Dec 22 Ernst Casimir I, count of Nassau-Dietz and Stadtholder of Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe, born in Dillenburg, Germany (d. 1632) Dec 31 Giulio Cesare Monteverdi, Italian organist and composer (Deh chi tace il bel pensero), baptized in Cremona, Italy (d. 1630 or 31) 1572 Famous Birthdays by Year 1574