27.02.23

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air by Will Smith and Quincy Jones

14th March 1933 is the birthday of someone hugely important to the music world: Quincy Jones. He has worked with many artists including Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Count Basie and Miles Davis. Quincy Jones composed the music for this track, The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, whilst Will Smith wrote the lyrics and performed the song under his stage name "The Fresh Prince".

06.03.23

The Click Song by Miriam Makeba

"Mama Africa" was born on 4th March 1932. Aside from her music, she was known as a civil rights activist, working with the UN amongst others in the quest to end apartheid.

13.03.23

Spring' from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi

Vivaldi was born on 4th March 1678, in the spring! A fitting choice for his birthday, and one of his most famous works.

20.03.23

Toccata and Fugue in D minor for organ by Johann Sebastian Bach

Bach's exact birthday is not certain, although it was definitely in March 1685. Some say 21st some say 31st! He was a prolific composer and believed by many to be the most important for in developing how we feel and hear harmony.

27.03.23

Miserere mei, Deus by Gregorio Allegri

This haunting choral work by Gregorio Allegri sets the Latin text of Miserere mei, Deus (in fact the piece’s full title) from Psalm 51 to music for two choirs.

It’s not certain when Allegri’s Miserere was composed, but we know it was during the reign of Pope Urban VIIII, probably during the 1630s. It would have been used for services in the Sistine Chapel on Holy Wednesday and Good Friday of Holy Week.