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384–322 BC
A Greek philosopher and scientist who profoundly influenced Western thought. He founded his school, the Lyceum, around 335 BC. -
Year: 1st or 2nd century AD Place of origin: Asia Minor (Turkey) Content: A poem alluding to the transience of life, often translated as:´´While you live,shine; do not grieve at all; life is short, and Time exacts its toll´´ -
Gregorian chant is a form of liturgical music that developed in the Catholic Church during the Early Middle Ages, between the 9th and 10th centuries. Its name is due to Pope Gregory I. Although he did not personally compose the chants, his influence was such that his name became associated with this musical collection. Gregorian chant is monophonic, that is, a single melodic line without instrumental accompaniment, and it is sung in Latin. -
Guido of Arezzo was born in Arezzo, Italy, around the year 991 or 992. He trained at the Benedictine Abbey of Pomposa, where he began to develop his ideas on musical notation. His interest in music and his dedication to singing led him to become a central figure in the musical theory of his time. -
1098–1179
A 12th-century German nun, mystic, and composer, Hildegard was known for her theological, scientific, and musical works. Her hymns and liturgical chants reflect deep spirituality and an innovative medieval approach to composition. -
A 12th-century troubadour from Occitania, he was one of the most influential poets in the tradition of courtly love. His lyrics convey the themes of chivalric love with delicate sensitivity, influencing later troubadour poetry. -
Léonin, also known as Magister Leoninus, was a prominent composer and music teacher of the 12th century, especially in the context of the Notre Dame School in Paris. His work, the Magnus liber organi, is fundamental for understanding the development of vocal polyphony in medieval music. Léonin was ordained a priest at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 1192 and is recognized for his contribution to sacred music and his role in the evolution of vocal polyphony. -
Was a French composer of medieval music, born around the year 1160 and died in 1230. He is considered one of the most important exponents of the Notre Dame School of Paris, where the polyphonic style began to develop. His legacy includes works such as "Viderunt Omnes," a four-voice organum, and "Salvatoris Hodie," a three-voice organum. His music continues to be studied and admired for its complexity and beauty, and his influence on the evolution of polyphonic music is undeniable. -
The history of Ars Antiqua dates back to the late Middle Ages, approximately between 1170 and 1310. This period encompasses the development of the Notre Dame School of polyphony and the motet, a highly varied choral musical composition. Ars Antiqua is generally limited to sacred and/or polyphonic music, excluding the secular monophonic songs of troubadours and trouvères. -
1221 – 1284
King of Castile, León, and Galicia. He was not a composer, but he was the patron and possible co-author of the Cantigas de Santa María, one of the most important collections of monophonic music from the Middle Ages.
3. Guillaume de Machaut -
1300 – 1377
French composer and poet of the Ars Nova movement. He was one of the most important figures of the 14th century. He is famous for being the first composer to write a complete Mass by a single author, the Messe de Nostre Dame. -
Ars Nova was a musical style that flourished in the 14th century, mainly in France and Italy. This movement emerged as a reaction to and development of Ars Antiqua, which had dominated the musical scene in the 13th century. Ars Nova was not just a stylistic change, but a revolution in musical theory and practice, laying the foundations for the development of Western music in the centuries to come. -
1325 – 1397
Italian composer, organist, singer, and poet, the most famous of the Italian Trecento (late Middle Ages). Much of his work consists of secular ballades. -
1400–1468
German inventor and printer who created the movable-type printing press. -
1412–1431
A French heroine who led French forces during the Hundred Years’ War. In 1429, she helped lift the Siege of Orléans. -
1451–1506
An Italian explorer who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1492, he reached the Americas, opening the way for European exploration. -
1468–1529
Spanish poet, playwright, and composer; considered a founder of Spanish secular drama. -
1483–1546
German theologian, reformer, and author of hymns; initiated the Protestant Reformation. -
In 1492, Cristobal Colón financed by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, sailed west in search of a new route to Asia. Instead, he arrived at lands unknown to Europe, which would come to be known as the American continent. This transformed the cultures, economies, and societies around the world, marking the beginning of an era of exploration and intercultural encounters. Columbus's curiosity, bravery, and perseverance marked one of the most significant events in history, the discovery of America. -
1500–1553
Spanish Renaissance composer known for his sacred polyphonic works, highly respected across Europe. -
1510–1566
Spanish Renaissance composer and organist, one of the most important early keyboard composers. -
1525–1594
Italian Renaissance composer, master of sacred polyphony and central figure of Roman church music. -
1532–1594
Franco-Flemish composer, one of the most versatile and influential musicians of the late Renaissance. -
1532–1585
Italian composer and organist of the Venetian School, influential in early choral and instrumental music. -
1544–1590
Italian composer, singer, and lutenist; first woman in history to have music printed and published. -
1547–1616
A Spanish writer best known for “Don Quijote,” published in 1605 (Part I). -
1548–1611
Spanish composer and Catholic priest, leading figure of Counter-Reformation sacred music. -
1554–1612
Italian composer (Andrea’s nephew), pioneer of antiphonal music and early Baroque styles at St Mark’s Basilica. -
1566–1613
Italian nobleman and composer noted for his intensely expressive, chromatic madrigals. -
Claudio Monteverdi
1567 – 1643
Italian composer, viol player, and priest, a crucial figure in the transition between the Renaissance and the Baroque. He is considered the father of modern opera (L'Orfeo). -
Giacomo Carissimo
1605 – 1674
Italian composer, considered one of the main innovators of the Latin oratorio. His vocal music, characterized by clarity and lyricism, influenced later composers. -
1619 – 1677
Italian composer and singer. She was one of the few professional women to publish her own works. She is noted for her secular cantatas and arias, written in a very expressive and innovative style. -
Stradivarius (Antonio Stradivari)
1644 – 1737
Not a composer. His real name was Antonio Stradivari. He was a famous and skilled Italian craftsman who made some of the finest violins, violas, cellos, and other string instruments in history. -
Henry Purcell
1659 – 1695
English composer, considered the most important English composer before the 20th century. His work combines the English tradition with continental techniques, notably in operas (Dido and Aeneas) and incidental music. -
1678 – 1741
Italian composer and violinist, nicknamed "The Red Priest." He is a central figure of the Baroque era, known primarily for his instrumental concertos, especially The Four Seasons. -
George Philipp Telemann
1681 – 1767
German composer and multi-instrumentalist, he was one of the most prolific and famous musicians of his era. He composed sacred music, operas, and a vast amount of chamber and orchestral music. -
1685 – 1750
German composer, organist, harpsichordist, and violinist. He is considered one of the greatest masters of music of all time. His vast body of work covers all the genres of his time, with the exception of opera. -
1685 – 1759
German-born composer who became a naturalized British subject. He is famous for his operas, oratorios (such as Messiah), and ceremonial music. He was a contemporary of Bach. -
1769–1821
A French military leader who became Emperor of the French. His rise to power began in 1799 with the Coup of 18 Brumaire. -
1879–1955
A German-born physicist known for developing the theory of relativity. He published his groundbreaking equation
𝐸=𝑚𝑐2E=mc2 in 1905. -
1918–2013
South African leader who helped end apartheid and became president. -
Born 1936
A Spanish businessman and founder of Inditex (Zara). He established Zara’s first store in 1975. -
1969
On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the Moon. -
Born 1986
A Spanish professional tennis player, considered one of the greatest in history. He won his first French Open title in 2005. -
1989
The Berlin Wall opened in 1989 after public protests. By 1990, the wall was mostly removed, leading to German reunification. -
2001
On September 11, 2001, al-Qaeda carried out terrorist attacks in the U.S., destroying the Twin Towers and killing thousands. The event began and ended on the same day. -
2004
On March 11, 2004, coordinated bomb attacks struck commuter trains in Madrid, causing 193 deaths. The event happened in a single day. -
2019
The COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019 in China and spread worldwide, causing major health and economic disruptions. Vaccines reduced the impact, and by 2023 most countries ended emergency measures. -
began in 2022
A major conflict that started in February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. -
The Spanish national football team was crowned champion of Euro 2024, achieving their fourth continental title by defeating England 2-1 in the final.
Summary of Euro 2024
Date and Location: Euro 2024 was held in Germany from June 14 to July 14, 2024.
Spain's goals were scored by Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Champion: With this victory, Spain became the most successful team in Euro history, reaching their fourth title, after having won in 1964, 2008, and 2012.