Birthdays in Music Jan 5 Henry Lawes, English composer, born in Dinton, United Kingdom (d. 1662) Dec 3 Nicolo Amati, Italian violin maker (Stradivari & Guarneri), born in Cremona, Italy (d. 1684) Deaths in Music May 6 Giaches de Wert, Flemish composer (b. 1535) Dec 27 Pietro Pontio, Italian composer (Ragionamento di Musica), dies at 64 1595 Music History by Year 1597