Boccherini, Luigi b. February 19, 1743 d. May 28, 1805 Composer, Cellist. A very popular musician of his era, he was influential in bringing the cello to prominence as both a solo and chamber instrument. The "Minuet" from his String Quintet in E, Op. 11, No. 5 (1775), is one of the most familiar melodies in all Classical music. Luigi Rodolfo Boccherini was born in Lucca, Italy, the son of a doublebass player. He perfected his virtuoso skills as a cellist at St. Peter's in Rome and then went on extensive concert tours of Europe, accompanied by...[Read More] (Bio by: Robert Edwards) Chiesa di San Francesco, Lucca, Provincia di Lucca, Toscana, Italy
Geminiani, Francesco b. December 5, 1687 d. September 17, 1762 Violinist, Composer, Theorist. One of the formeost violinists of his era, he broadened the expressive range of his instrument and established techniques that are still used today. He is probably best remembered for "The Art of Playing on the Violin" (1751), the first guidebook intended for professional musicians; in addition he wrote five influential treatises on harmony and guitar playing. His books are crucial to modern understanding of Baroque musical practice. Geminiani was born in Lucca...[Read More] (Bio by: Robert Edwards) Chiesa di San Francesco, Lucca, Provincia di Lucca, Toscana, Italy
Puccini, Giacomo b. December 22, 1858 d. November 29, 1924 Operatic Composer. Born into a family of church musicians, Giacomo Puccini received his formal training at Milan Conservatory. He wrote his first opera, "Le Villi", in 1884, earning a working agreement with Italian publishing house Ricordi. His best known works include "Manon Lescaut" (1893), "La Boheme" (1896), "Tosca" (1900), "Madma Butterfly" (1904), the American-set "The Girl of the Golden West" (1910), "La Rondine" (1917), "Il Trittico" (1918) and the posthumous "Turandot" (1926)...[Read More] (Bio by: Stuthehistoryguy) Puccini Estate Grounds, Torre del Lago, Provincia di Lucca, Toscana, Italy Plot: Private Chapel of His Home
Richard the Pilgrim d. February 7, 722 Roman Catholic Saint. A native of Wessex in England where he fathered at least three children, all of whom were canonized in their own right; Ss. Walpurga, Winebald, and Willibald. He and his sons embarked on pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land about 721. They sailed for the western coast of France where they had a long stay at Rouen, and he then made his devotions in most of the shrines on their route through France. In Lucca, Italy he fell ill, died suddenly, and was buried at the church of...[Read More] (Bio by: Iola) San Frediano, Lucca, Provincia di Lucca, Toscana, Italy
Saint Zita b. 1218 d. April 27, 1272 Roman Catholic Saint. She spent her whole life as a servant but always gave what she could to those in need. Zita sometimes took from her employers to give to the poor but was never caught as any evidence of theft always turned to flowers. Her Feast day is April 27th. (Bio by: girlofcelje (inactive)) San Frediano, Lucca, Provincia di Lucca, Toscana, Italy
b. February 19, 1743 d. May 28, 1805
