proudly rode into Astorga to take an important post at the cathedral. His horse stumbled and fell, leaving Peter in the mud amid amused onlookers. As a result of the humbling experience, he reevaluated his motives, became a Dominican priest and persuaded King Ferdinand III to treat the Moors he conquered with compassion. He developed special mission to Iberian seamen, for which he is remembered as the patron saint of sailors.br /> MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: George Frederick Handel (German-English composer), d. 1759; Josef Lanner (Austrian composer & violinist), d. 1843; Edgar Stillman Kelley (American composer & conductor), b. 1857; First performance of Delibes’ opera |
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| The Resurrection of Christ - Oil on panel (1611-1612) by Pieter Pauwel Rubens |
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| April 15 | Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating Blessed Caesar de Bus, 1607 After a brief military career that included the realities of war, including the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre of French Protestants, Caesar reoriented his priorities and became a priest. Working with people in outback rural areas, he developed a program of family catechesis. His efforts eventually resulted in the founding of a new religious order, the Fathers of Christian Doctrine. He is remembered for this work with parents in religious education. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Leonardo da Vinci (Italian all-around genius), b. 1452; First performance of Handel’s oratorio Israel in Egypt, 1739; Johann Friedrich Fasch (German composer), b. 1688; Dom Anselm Hughes (American musicologist), b. 1889; First performance of de Falla’s ballet El Amor brujo, 1915; First performance of Moore’s opera The Pageant of P.T. Barnum, 1926; First performanbe of Schuman’s Concerto on Old English Rounds, 1976; First London performance of Lloyd Webber’s musical Aspects of Love, 1989; First performance of Torke Bone, 1994; First performance of Glass’ digital opera Monsters of Grace, 1998 |
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| Resurrection - Glazed and polychromed terra cotta (1442-1445) by Luca della Robbia |
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| April 16 | Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Bernadette Soubirous, 1879 The Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette eighteen times in a cave near Lourdes, France. The vision instructed her to dig a well there; it produced water in which miracles were reported to have occurred. Persistent poor health caused her death at age 35. Millions go to the spring for healing, but Bernadette found no relief there. She is remembered for her blind faith in what she did not understand. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Domenico Dragonetti (Italian composer and bassist), d. 1846; First performance of Meyerbeer’s opera Le prophète, 1849; Seth Bingham (American organist & composer), b. 1882; Alice Ehlers (German-American harpsichordist), b. 1890; Federico Mompou (Spanish composer), b. 1893; Joseph Yasser (Russian-American organist & musicologist), b. 1893; Milton Cross (American critic & radio announcer), b. 1897; Miles Kastendieck (American music critic), b. 1905; Henry Mancini (American composer), b. 1924; First performance of Sowerby’s Canticle of the Sun, 1945 |
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| The Resurrection of Christ - Oil on canvas (c. 1570) by Paolo Veronese |
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| April 17 | Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Benedict Joseph Labre, 1783 Because of poor health and inadequate academic preparation, he was unable to enter the priesthood. Instead, he became a pilgrim, living off alms and sleeping in the Roman Coliseum. He inspired many by his devotion and by his example that “our comfort is not in this world.” MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Johann David Heinichen (German composer), b. 1683; Johann Mattheson (German composer & music theorist), d. 1764; Jan Václav Tomášek (Bohemian composer), b. 1774; Benjamin Franklin (American statesman & amateur musician), d. 1790; Louis C. Elson (American music critic), b. 1848; Artur Schnabel (Austrian pianist & composer), b. 1882; Harald Saeverud (Norwegian composer), b. 1897; Nicolas Nabokov (Russian-American composer), b. 1903; Gregor Piatigorsky (Russian-American cellist), b. 1903; Louis Biancolli (American music critic), b. 1907; Srul Irving Glick (Canadian composer & conductor), d. 2002; First performance of Larsen’s Songs of Light and Love, 1998 |
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| St. John Chrysostom - Mosaic Icon (date unknown) by an unknown Italian Master |
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| April 18 | Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating Blessed James Oldo, 1404 James and his wife enjoyed the comforts brought by wealth; the day came when the plague took two of his children, and they decided to reorient themselves. They became Secular Franciscans. Upon his wife’s death, James became a priest. He turned his house into a chapel for prayer and support, cared for the sick and prisoners of war. He died from a disease contracted from one of his patients. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Handel’s Utrecht Te Deum, 1713; Charles Burney (British composer & music historian), b. 1726; Frank von Suppé (Austrian composer), b. 1819; Jean Jules Roger-Ducasse (French composer), b. 1873; Leopold Stokowski (British-American conductor), b. 1882; Miklós Rózsa (Hungarian-American composer), b. 1907; George Shirley (American tenor), b. 1934; Ottorino Respighi (Italian composer), d. 1936; First performance of Bernstein’s ballet Fancy Free, 1944; First Broadway performance of Sondheim’s revue Side by Side by Sondheim, 1977 |
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Two Jewish Themes by Rembrandt
Jews in the Synagogue - Etching and drypoint (17th c.) by Rembrandt |
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| April 19 | Lutheran commemoration of Olavus & Laurentius Petri, priests, renewers of the Church, 1552 & 1573  These brothers were the principle leaders of the Lutheran movement in Sweden. Olavus was made a pastor and city councilman in Stockholm, and Laurentius was chancellor to the first king of independent Sweden, and later professor at the University of Uppsala and Archbishop of Uppsala. They are remembered for translating the Bible and liturgical materials into Swedish. Episcopal commemoration of Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Martyr, 1012 An English monk during the second wave of Viking raids, he was dispatched to negotiate with the Danes. He was partially successful, and converted King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway. However, after he became Archbishop of Canterbury, other Danes overran southern England and took him hostage. The ransom demand was so high, he refused to allow it to be paid, and he was killed. He is remembered not just as a martyr, but for his virtue of justice. Franciscan audio essay commemorating Blessed Luchesio and Buonadonna, 1260 After meeting St. Francis, these two wanted to serve God as a married couple, and set in motion the Order of Secular Franciscans, an alternative to separating and each joining a religious community. They are remembered for their charity. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Gluck’s Iphigenie en Aulide, 1774; Pieter Hellendaal (Ducth composer, violinist & organist), d. 1799; Charles E.H. de Coussemaker (Belgian musicologist), b. 1805; Max von Schillings (German composer), b. 1868; Karl W. Gehrkens (American music educator), b.1882; Henry T. FitzSimons (American music publisher), b. 1884; Germaine Tailleferre (French composer), b. 1892; Frank Brieff (American conductor), b. 1912; Anthony A. Bliss (American arts administrator), b. 1913; Ottorino Respighi (Italian composer), d. 1936; First performance of Rameau’s unfinished opera Les Boréades, 1975; Dag Wiren (Swedish composer), d. 1986; First performance of Kernis’ Valentines, 2000 |
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| Mona Lisa - Oil on panel (1503-1505) by Leonardo da Vinci Mona Lisa (detail of her face) Mona Lisa (detail of her hands) |
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| April 20 | Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Conrad of Parzham, 1894 Conrad joined the Capuchins as a brother who loved solitary prayer and peacemaking. He served the friary for 41 years as porter, a position in which he was gatekeeper and dispenser of charity. He is remembered for respecting all persons, for his patience, and for his enthusiastic aid for neglected children. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Johann Christoph Denner (German woodwind instrument maker), d. 1707; Karl Loewe (German song composer), d. 1869; Henry C. Colles (English musicologist), b. 1879; Nicolas Miaskovsky (Russian composen), b. 1881; Gerhard Samuel (American composer & conductor), b. 1924; First performance of Torke’s Song of Isaiah, 2002 |
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| Self-Portrait as the Apostle Paul - Oil on canvas (1661) by Rembrandt |
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| April 21 | Feast of St. Anselm of Canterbury Lutheran and Episcopal Feast of St. Anslem of CanterburyRoman Catholic audio essay commemorating of St. Anselm, 1109 Anselm is the most important Christian theologian in the West between Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas. Born in Normandy, he entered the monastery there, and later became Archbishop of Canterbury. Like others in that seat, he opposed the King on the issue of the King’s control over the Church. He is remembered for his development of the “satisfaction” theory of the Atonement. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Lortzing’s opera Undine, 1845; Leo Blech (German composer & conductor), b. 1871; Randall Thompson (American educator & composer), b. 1899; First performance of Puccini’s opera Edgar, 1889; Leonard Warren (American baritone), b. 1911; Bruno Maderna (Italian composer conductor), b. 1920; Nikolai Miaskovsky (Russian composer), b. 1881; First performance of Youmans’ musical No, No Nanette, 1924; Easley Blackwood (American composer & pianist), b. 1933; Anthony Gnazzo (American composer), b. 1936; First performance of Bernstein’s Missa brevis, 1988 |
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| The Modena Triptych (front panels) - Oil on canvas by El Greco (1568) |
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| April 22 | Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Adalbert of Prague, 997 Bohemian Bishop of Prague, he was twice forced into exile for his efforts at reform, once when he excommunicated those who violated the right of sanctuary by dragging a woman accused of adultery out of a church a murdering her. Interesting times! He was martyred while preaching near the Baltic Sea. He is remembered for his courage in proclaiming the gospel. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Giuseppe Torelli (Italian composer & violinist), b. 1658; First performance of Rameau’s opera-ballet Naïs, 1749; Dame Ethel Smyth (British composer & activist), b. 1858; José Vianna da Motta (Portuguese pianist & composer), b. 1868; Edouard Lalo (French composer), d. 1892; Heinz Schneider-Schott (German music publisher), b. 1906; Kathleen Ferrier (English contralto), b. 1912; First performance of Dukas’ ballet La Péri, 1912; Yehudi Menuhin (U.S.-Swiss-U.K violinist & composer), b. 1916; Charles Mingus (American jazz composer & bassist), b. 1922; André Caplet (French composer), d. 1925; Michael Colgrass (American composer), b. 1932; First performance of Sowerby’s Organ Concerto, 1938; First performance of Menotti’s opera The Old Man and the Thief, 1939; Micha Dichter (Polish-American pianist), b. 1944; First performance of Davies’ Eight Songs for a Mad King, 1969; First performance of Lloyd Webber’s musical Jeeves, 1975; First performance of Harbison’s Four Psalms, 1999; Robert Starer (American composer & pianist), d. 2001 |
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| Retable of St. George (Detail) - Tempera on wood (c. 1400) by Andrés Marzal de Sax The Flagellation of St. George - Wood (c. 1435) by Bernat Martorell |
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| April 23 | Feast of St. GeorgeLutheran and Episcopal Feast of St. George Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. GeorgeGreek Orthodox icon commemorating George the Great Martyr & Triumphant  George was probably a soldier at Lydda in Palestine who was martyred prior to Constantine. The legend of his slaying the dragon was of much later origin and was probably a case of mistaken identity in art works, confusing him with Michael the Archangel who also wore armor, or with Perseus who slew the sea monster. George was a English favorite saint during the Crusades and may be considered the patron saint of soldiers. He is remembered for the ultimate witness of his faith in Christ. Triptych of St. George - Tempera on wood (1459-1460) by Jaume Huguet Saint George – Tempera on wood (c. 1472) by Carlo CrivelliLutheran commemoration of Toyohiko Kagawa, renewer of society, 1950 Disowned by his Japanese family for becoming a Christian, he lived among the poor for several years in order to effectively minister among them. Eventually he became involved in organizing labor unions, credit unions, schools and other applications of Christian principles to the social order. Late in his life he devoted energy to peacemaking and in attempting to reconcile democracy with traditional Japanese culture. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Robert Fayrfax (English composer), b. 1464; First performance of Schütz’ opera Daphne, 1627; Jean Henri d’Angelbert (French composer & organist), d. 1691; Johann Friedrich Doles (German composer), b. 1715; First performance of Gluck’s opera Alceste, 2nd version, 1776; Ruggiero Leoncavallo (Italian composer), b. 1857; Dame Ethel Mary Smyth (English composer & activist), b. 1858; Hans Pfitzner (German composer & conductor), b. 1869; Arthur Farwell (American composer & educator), b. 1872; First performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta Patience, 1881; Albert Coates (English composer & conductor), b. 1882; Serge Prokofiev (Russian composer), b. 1891; André Jurres (Dutch painist), b. 1912; Jan Meyerowitz (German composer), b. 1913; Buelent Arel (Turkish-born composer), b. 1918; First performance of Janácek’s opera The Excursions of Mr. Broucek, 1920; First performance of Varèse’s Offrandes, 1922; Russell Smith (American conductor & educator), b. 1927; First performance of Kurka’s opera The Good Soldier Schweik, 1958; First performance of Lauridsen’s Les Chanson des Roses, 1993; First Broadway performance of Sondheim’s musical Passion, 1994 |
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| St. Martin and the Beggar - Oil on canvas by El Greco (1597-1599) |
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| April 24 | Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, 1622 Nicknamed the “poor man’s lawyer,” Mark Ray grew weary of corruption in the legal profession and became a priest and Franciscan friar in the Capuchin Order. In his new role, he continued his devotion to the poor and weak. Observers noted that his success in preaching against Calvinists and Zwinglians in Switzerland was due more to his prayer life than to his preaching. He was murdered during a conflict over Swiss independence. He is remembered for his devotion to justice for the world. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Johann Walther (German composer), d. 1570; Padre Martini (Italian composer), b. 1706; Johann Philipp Kirnberger (German composer), b. 1721; First performance of Handel’s oratorio Messiah, 1742; First performance of Haydn’s oratorio The Seasons, 1801; Alfons Diepenbrock (Dutch composer), d. 1921; Manuel Ponce (Mexican composer), d. 1948; First performance of Paulus’ opera TheThree Hermits, 1997; Mel Powell (American composer), d. 1998 | ||
Three Musicians by Goya
The Strolling Players - Oil on tin plate (1794-1798) |
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| April 25 | Feast of St. Mark the EvangelistLutheran and Episcopal Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. MarkGreek Orthodox icon commemorating Mark the Apostle Mark’s identity is not known for certain, but a Mark is mentioned by Paul as a valuable assistant. The tradition is that after Peter’s death, Mark left Rome for Alexandria, where he eventually was martyred. His symbol in art is the winged lion which comes from John the Baptist’s “a voice crying in the wilderness.” That role has been compared to a lion roaring. Whoever he was in life, he is remembered for giving us the earliest Gospel in the New Testament. St. Mark - Oil on wood by Agnolo Bronzino (c. 1525)Evangelist Mark - Polychrome stucco by Donatello (1428-43) St. Mark the Evangelist - Panel by Vecellio Tiziano (15th c.)Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Pedro de San José Betancur, 1667 Pedro de Betancur is the first saint from Central America. He spent his life practicing mercy with the poor. As a Secular Franciscan he organized social services for them, and inviting others to join in the work. Others did come and they became a Bethlehemite Congregation. He may have originated the now-traditional Christmas Eve posadas. He is remembered for his compassion. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Gottlieb Muffat (German composer & organist), baptized 1690; Marco Enrico Bossi (Italian composer & organist), b. 1861; First London performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta Patience, 1881; Richard G. Appel (American musicologist), b. 1889; Yves Tinayre (French baritone & musicologist), b. 1891; John Knowles Paine (American composer), d. 1906; First performance of Puccini’s opera Turandot, 1926; Robert Austin Boudreau (Amercan conductor), b. 1927; First performance of Roussel’s Psalm 80, 1929; Catharine K. Miller (American music educator), n/a; First performance of Hindemith’s Organ Concerto, 1963 |
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| Christ on the Cross - Oil on canvas by El Greco (1585-1590) |
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| April 26, 2009 | Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Doubting Thomas Thomas was not present when Christ first appeared to the disciples in the Upper Room after his resurrection. He refused to believe their witness until he saw for himself the marks of crucifixion on Christ’s body. John reported as part of the latter event the blessing of Christ on those who would believe without seeing. Thomas should be remembered for his faith and subsequent lifelong ministry rather than for his momentary doubt, but many can identify with his questions and hesitancy and still find blessing from the Lord. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Myrrhbearers Sunday,the women who prepared to bury Jesus’ body One of the greatest testimonies of faith reported in the Gospels is that of the women who played an important role in Jesus’ ministry and who stayed with him when all else others fled in terror. They brought burial materials to the tomb to fulfill the burial rites of the day. We remember them for their courage and faithfulness. The Orthodox Church combines their memory with that of the secret disciples, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Handel’s opera Serse, 1738; Friedrich von Flotow (German composer), b. 1812; Harold Gleason (American organist & educator), b. 1892; Karl Geiringer (Austrian-American musicologist), b. 1899; Joseph Fuchs (American violinist), b. 1905; John Alden Carpenter (American composer), d. 1951; First Broadway performance of Sondheim’s musical Company, 1970; Leo (Noël) Arnaud (French-American composer), d. 1991 |
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| The Mennonite Minister Cornelis Claesz. Anslo in Conversation with His Wife, Aaltje - Oil on canvas (1641) by Rembrandt |
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| April 27 | MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Tuotilo of St. Gall (Irish composer, artist, poet & monk), d. 915; Jan Adam Reinken (German organist & composer), b. 1623; First performance of Handel’s opera Alcina, 1735; First performance of Handel’s anthem sing unto God, 1736; Andreas Romberg (German violinist & conductor), b. 1767; Henry Willis (British organist & organ builder), b. 1821; William Arms Fisher (American composer & music historian), b. 1861; First performance of Gounod’s opera Romeo and Juliet, 1867; Sigismond Thalberg (German composer & pianist), d. 1871; First performance of Massenet’s opera Le Roi de Lahore, 1877; First performance of Rachmaninoff’s opera Aleko, 1893; Nicolas Slonimsky (Russian-American composer & lexigrapher), b. 1894; Alec Sherman (British conductor), b. 1907; Alexander Scriabin (Russian composer & pianist), d. 1915; First performance of Weinberger’s opera Schwanda the Bagpiper, 1927; First performance of Stravinsky’s ballet Apollon musagète, 1928; First performance of Stravinsky’s ballet Jeu de cartes, 1937; First performance of Pinkham’s Sonata No. 3 for Organ and Strings, 1987; Olivier Messiaen (French composer & organist), d. 1992 |
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Two Still Lifes by Luis Meléndez
Still Life with Bread and Containers - Oil on canvas (1770) |
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| April 28 | Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Louis Mary de Montfort, 1716 Louis, as an adult, identified himself by the place of his baptism rather than by his family name. In living out that baptism, he preached persuasively and attracted many thousands back to the faith. His themes included frequent, even daily, Holy Communion and reverence for the Virgin Mary. His motto of devotion to Mary was Totus tuus, “completely yours,” a motto adopted by Pope John Paul II for his episcopacy. Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Peter Chanel, 1841 The audio essay states well the reason for remembering Peter Chanel, “Anyone who has worked in loneliness, with great adaptation required and with little apparent success, will find a kindred spirit in (him).” After a series of major challenges in his ministry, he was martyred while a missionary in Oceania. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Ludvig Schytte (Danish composer & pianist), b. 1848; First performance of Meyerbeer’s opera L’Africaine, 1865; Harold Bauer (English-American pianist & violinist), b. 1873; John Jacon Niles (American folksinger & collector), b. 1892; First performance of Sibelius’ oratorio Kullervo, 1892; Paul Sacher (Swiss conductor), b. 1906; Alfred Mann (German-American musicologist & educator), b. 1917; First performance of Stravinsky’s ballet Orpheus, 1948; First performance of Moore’s opera Carrie Nation, 1966 |
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| A Scholar - Oil on canvas (1631) by Rembrandt |
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| April 29 | Feast of St. Catherine of Sienna Lutheran and Episcopal Feast of St. Catherine of Siena, 1380Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Catherine of Siena Catherine had a vision of Christ in glory at the age of six, and for the rest of her life she was a woman of prayer, meditation and service. She became a member of the Third Order of St. Dominic and a nurse caring for those patients whom others disliked to treat. She also developed into a woman of insight who provided spiritual counsel to priests, kings, scholars, merchants and peasants. She provided part of the impetus that ended the Avignon Papacy with a move back to Rome. She is remembered for her complete surrender to Christ. Roman Catholic audio commemoration of Blessed Ludovico of Casoria, 1885 Originally a cabinet-maker, after ordination he taught science for several years. However, a mystical experience changed his life and he dedicated his life to the poor and infirm. To help with this work, he founded the Gray Brothers, men who were former Secular Franciscans, and Gray Sisters of St. Elizabeth. He is remembered for his spiritual gift of compassion. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Jason & Sosipater, 1st century These men were friends of Paul, mentioned in Romans 16:21. Both became bishops in Asia Minor and later preached in Corfu. They are remembered for their faithful discipleship to the Lord. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Esajas Reusner (German composer), b. 1636; Juan Bautista José Cabanilles (Spanish composer & organist), d. 1712; First performance of Handel’s opera Xerses, 1738; First (private) performance of Haydn’s oratorio The Creation, 1798; Franz Ondricek (Czech violinist & composer), b. 1857; Sir Thomas Beecham (British conductor), b. 1879; Wallingford Riegger (American composer), b. 1885; Sir Malcolm Sargent (British conductor), b. 1895; Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (American jazz composer & band leader), b. 1899; Theodore Ward Chanler (), b. 1902; Harold Shapero (American composer), b. 1920; Peter Sculthorpe (Australian composer), b. 1929; First performance of Prokofiev’s opera The Gambler, 1929; Zubin Mehta (Indian conductor), b. 1936; First performance of Glass’ chamber opera Hydrogen Jukebox), 1990 |
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| Female Portrait - Oil on canvas by El Greco (c. 1595) |
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| April 30 | Greek Orthodox icon commemorating James the Apostle James the Apostle - Poplar panel (c. 1384) by Antonio Veneziano Call of the Sons of Zebedee - Panel (1510) by Marco Basaiti The Apostle James the Elder - Tempera on canvas (1516) by Albrecht Dürer The Martyrdom of St. James - Oil on canvas (1722) by Giovanni Batista Piazzetta St. James the Greater - Marble (1715-1718) by Camillo RusconiIcon of the Transfiguration - Icon (16th century) by an Unknown Russian Master With his brother John, he was one of the “Sons of Thunder” because of his later preaching. That preaching was so powerful that Herod Agrippa could not abide it, and had him killed (Acts 12:1-2). He was close enough to Jesus to accompany him at the Transfiguration. He is remembered for his love for Jesus. Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Pius V, 1572 Dominican Pope Pius V had the difficult job of implementing the Council of Trent, Roman Catholicism’s monumental 18-year-long reform and reaffirmation in response to the Protestant Reformation. Threats to the church also came from the Turkish invasion of Europe, corruption in the church, and the bloody conflicts between new nation states. By authority and by example, he renewed the spiritual life and service ideals of the church; he is remembered for that. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Berlioz’ Te Deum, 1855; Franz Lehár (Hungarian-Austrian composer), b. 1870; Louise Homer (American contralto), b. 1871; Albert I. Elkus (American pianist, composer & musicologist), b. 1884; Chalmers Clifton (American conductor & composer), b. 1889; First performance of Debussy’s Pelleas et Melisande, 1902; Robert Shaw (American conductor), b. 1916; First performance of Stravinsky’s opera Persephone, 1934; Ellen Taaffe Zwilich (American composer), b. 1939; First performance of Harrison’s Concerto for Organ, 1973 |
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| Portrait of a Musician - Oil on panel (1490) by Leonardo da Vinci |
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| May 1 | Feast of Sts. Philip and James the Lesser Lutheran and Episcopal Feast of Sts. Philip & James, ApostlesSt. Philip the Evangelist - Oil on canvas by El Greco(1610-1614) The Apostles Philip and James - Tempera on canvas (1516) by Albrecht DürerSt. Philip - Marble (1703-1712) by Giuseppi Mazzuoli Philip the Apostle figures more prominently in the Gospel of John than in the Synoptics, but little is known about him. He was called early in Jesus’ ministry and brought his friend Nathaniel with him. He appears to have been a Greek-speaker, and may have been from Bethsaida. He is remembered for being one of the Twelve disciples. Nothing is known of James the Lesser except that he was a disciple, one of the Twelve. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Jeremiah the Prophet Jeremiah loved and grieved for his people who were facing spiritual and political turmoil, military defeat and enslavement. His own people stoned him to death. He is remembered as a blessing to those who mourn. Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Joseph the Worker This feast day seems to have been instituted in response to May Day celebrations sponsored by Communists, yet the Saint reveals a long trajectory of keeping our image of Jesus in touch with humanity. The idea that Jesus was a carpenter; the blessing of human endeavor by God’s incarnation as one of us; and the commission in Eden to continue the work of creation by naming everything all are part of the rejection of Docetism, the heresy that claimed the Jesus only appeared to be human. Joseph is remembered as a means of celebrating the cause of workers, and the need for justice in the workplace. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Marco da Gagliano (Italian composer), b. 1582; William Lawes (English composer), b. 1602; First performance of Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro, 1786; Hugo Alfvén (Swedish violinist & composer), b. 1872; Howard Barlow (American radio producer & conductor), b. 1892; Leo Sowerby (American organist & composer), b. 1895; Jún Leifs (Icelandic composer), b. 1899; Antonin Dvorák (Czeck composer), d. 1904; Robert A. Lienau (German music publisher), b. 1905; Walter Susskind (Czech-English conductor), b. 1913; Bo Nilsson (Swedish composer), b. 1937; First performance of Brubeck’s oratorio Truth Has Fallen, 1971; Aram Khachaturian (Soviet composer), d. 1978; First performance of Foss’ Concertino “Passacaglia, Bachanalia, Passacaglia”, 2003 |
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| Madonna with Child and Saints (Von der Ropp Madonna) - Oil on wood (c. 1502) by Raphael |
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| May 2 | Feast of St. AthanasiusLutheran and Episcopal Feast of St. Athanasius, 373 Greek Orthodox icon commemorating St. AthanasiosRoman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Athanasius Athanasius was instrumental at the Council of Nicaea in preserving what we now know as orthodoxy, particularly in how we understand the Trinity. Jesus became understood by the formula that he was fully divine and co-equal with the Father. The full victory was not achieved until much later, but Athanasius was pivotal for the final outcome. He is also remembered for creating the list of New Testament books we have today. < MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Leonardo da Vinci (Italian all-around genius), d. 1519; Lodovico Grossi da Viadana (Italian composer & Franciscan monk), d. 1645; Alessandro Scarlatti (Italian composer), b. 1660; Ludwig August Lebrun (German oboist & composer), b. 1752; First performance of Purcell’s opera The Fairy Queen, 1692; Hans Christian Lumbye (Danish composer), b. 1810; Carl Michael Ziehrer (Austrian composer & conductor), b. 1843; Giacomo Meyerbeer (German composer), d. 1864; Helen Hewitt (American organist & musicologist), b. 1900; Alan Rawsthorne (English composer), b. 1905; John Reeves White (American musicologist), b. 1924; First performance of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, 1936; First performance of Copland’s In the Beginning, 1947; First Broadway performance of Sondheim’s musical Sunday in the Park with George, 1984; William Levi Dawson (American composer), d. 1990 |
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Three Still Lifes by Francisco Zurbarán
Cup of Water and a Rose on a Silver Plate - Oil on canvas (c. 1630) |
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| May 3 | Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Timothy & Mavra the Martyrs, c. 300 This husband and wife were married only a few days when they began to be tortured for their faith under Diocletian. Their torture lasted nine days before they were martyred. They are remembered for enduring so much just prior to death. Franciscan audio essay commemorating Sts. Philip and James the Lesser, Apostles (see May 1 for comment) MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Heinrich Biber (Austrian composer), d. 1704; First performance of Hérold’s opera Zampa, 1831; Marcel Dupré (French organist and composer), b. 1886; First performance of Parker’s oratorio Hora Novissima, 1893; Virgil Fox (American organist), b. 1912; Peter Seeger (American folk singer), b. 1919; John Lewis (American jazz pianist & composer), b. 1920 |
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Two Statues by Michelangelo
St. Petronius - Marble statue (1494) |
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| May 4 | Lutheran and Episcopal Feast of St. Monica, mother of Augustine, 387 In his autobiography, the Confessions, Monnica’s son, Augustine of Hippo, tells us all we know of this faithful Christian and wise mother. A lifelong Christian, she witnessed the conversion of her pagan husband and juvenile delinquent son. She is remembered as a woman of prayer and profound faith. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Pelagia the Nun - Martyr of Tarsus, 284 Pelagia is remembered as a martyr in Diocletian’s persecution who gave her life for her faithful devotion to Christ. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating Blessed Michael Giedroyc, 1485 A Lithuanian metalworker and crafter of sacred vessels, Michael Giedroyc suffered from lifelong physical handicaps. He traveled to Cracow, Poland, where he became an Augustinian monk. As a hermit living in a cell attached to the monastery, his prayer life, fasting, and vegetarian diet sustained him for the rest of his long life. He is remembered for finding spiritual consolation in the midst of suffering. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Claudio Merulo (Italian composer & publisher), d. 1604; Bartolommeo Cristofori (Italian harpsichord & piano maker), b. 1655; Marianne von Martínez (Spanish-Austrian composer), b. 1744; James Henry Mapleson (English impresario), b. 1830; Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek (Austrian composer), b. 1860; Paul Rosenfeld (American music critic), b. 1890; Frederick Jacobi (American composer), b. 1891; First performance of Dvorák’s cantata The American Flag, 1895; Mátyás (György) Seiber (Hungarian-British composer & teacher), b. 1905; Lincoln Kirstein (American ballet impresario), b. 1907; Edward T. Cone (American composer & music theorist), b. 1917; Roberta Peters (American coloratura soprano), b. 1930; Georges Enesco (Rumanian composer), d. 1955; First New York performance of Bernstein’s musical 1700 Pennsylvania Avenue, 1976; First London performance of Sondheim’s revue Side by Side by Sondheim, 1977 |
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| St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata - Oil on canvas (1585-1590)by El Greco |
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| May 5 | Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Irene the Great Martyr of Thessalonika Little is known of Irene other than her martyrdom by which she drank the cup with her Lord. < MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Stanislw Moniuszko (Polish composer), b. 1819; Pyotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky (Russian composer), b. 1840; T. Tertius Noble (English-born organist & composer), b. 1867; Hans Pfitzner (German composer & conductor), b. 1869; Yoritsune Matsudaira (), b. 1907; First performance of Milhaud’s opera Christophe Colomb, 1930; First performance of Britten’s Paul Bunyan (text: W.H. Auden), 1941; First performance of Barber’s I Hear an Army, 1945; First performance of Crumb’s oratorio Star Child, 1977; Abraham Kaplan (Israeli-American educator & composer), b. 1931 |
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| The Blessing Christ - Oil on wood (c. 1506) by Raphael |
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| May 6 | Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating Sts. Marian and James, 259 These two martyrs gave their lives for their faith during the persecution of Valerian. At their arrest, they readily confessed their faith and then were tortured. They were said to have experienced visions just before their deaths. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Hilary of Arles, 449 The Church is very much populated by humans. Hilary was a talented young monk who became Bishop of Arles at age 29. He provided his flock with a good example of simple living and exemplary charity. However, he also had a prickly personality and an arbitrary style of administration, and therefore created significant personal problems. He is remembered because his piety eventually overcame his prickles. Greek Orthodox commemoration of Job the Prophet MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Johann Jakob Froberger (German composer & keyboard player), d. 1667; Johann Andreas Stein (German maker of keyboard instruments), b. 1728; First performance of Puccini’s opera La Boheme, 1897; Vernon L. de Tar (American organist & conductor), b. 1905; George Perle (American composer), b. 1915; Godfrey Ridout (Canadian composer), b. 1918 |
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| Mass of St. John of Maltha - Oil on canvas (1666) by Francisco Rizi and Juan Carreño de Miranda |
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| May 7 | Greek Orthodox icon commemorating the Appearance of the Holy Cross in the Sky over Jerusalem, 351 On the day of Pentecost, Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem, reported an enormous cross of light appeared above Golgotha and reached to the Mount of Olives, and that many people saw it. While we moderns may be skeptical about such visions, symbols, such as light and the cross, profoundly affect both our minds and our emotions, and ought to be taken more seriously than our clinical approach to life allows. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating Blessed Rose Venerini, 1728 Called to be a teacher rather than a contemplative nun, she spent her life teaching, training teachers, and organizing schools throughout Italy. Early in her life, as she was discerning her call, she brought together a group of people for prayer; that group eventually became a religious congregation, the Venerini Sisters, who today work among Italian immigrants. She is remembered as a reminder that God gives persons many different kinds of gifts and calls them to many different types of service. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Ottaviano dei Petrtucci (Italian music printer), d. 1539; Johann Jacob Froberger (German organist & composer), d. 1667; Karl Stamitz (German composer & conductor), b. 1745; Pietro Nardini (Italian composer & violinist), d. 1793; Nicola Piccini (Italian composer), d. 1800; First performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (“Choral”), 1824; Leopold Kozeluch (Bohemian composer), d. 1825; Antonio Salieri (Italian-Austrian composer), d. 1825; Johannes Brahms (German composer), b. 1833; Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky (Russian composer), b. 1840; Anton Seidl (Hungarian conductor), b. 1850; Clarence Dickinson (American educator, educator & composer), b. 1873; Armand Machabey (French musicologist), b. 1886; First performance of Lalo’s opera Le Roi d’Ys, 1888; Marcel Poot (Belgian composer), b. 1901; First performance of Milhaud’s opera Les malheurs deOrphée, 1926; Cornelius Cardew (English composer), b. 1936; Opening of RKO film Shall We Dance?, score by Gershwin with his songs, 1937; Stephen Kates (American cellist), b. 1943; First performance of Thomson’s opera The Mother of Us All, 1947; First performance of Stockhausen’s opera Montag von Licht, 1988; First performance of Torke’s ballet Black and White, 1988 |
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| Madonna and Child - Marble statue (1501-1505) by Michelangelo |
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| May 8 | Episcopal commemoration of Julian of Norwich, Mystic & Poet, 1417 At a time when Lady Juliana was gravely ill and expected to die, she had a series of visions in which she was led to contemplate Christ’s Passion. She devoted the rest of her life to meditative prayer and to contemplating the meaning of those fifteen visions. She is remembered because of her spiritual insight which brought many people then comfort and joy, and many more since through her writings. Christ Healing the Blind - Painting by El Greco (1570s)Christ Healing the Blind - Painting by El Greco (1567) Christ Healing the Blind - Painting by El Greco (1570-1575)Greek Orthodox icon commemorating John the Apostle This remembrance of the Apostle John commemorates the annual miracle (for some years) when a powder came from his tomb and was used to heal the souls and bodies of believers. The icon depicts the Apostle who wrote the Gospel of John whose writing has been the instrument of spiritual healing for twenty centuries. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Arsenios the Great, 449 Arsenios was tutor of the Emperor’s children in Rome. After hearing a voice during prayer, he left the city and became a monk in order to avoid sin, where had another similar experience. He left the monastery community for a solitary cell and total silence again in order to avoid sin. He remained there for the rest of his ninety-five years. His focus was so intense that when he was visited by another monk, Arsenios seemed to be entirely like a flame of fire. He is remembered for his total devotion. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Peter of Tarentaise, 1174 This saint is not the Peter of Tarentaise who a century earlier became Pope Innocent V. This Peter was a Cistercian monk who, as Archbishop of Tarentaise, brought radical reform to the diocese. That reform included replacing lax clergy and serving the poor; his administrative style involved regular pastoral visits to all parts of the diocese. He is remembered for the reforming zeal of his spiritual grounding. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Giovanni Paisiello (Italian composer), d. 1539; First performance of Handel’s opera Radamisto, 1720; First performance of Handel’s anthem Sing unto God, 1736; Carl Philipp Stamitz (Bohemian violinist & composer), baptized 1745; Louis M. Gottschalk (American pianist & composer), b. 1829; Mauro Giuliani (Italian composer & guitarist), d. 1829; Johannes Petschull (German music publisher), b. 1901; David Van Vactor (American composer), b. 1906; Blanche Winogron Beck (American harpsichordist), b. 1911; Ray Lev (Russian-American pianist), b. 1912; William Sydeman (American composer), b. 1928; Dame Ethel Smyth (British composer & activist), d. 1944; First performance of Menotti’s opera The Medium, 1946; Keith Jarrett (American pianist & composer), b. 1945; Hugo Alfvén (Swedish composer), d. 1960; First Broadway performance of Sondheim’s musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, 1962; First performance of Shuller’s children’s opera The Fisherman and His Wife, 1970; First performance of Liebermann’s opera The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1996 |
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Two Portraits of Cardinals by Raphael
Cardinal Tommaso Inghirami (Librarian to Pope Leo X) - Oil on wood (1515-1516) |
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| May 9 | Episcopal commemoration of St. Gregory of Nazianzus, 389 Gregory of Nazianzus was one of the eight Doctors of the Church, one of the three Cappadocian Fathers, of the ancient Church. In the aftermath of the debate between Athanasius and Arius that the former won at the Council of Nicaea, the Arians put up vigorous competition for the hearts and minds of churches, cities and territories. Constantinople was one city controlled by the Arians to the total exclusion of the Orthodox. Gregory was asked to go there, where he preached his five sermons on the Trinity and the deity of Christ, for which he is best known. He is remembered as one who developed Orthodox clarity on those issues, a clarity upon which the results of the Council of Nicaea were reinforced by the Council of Constantinople. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Isaiah the Prophet Isaiah, descendent of royalty, called to account the King’s impiety and lawlessness and was sawn into pieces for his troubles. He is remembered for the lyricism of his book of prophecy which provided many allusions for New Testament writers, and beloved phrases of comfort and understanding for believers ever since. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Christopher the Martyr of Lycea After rebuking tyrants for their cruelty, Christopher was brought before them for trial; he converted the soldiers who arrested him. While he was imprisoned following conviction, prostitutes were sent to tempt him; he converted them and encouraged them in their martyrdom. He was tortured and beheaded under the reign of Decius. He is remembered for his courage and eloquence. Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Catharine of Bologna, 1463 Catharine’s reputation for holiness enabled her work as an abbess of a Poor Clare monastery. In her later years, she expressed her devotion by illuminating several manuscripts. She is remembered for that holiness and as a saint who labored in obscurity for her Lord. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Dietrich Buxtehude (German organist & composer), d. 1707; Giovanni Paisiello (Italian composer), b. 1740; Charles Avison (English composer & conductor), d. 1770; Francis Hopkinson (American stateman & song writer), d. 1791; Claude Balbastre (French composer), d. 1799; First performance of Rossini’s opera La Scala di Seta, 1812; Adolph von Henselt (German pianist & composer), b. 1814; First performance of Rachmaninoff’s opera Aleko, 1893; First performance of Strauss’s ballet Schlagobers, 1924; First performance of Bernstein’s Arias and Barcarolles, 1988; First performance of Harbison’s Words from Patterson, 1990 |
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| The Madonna of the Carnation - Oil on panel (1478-1480) by Leonardo da Vinci |
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| May 10 | Greek orthodox icon commemorating Simon the Zealot & Apostle Simon the Zealot, one of the Twelve, reminds us that Jesus called people to discipleship from all walks of life, all political persuasions, and all social levels. He, like all the Twelve, are honored and remembered because Jesus thought enough of them to make them his closest associates. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating Blessed Damien of Molokai, 1889 Belgian Joseph de Veuster was a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary who took the name of a 4th-century physician and martyr, Damien. As a priest in Hawaii, he ministered at the government’s leper colony on Molokai. At first he was part of a rotating team of chaplains each of whom spent three months there each year, but he later volunteered to stay full time. He was instrumental in obtaining additional support and care givers for the colony. He himself contracted and died from the disease. He is remembered for his self-giving love for those who were is dire physical and spiritual need. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Jean Marie Leclair (French violinist & composer), b. 1697; Johann Christoph Graupner (German composer), d. 1760; Max Steiner (Austrian-American composer), b. 1888; Dimitri Tiomkin (Russian-American composer), b. 1894; First performance of Strauss’ opera Guntram, 1894; First performance of Dukas’ opera Ariane et Barbe-Blue, 1907; Milton Babbitt (American composer), b. 1916; First performance of Glass’ opera The Marriage between Zones Three, Four and Five, 1997 |
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| David - Marble statue (1504) by Michelangelo |
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| May 11 | Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Ignatius of Laconi, 1781 Ignatius was to become a Capuchin monk, but when he was twenty he became a Franciscan. James Kiefer writes that his “reputation for self-denial and charity led to his appointment as the official beggar for the friars,” a task he undertook for forty years. While begging, he instructed children, visited the sick and urged repentance. He is remembered for his kindness and faithfulness to his task. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Pierre Gaviniès (French violinist), b. 1728; First performance of Handel’s opera Tolomeo, re d’Egitto, 1728Jan V; Jan Václav Voríšek (Bohemian composer), b. 1791; Otto Nicolai (German composer), d. 1849; Anatol Liadov (Russian composer), b. 1855; Joseph Marx (German composer & teacher), b. 1882; Irving Berlin (American popular song composer), b. 1888; Martha Graham (American dancer & choreographer), b. 1894; William Grant Still (American composer), b. 1895; Bidú Sayao (Brazilian soprano), b. 1902; Max Reger (German composer), d. 1916; First performance of Busoni’s opera Arlecchino, 1917; Harvey Sollberger (American composer, flutist & conductor), b. 1938; First performance of Bernstein’s Hashkiveinu, 1945; Ture Rangström (Swedish composer), d. 1947; Judith Weir (Scottish composer), b. 1954; First performance of Still’s opera A Southern Interlude, 1963; First London performance of Lloyd-Webber’s musical Cats, 1981; First performance of Adams’ musical I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky, 1995 |
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| Infant Christ Offering a Drink of Water to St. John - Oil on canvas (1675-1680) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo |
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| May 12 | Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating Sts. Nereus and Achilleus, 1st century These saints were Roman soldiers who, upon their conversion, were taken to the island of Terracina and martyred. Two hundred years after their death, Pope Gregory the Great preached a homily on the anniversary of their death. While we know nothing else about them, it is encouraging to reflect on our belief that nothing in our ordinary lives is forgotten by God. We remember these men for the courage God gave them. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Handel’s opera Atalanta, 1736; Johann Baptist Wanha (Vanhall) (Bohemian composer), b. 1739; Franz Anton Hoffmeister (German composer & music publisher), b. 1754; Giovanni Viotti (Italian violinist & composer), b. 1755; Adolf Henselt (German composer & pianist), b. 1814; First performance of Donizetti’s opera L’Elisier d’Amore, 1832; Jules Massenet (French composer), b. 1842; Gabriel Fauré (French composer), b. 1845; Daniel-François Auber (French composer), d. 1871; Bedrich Smetana (Bohemian composer), d. 1884; First performance of Strauss’ opera Guntram, 1894; Sir Lennox Berkeley (English composer), b. 1903; Ellis B. Kohs (American composer & writer), b. 1916; Ruth Watanabe (American music librarian), b. 1916; First performance of Bartók’s ballet The Wooden Prince, 1917; Eugene Ysaÿe (Belgian composer), d. 1931; First performance of Damrosch’s opera The Man without a Country, 1937; First performance of Honegger’s opera Joan of Arc at the Stake, 1938; Anthony Newman (American composer & organist), b. 1941; First performance of Glière’s Concerto for Coloratura Soprano and Orchestra, 1943; First performance of Reich & Korot’s multi-media presentation Three Tales, 2002 |
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| The Picture Merchant - Oil on canvas (c. 1670) by José Antolinez |
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| May 13 | Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating Our Lady of Fatima, 1917 During the summer of 1917, three Portuguese children received apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The message was simple: pray. Some have interpreted the visions in apocalyptic terms, but the last surviving one of the three, Sister Lucia who died in 2005, did not. The Vatican encourages all to view this miracle as having its focus in the proclamation of gospel: the love of God which leads women and men to conversion and gives the grace necessary for full devotion to God. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Glykeria the Virgin-Martyr of Heraclia, 141 This martyr suffered in Asia Minor during the persecution of Antoninus Pius. During a public festival, she declared herself to be a Christian, and instead of sacrificing to Zeus as commanded she overturned the statue smashing it to bits. After torture, she was given to the wild animals. In this icon she wears the red robe of martyrdom. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Sir Arthur Sullivan (English composer), b. 1842; Ottokar Novacek (Hungarian violinist & composer), b. 1866; Joseph Achron (Russian composer & violinist), b. 1886; William Schwann (American organist & record retailer), b. 1913; Clive Barnes (British & American dance and theater critic), b. 1927; First professional performance of Beach’s opera Cabildo, 1995 |
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| Madonna and Child with St. Anne and Young St. John - Charcoal with white chalk (1507-1508) by Leonardo da Vinci |
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| May 14 | Feast of St. Matthias the Apostle Episcopal and Lutheran Feast of St. Matthias the ApostleFranciscan audio essay commemorating St. Matthias Matthias was chosen by lot, by God and not by human methods, to replace Judas. Luke and Paul view apostleship in terms of filling out the symbolic twelve tribes of Israel, rather than on being present with and witness to Jesus during his earthly ministry. Their role is to preserve the truth of the gospel and the faithfulness of the ministry of the church. His holiness of life and personal abilities must have been obviously God-given in order for him to have been nominated for the vacancy. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Holy Hiermartyr Therapontus No information is readily available about this martyr, but the icon portrays holiness and, a such, is a window to heaven. The symbols of the halo, the holy book, the stoll with crosses, and the hand of blessing all reinforce the strong and focused facial expression that faced death with courage. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (German sister of Felix Mendelssohn), d. 1847; Sigismund Stojowski (Polish pianist & composer), b. 1869; Otto Klemperer (German conductor & composer), b. 1885; Lou Harrison (American composer), b. 1917; Joly Braga Santos (Portuguese composer & conductor), b. 1924; Seymour Lipkin (Pianist & conductor), b. 1927; First performance of Strauss’ ballet Josephslegende, 1914; Richard C. Kostelanetz (American writer on music), b. 1940; First performance of Glass’ opera Orphée, 1993 |
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Two Dragon Fighters by Raphael
St. George and the Dragon - Oil on wood (1505-1506) |
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| May 15 | Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Isidore the Farmer, 1130 Isadore was a Spanish farm laborer his whole life who rose early to go to church before work every day. He married a woman who also became a saint, Maria de la Cabeza, and had a son who did not survive childhood. He is patron saint of farmers and rural communities and is remembered for reminding us that status and learning are not necessary for holiness and happiness. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Claudio Monteverdi (Italian composer), baptized 1567; Franz Danzi (German composer & conductor), b. 1763; Michael William Balfe (Irish composer), b. 1808; Stephen Heller (Hungarian composer & pianist), b. 1813; Nicolas Tcherepnin (Russian composer), b. 1873; Lars-Erik Larsson (Swedish composer), b. 1908; Arthur Berger (American composer), b. 1912; First performance of Stravinsky’s ballet Pulcinella, 1920; Richard Wilson (American composer & pianist), b. 1941; First performance of Moore’s opera The Devil and Daniel Webster, 1939; Gulbenkian Music Festival (Portugal) established, 1957; First performance of Reich’s opera The Cave, 1993 |
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Three Workers by Goya
Knife Grinder - Oil on canvas (1808-1812) |
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| May 16 | Episcopal commemoration of the Martyrs of Sudan, 1983 In 1983, the Christian bishops of Sudan declared they would not abandon their Christian beliefs in the face of the fundamentalist Islamic government of Khartoum, and for twenty-two years of civil war and persecution they held firm. When the war began only 5 percent of the population was Christian; now the figure is 85 percent, mostly Episcopalian and Roman Catholic. In the struggle, six million people were displaced and more than two million killed. We remember them as a reminder that God renews the spirit in every time and circumstance. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Margaret of Cortona, 1297 Her mother died when she was seven, and her stepmother was so difficult a person that Margaret moved out and lived unmarried with Arsenio for nine years. She bore him a son, and one day found him murdered. The shock caused her to enter a life of penance, and her son to become a friar. After her conversion, she became a Franciscan tertiary, established a hospital and a congregation of tertiary sisters. She is remembered as one who sought forgiveness and having received it lived a life of great charity. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Handel’s opera Alessandro, 1726; Edouard L.F. Fétis (French musicologist), b. 1812; First performance of Massenet’s opera Esclarmonde, 1889; Richard Tauber (Austrian tenor), b. 1892; Paul A. Pisk (Austrian-American composer & musicologist), b. 1893; Jan Kiepura (Polish tenor & actor), b. 1902; Donald Martino (American composer), b. 1931; American Composers Alliance founded, 1930; First performance of Britten’s opera Owen Wingrave, 1971; First performance of Bernstein’s ballet Dybbuk, 1972 |
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| Crucifix - Polychrome wood (1492) by Michelangelo |
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| May 17 | Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Paschal Baylon, 1592 In an age when Spain was at its height in the New World, an age that has been called the Golden Age of the Church in Spain, Paschal ignored the temptations of influence and glamour, and lived a life of poverty. Encouraged to study for the priesthood, he instead chose to be a lay brother who served as porter, cook, gardener and official beggar. He is remembered for his generosity, his honesty, and wise counsel. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Gluck’s opera Iphigénie en Tauride, 1779; Erik Satie (French composer), b. 1866; Philip James (American composer), b. 1890; First performance of Mascagni’s opera Cavalleria Rusticana, 1890; Nicolai T. Berezowsky (Russian-American violinist & composer), b. 1900; Werner Egk (German composer), b. 1901; Fausto Cleva (Italian-American conductor), b. 1902; First performance of Ravel’s Schéhérazade, 1904; Zinka Milanov (Croatian soprano), b. 1906; Birgit Nilsson (Swedish soprano), b. 1918; Peter Mennin (American composer), b. 1923; Paul Dukas (French composer), d. 1935; First performance of Prokofiev’s cantata Alexander Nevsky, 1939; First performance of Rautavaara’s opera Vincent, 1990 |
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| The Consecration of St. Augustine - Tempera on panel (1466-1475) by Jaume Huguet |
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| May 18 | Lutheran commemoration of Erik, King of Sweden, martyr, 1160 The Christian ruler of Sweden, when the kingdoms all around were pagan, he went to the assistance of the Christians in Finland under Henry of Uppsala, now known as the founder of the Church in Finland. His rule gave Sweden fair laws and courts, and a social safety net to assist the poor and sick. He was killed by a pagan army while leaving church. He is honored as a protector of the Christian faith and as a national hero. Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. John I, 526 Pope John 1 was Arian in a time when Italy was ruled by an emperor who was also Arian. John was delegated to negotiate with the Eastern emperor to get him to reduce penalties against Arians in the East. The outcome of the mission is unknown, but the Western emperor suspected that John had gotten too friendly with the Eastern ruler, and had him arrested. Shortly after, John died, seemingly from the treatment he received in prison. Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Felix of Cantalice, 1587 Felix was the first Franciscan Capuchin ever canonized. A farm hand and a shepherd as a young man, he was open to the hardships of life that build character. As a friar, he was the official beggar of the friary in Rome for 42 years. While making his rounds, he worked to convert sinners and feed the poor. Musicians will take note that he was a good friend of St. Philip Neri. He is remembered for referring all blessings back to their true source, God. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Georg Böhm (German composer & organist), d. 1733; First performance of Gluck’s Iphigenie en Tauride, 1779; Karl Goldmark (Austro-Hungarian composer), b. 1830; First performance of Chabrier’s opera Le Roi malgre lui, 1887; Ezio Pinza (Italian basso), b. 1892; Henri Sauguet (French composer), b. 1901; Meredith Willson (American composer & song writer), b. 1902; Theodor Berger (Austrian composer), b. 1905; Clifford Curzon (American pianist & harpsichordist), b. 1907; Isaac Albéniz (Spanish composer), d. 1909; Pauline Viardot-Garcia (French composer & mezzo-soprano), d. 1910; First performance of Satie’s ballet Parade, 1917; Dame Margot Fonteyn (British ballerina), b. 1919; Gustav Mahler (Austrian composer & conductor), d. 1922; First performance of Stravinsky’s opera Renard, 1922; First performance of Moore’s opera The Devil and Daniel Webster, 1939; First performance of Dallapiccola’s opera Volo di Notte, 1940; First performance of Milhaud’s Sabbath Morning Service, 1949; First performance of Foss’ opera The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, 1950; Leroy Anderson (American composer), d. 1975; First performance of Glass’ opera The Fall of the House of Usher, 1988; First performance of Glass’ opera Les Enfants Terrible, 1996 |
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| St. John the Baptist - Oil on panel (1513-1516) by Leonardo da Vinci |
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| May 19 | Lutheran & Episcopal Feast of St. Dunstan, 988 Dunstan turned failure as a courtier into spectacular success as a monk, priest, educator, and artist. He may have advanced the technology of casting bells; he certainly was a musician and painter – we have a manuscript that he illustrated; he turned the monastery at Glastonbury and the cathedral school at Canterbury into centers of learning. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Theophilus of Corte, 1740, a Franciscan man of prayer who over the course of his life was increasingly single-minded in devotion and service to God’s people. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Johann Jacob Froberger (German composer & organist), baptized 1616; Johann Friedrich Peter (Dutch-American Moravian composer), b. 1746; First performance of Donizetti’s opera Linda di Chamounix, 1842; Dame Nellie Melba (Australian soprano), b. 1861; First performance of Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No. 3 (“Organ”), 1886; Cecil Gray (Scottish composer & music critic), b. 1895; Charles Martin Loeffler (American composer), d. 1935; Charles Ives (American composer), d. 1954; Coleman Hawkins (American jazz tenor saxophonist), d. 1969; First performance of Robert X. Rodriguez’ The Last Night of Don Juan, 2000 |
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| Opening of the Fifth Seal - Oil on canvas by El Greco (1608-1614) |
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| May 20 | Episcopal Feast of St. Alcuin of York 804 Northumbrian advisor to Charlemagne on religious and educational matters, founder of a court library, and later Abbot of Tours, he is remembered for his significant liturgical work that included a revised lectionary and the compilation of a new sacramentary. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Bernardine of Siena, 1444 St. Bernardine is remembered for his preaching which attracted huge crowds. It was preaching that had been prepared by nearly twelve years in solitude and prayer. Famed in his day as the developer of the symbol IHS, the first 3 letters of the name of Jesus in Greek, in Gothic letters to replace the insignia of various factions of the church, he angered opponents, but prevailed. In addition to his years of preaching, he is remembered for greatly expanding the Friars of Strict Observance who emphasized the study of theology and canon law. Throughout it all, he continued to practice contemplative prayer as the source of his boundless energy. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Clara Wieck Schumann (German pianist & composer), d. 1896; Jerzy Fitelberg (Polish composer), b. 1903; Tison Street (American composer), b. 1943; First performance of Dallapiccola’s opera Il prigionero, 1950; Ulysses Kay (American composer), d. 1995 |
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| The Purification of the Temple - Oil on canvas by El Greco (after 1610) |
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| May 21 |
Representations in pre-modern art preserve the three-tiered universe of the Bible, yet they acknowledge the non-sensory dimension of this story by placing the figure of Christ on gravity-denying clouds or air -- the former in pre-figurement of the image in Mark 13:26 of the Son of Man returning in the clouds. Most interesting is the attitude of the disciples: some artists portray them as terrified, and some have them in postures of praise and adoration.
Lutheran commemoration of John Eliot, missionary to the American Indians, 1690 An English Puritan who developed an interest in Native American language and customs, he eventually he preached to them in their own Algonkian tongue, published a catechism and translated the Bible for them – the first Bible to be printed in North America. Author of 5 other books, contributor to the Bay Psalm Book, and town planner, he also trained Native Americans to be missionaries throughout New England. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating Constantine & Helen, Equal-to-the Apostles, 337 & 330 (336) Constantine was Emperor of the Roman Empire for 31 years. He is remembered for ending all persecution of the Christians by making Christianity first legal and later the state religion, and for convening the Council of Nicaea out of which came the finalized canon of the Bible, and the Nicaean Creed, arguable the most influential definition of Christian belief of all time. His mother, Helen, made one of the earliest pilgrimages to the Holy Land where she found important relics and established churches on important site from Jesus’ life. Darmstadt Altarpiece: Constantine and His Mother Helena Venerating the True Cross - Pine (1440s) by an unknown German Master The Vision of St. Helena - Copper engraving (c. 1511) by Marcantonio Raimondi The Vision of St. Helena - Oil on canvas (c. 1580) by Paolo Veronese Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions, 1928 Cristóbal and his 24 companion martyrs lived under a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico--the presidency of Plutarco Calles (1924-28), who determined to weaken the Catholic faith of its people by making it a crime to receive Baptism of celebrate the Mass. Twenty-one of the martyrs were parish priests; three were lay witnesses who died with their priest. During his homily at the canonization Mass, Pope John Paul II reminded us that example of these martyrs help us make a renewed commitment of faithfulness to God so that society can be transformed and made more just and peaceful. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Rameau’s opera-ballet Les Fêtes d’Hété, 1739; First performance of Leoncavallo’s opera Pagliacci, 1892; Franz von Suppé (Austrian composer), d. 1895; Alexander Fried (American music critic), b. 1902; Thomas “Fats” Waller (American jazz pianist & composer), b. 1904; Robert Parris (American organist, composer & educator), b. 1924; Gina Bachauer (Greek pianist), b. 1913; Charles Wadsworth (American pianist & music promoter), d. 2009; First performance of Stockhausen’s Moment, 1962; First performance of Brubeck’s Pange Lingua, 1983; First performance of Birtwistle’s opera The Mask of Orpheus, 1987 |
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| Susanna and the Elders - Oil on mahogany panel (1647) by Rembrandt |
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| May 22 | Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Rita of Cascia, 1457 Rita wanted to become a nun but was pressured at a young age into marrying a harsh and cruel man. During her 18-year marriage, she bore and raised two sons. After her husband was killed in a brawl and her sons had died, Rita became an Augustinian nun known for austerity, prayerfulness and charity. Her devotion led to her receiving stigmata on her forehead, wounds that people associated with Christ’s wounds from his crown of thorns. She became holy because she made choices in life that reflected her Baptism, small choices at each step of the way that led her to grow in a discipleship that enabled her to cooperate generously with God’s grace. She is remembered a patron saint of impossible cases. Franciscan audio essay commemorating Blessed Joachima, 1854 Like Rita centuries earlier, Joachima wanted to become a nun, but at age 16 she married Theodore de Mas. Together they became secular Franciscans and raised eight children during their seventeen year marriage. When Napoleon invaded Spain, Joachima and the children fled; Theodore remained and died. Joachima adopted the Franciscan habit as she simultaneously completed her duties to her children and began the lifestyle of a religious. Four years later, she became a nun and established the Carmelite Sisters of Charity. During a civil war, she was imprisoned and, later, exiled for a few years. Sickness overtook her and she died by slowly advancing paralysis. She is remembered for her profound faith that saw her through all the losses of her life. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Richard Wagner (German composer), b. 1813; First performance of Rossini’s opera L’Italiana in Algeri, 1813; First performance of Mendelssohn’s oratorio Paulus, 1836; First performance of Verdi’s Requiem, 1874; First performance of Debussy’s Le Martyre de Saint-Sebastien, 1911; Gordon Binkerd (American composer), b. 1916; Charles Wadsworth (American pianist & music promoter), b. 1929; First performance of Still’s ballet Sahdji, 1931; Peter Nero (American pianist), b. 1934; Hans Pfitzner (German composer), d. 1949; First performance of Strauss’ Four Last Songs, 1950; First performance of Harbison’s Simple Daylight, 1990; Wagner lays the cornerstone of his Festival Theater in Bayreuth, 1872 |
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| Angel with Candlestick - Marble statue (1494-1495) by Michelangelo |
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| May 23 | Lutheran commemoration of Ludwig Nommensen, missionary to Sumatra, 1918 A Danish Lutheran, Nommensen trained for five years to become a missionary to the Batak people of the Sumatran interior. Success came slowly, with the eventual conversion of several tribal chiefs. He translated the New Testament into Batak, and tried to preach the Gospel without imposing European culture on the natives. He worked to develop native Church leaders and liturgical resources. With the expulsion of missionaries after WWII, the church continued to thrive and now numbers more than half a million. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Handel’s opera Atalanta, 1736; Jean Baptiste Viotti (Italian violinist), b. 1753; Ignaz Moscheles (Czech composer & pianist), b. 1794; First performance of Beethoven’s Fidelio in its final form, 1814; Louis Glass (Danish composer), b. 1864; Harold Samuel (English pianist & teacher), b. 1879; Edmund Rubbra (English composer), b. 1901; Hideo Saito (Japanese cellist & conductor), b. 1902; Jean Françaix (French composer & pianist), b. 1912; Robert Moog (American inventor of the synthesizer), b. 1934; First performance of Einem’s opera Der Besuch der alten Damen, 1971; First performance of Sessions’ cantata When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d, 1971 |
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| Portrait of Julius II - Oil on wood (1511-1512) by Raphael |
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| May 24 |
Episcopal & United Methodist commemoration of John & Charles Wesley, Preacher & Hymn Writer The brothers were leaders of the evangelical revival in the Church of England in the 18th-century. After missionary service in the American colony of Georgia, they were converted within three days of each other and began what amounts to missionary work among the miners of England. They began the Methodist movement, so-called because they brothers were disciplined and methodical about their spiritual lives and in the way they organized the movement. John preached, and Charles wrote 6000 hymns; both communicated a passionate faith within the theological tradition of the Church of England; both remained with the church but after their deaths Methodism gained its own standing. Lutheran commemoration of Nicolaus Copernicus, teacher, 1543 He was a Polish astronomer, doctor, canon law expert and public official who developed the mathematical proofs that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the planetary system. Protestants decried his work on Biblical grounds, while Catholic resistance did not begin for seventy years until Galileo’s work occasioned it. While he was a revolutionary in science, as a canon law official he resisted religious reforms. Lutheran commemoration of Leonard Euler, teacher, 1783 Euler was a Swiss mathematician who studied to be a Protestant minister. While doing his undergraduate work, he discovered that he had more passion for mathematics than for theology, Greek and Hebrew. With his father’s blessing, he changed direction, although he remained a lifelong Christian. He is remembered as one of the most innovative and, certainly, the most prolific writer of mathematics in history. Episcopal commemoration of Jackson Kemper, First Missionary Bishop in the United States, 1870 Kemper emigrated from the Hudson Valley as the first Episcopal missionary bishop west of the settled areas. Others were slow to respond to his plea for additional priests, so he began to recruit those already living on the frontier. To that purpose he founded a college in St. Louis, and later Nashotah House and Racine College in Wisconsin, where he had become bishop. The major emphases of his ministry included a more extensive outreach to native Americans and translation of the Bible and liturgical materials into their tongues. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Marschner’s opera Hans Heiling, 1833; Henry Pruniéres (French musicologist), b. 1886; Paul Paray (French conductor & composer), b. 1886; First performance of Delius’ Sea Drift, 1906; Russell Sanjek (American writer on popular music), b. 1916; First performance of Bartók’s opera Bluebeard’s Castle, 1918; Leonard Altman (American musician & arts administrator), b. 1920; Harold Budd (American composer), b. 1936; First performance of Carter’s ballet Pocahontas, 1939; Bob Dylan (American singer & song writer), b. 1941; First performance of Britten’s arrangement of Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera, 1948; Bernard Rogers (American composer), d. 1968; First performance of Panufnik’s Universal Prayer, 1970; Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (American composer), d. 1974; Jacob Druckman (American composer), d. 1996 |
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| Fray Hortensio Felix Paravicino - Oil on canvas by El Greco (c. 1609) |
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| May 25 | Feast of the Venerable Bede
Lutheran & Episcopal commemoration of The Venerable Bede, Mystic
Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Bede the Venerable, 735 Bede was an English monk who was the first to write scholarly works in English, as well as Latin—his best known work was a history of England up to 729. He translated the Gospel of John into Old English, wrote Biblical commentaries, sermons and hymns; we still use his hymn for the Ascension, “A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing”. Astonishingly, he was aware that the earth was round and that the solar year is not exactly 365 days long. He was the first to date events Anno Domini (AD). He is called Venerable because his self-description of the faith and learning found in his writings is accurate, “I have devoted my energies to a study of the Scriptures, observing monastic discipline, and singing the daily services in church; study, teaching, and writing have always been my delight.” Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, 1607 Although Catherine de Pazzi was born into a noble family, she rejected wealth and comfort to become a Carmelite nun. Her ecstatic experiences of union with God came frequently over a five-year period and were transcribed as a safeguard against deception. Then she entered a five-year period of spiritual drought. She is remembered as an ecstatic saint whom enabled to endure spiritual and physical suffering. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating the Third Finding of the Head of John the Baptist While veneration of relics in not very high on my personal list spiritual practices, this icon reminds us that evil is a serious force in the world. We may debate whether or not it is an objective being, such as Satan, but no one can escape the fact that evil is a reality to be reckoned with. Bad things do happen to good people from death in the Holocaust to losing one’s job in corporate downsizing; we do cause harm to others by neglecting to do good whether it is national silence about oppression in the third world or personal silence when someone is being bullied. Random acts of kindness do improve the quality of life. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, 1865 The reign of terror in France began when she was ten, a time when Christian schools were suppressed and the education of girls was especially neglected. As a nun, Sophie Barat founded the Society of the Sacred Heart which focused on schools for the poor and boarding schools for young women of means. She is remembered for passing on to others the high quality education she was privileged to receive. Roman Catholic audio essay commemorating St. Gregory VII, 1085 The young monk Hildebrand was brought to Rome to assist the reform pope, Leo IX, deal with major issues related to the control of the Church by certain unscrupulous Roman families. It took thirty years, but the church finally became independent. Hildebrand became Pope Gregory VII. He is remembered as a reformer who brought the papacy back to its rightful freedom from undue secular influence. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Handel’s opera Flavio, re de’ Langobardi, 1723; Thomas Greene Bethune (African-American pianist), b. 1849; First performance of Delibes’ ballet Coppelia, 1870; First performance of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operetta H.M.S. Pinafore, 1878; Hans Joachim Moser (German musicologist, singer & teacher), b. 1889; Leo Podolsky (Russian-American pianist & educator), b. 1894; Hans Levy Heniot (American pianist & conductor), b. 1902; Miles Davis (American jazz trumpeter & composer), b. 1926; Gustav Holst (English composer), d. 1934; First performance of Blitzstein’s musical The Harpies, 1953; First performance of Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s opera Il Mercante di Venzia, 1961; First performance of Stockhausen’s opera Samstat von Licht, 1984 |
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| St. Sebastian - Oil on canvas by El Greco (1577-1578) |
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| May 26 | Feast of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Feast of St. Augustine of CanterburyFranciscan audio essay commemorating audio essay commemorating St. Augustine of Canterbury, 605? Christianity was established in the British Isles well before 300 AD. However, foreign invasions diminished the hold of the faith on those lands, so Gregory the Great sent Augustine to preach to the invaders and reinvigorate native believers. After opening stumbles and errors he eventually was so successful that he was consecrated bishop of Canterbury, and there has been an unbroken succession of Archbishops of Canterbury to this day. He is remembered for his perseverance in the work he was called to do. Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Philip Neri, 1595 In the age of a corrupt Rome and disinterested clergy, Neri combined prayer and service to the poor with an appealing personality. He was an outstanding confessor who arranged talks, discussions and prayers with penitents, excursions to other churches with music and picnics on the way. Eventually he and some followers became priests and began living in religious community, the Oratory, for which Palestrina composed music for the services. Neri is remembered for his joyful spirituality, too often considered an oxymoron. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Antonio de Cabezón (Spanish composer), d. 1566; Hans Georg Naegeli (Swiss composer & teacher), b. 1773; Sir Eugene Goossens (British composer & conductor), b. 1893; Ernst Bacon (American composer, pianist & conductor), b. 1898; First performance of Stravinsky’s opera Le Rossignol, 1914; First performance of Gershwin’s musical La, La, Lucille, 1919; Inge Borkh (German-Swiss soprano), b. 1921; Victor Herbert (Irish-American cellist & composer), d. 1924; Beverly Sills (American coloratura soprano), b. 1929; Teresa Stratas (Canadian soprano), b. 1938; William Bolcom (American composer & pianist), b. 1938; First performance of Glass’ opera Hydrogen Jukebox, 1990 |
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| Equestrian Statue - Bronze sculpture (1516-1519) by Leonardo da Vinci |
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| May 27 | Lutheran commemoration of John Calvin, renewer of the Church, 1564 Born into a staunch Roman Catholic family, Calvin wanted to become a priest. However, his father’s desire that he study law instead of theology, and the fact that he had become friends with a number of reform-minded people led eventually to his break with the Roman church. His pastoral work was done in Geneva and Strasbourg. He is remembered for developing the Reformed emphases of the Christian faith. Greek Orthodox icon commemorating John the Russian of Evia, 1730 John of Russia was captured during the Russian campaign against the Turks and sold into slavery in Asia Minor. He is remembered for serving God in piety while serving his earthly master as was necessary. < MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Jacques François Halévy (French composer), b. 1799; Joachim Raff (German composer), b. 1822; Niccoló Paganini (Italian violinist & composer), d. 1840; Louis Durey (French composer), b. 1888; Claude Champagne (Canadian composer), b. 1891; Margaret Buechner (German-American composer), b. 1922; Thea Musgrave (Scottish composer), b. 1928 |
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| Portrait of a Cardinal - Oil on wood (1510-1511) by Raphael |
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| May 28 | Franciscan audio essay commemorating St. Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes, 1645 Born in Quito, Ecuador, Mary Ann joined the Secular Franciscans, leading a life of prayer, penance, and service. She established a clinic and school in Quito for Africans and Native Americans. While nursing the sick during a plague, she contracted the disease and died. She is remembered for her courage in serving others, a courage nourished by her profound prayer life. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: First performance of Monteverdi’s opera Ariana, 1608; Josiah Flagg (American bandmaster & music publisher), b. 1737; Thomas Moore (Irish singer, poet & composer), b. 1779; Leopold Mozart (Austrian composer & Wolfgang’s father), d. 1787; Luigi Boccharini (Italian composer), d. 1805; Anton Reicha (Czech composer), d. 1836; Giovanni Sgambati (Italian composer, conductor & pianist), b. 1841; Sir George Dyson (English composer), b. 1883; Nikolai Sokoloff (Russian-American conductor & violinist), b. 1886; Walter Goehr (German composer & conductor), b. 1903; First performance of Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly, successful revised version, 1904; Tikhon Khrennikov (Soviet composer), b. 1913; Charles N. Henderson (American organist), b. 1917; First performance of Zemlinsky’s opera Der Zwerg, 1922; György Ligeti (Hungarian composer), b. 1923; Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau (German baritone), b. 1925; Peter Westergaard (American composer & music theorist), b. 1931; First performance of Hindemith’s Mathis der Maler, 1938; First performance of Torke’s Proverbs, 1993 |
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| The Music Party - Oil on wood (1626) by Rembrandt |
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| May 29 | Lutheran commemoration of Jiøi Tranovský, hymnwriter, 1637 Greek Orthodox icon commemorating St. Theodosia, Virgin-Martyr of Constantinople, 717 Theodosia was martyred for refusing the order of Emperor Leo the Isaurian to destroy Constantinople’s icons. MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Karl Milloecker (Austrian composer & conductor), b. 1842; Isaac Albéniz (Spanish composer), b. 1860; Erich Wolfgang Korngold (Austrian composer), b. 1897; Mily Balakirev (Russian composer), d. 1910; Sir William S. Gilbert (English lyricist), d. 1911; First performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, 1913; Igor Buketoff (American conductor), b. 1915; Yannis Xenakis (Greek composer), b. 1922; Benjamin Patterson (American bassist), b. 1934; Josef Suk (Czech composer), d. 1935; Michael Berkley (English composer), b. 1948; Josef Bohuslav Foerster (Czech composer), d. 1951; |
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| May 30 | MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Bach’s first cantata performance in Leipzig, 1723; Ignaz Moscheles (Bohemian composer & pianist), b. 1794; First performance of Lortzing’s opera Der Waffenschmied, 1846; Riccardo Zandonai (Italian composer), b. 1883; Beveridge Webster (American pianist & teacher), b. 1908; Benny Goodman (American clarinetist & bandmaster), b. 1909; Alfred Deller (English counter-tenor & conductor), b. 1912; Charles Ross Parmenter (Canadian music critic), b. 1912; George London (American bass), b. 1920; First performance of Stravinsky’s opera-oratorio Oedipus Rex, 1927; Pauline Oliveros (American composer), b. 1932; First performance of Piston’s ballet The Incredible Flutist, 1938; Anne LeBaron (American composer), b. 1953; First performance of Britten’s oratorio War Requiem, 1962; Marcel Dupré (French organist & composer), d. 1971; First performance of Birtwistle’s opera Gawain, 1991 |
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| Young Jew as Christ - Oil on wood (c. 1656) by Rembrandt |
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| May 31 | Feast of the Visitation Lutheran & Episcopal Feast of the VisitationFranciscan audio essay commemorating the Visitation Mary went to Judea to visit her relative, Elizabeth – soon to give birth to John who became known as the Baptist. In the meeting, Jesus causes John to leap with the joy of the Messiah’s advent, and Elizabeth, full of the Holy Spirit, sings praise for God’s work of salvation. Meeting between Mary and Elizabeth – Tempera on wood (1500-10) by M.S. Master The Visitation - Panel (1480-1500) by an Unknown Spanish MasterThe Visitation - Panel (early 16th century) by Vicente Masip MUSICAL ANNIVERSARIES TODAY: Marin Marais (French composer & vola da gambist), b. 1656; Louise Farrenc (French composer & pianist), b. 1804; Franz Joseph Haydn (Austrian composer), d. 1809; First performance of Rossini’s opera La Gazza Ladra, 1817; First performance of Puccini’s opera Le villi, 1884; Alfredo Antonini (Italian-American composer & conductor), b. 1901; Billy Strayhorn (American composer & arranger), d. 1967 |
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Three by Goya
The Madhouse - Oil on panel (1812-1814) |
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