Here are 2 famous musicians from Italy died at 50:
Francesco Bussone da Carmagnola (April 5, 1382 Carmagnola-May 5, 1432) a.k.a. the Carmagnola or Count of Carmagnola was an Italian mercenary.
Francesco Bussone da Carmagnola began his career in the military as a loyal servant of the Duke of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti. He rose to prominence quickly and became a trusted advisor and commander in the Visconti army. However, in 1412, he switched sides and joined forces with the Venetians, who were in conflict with Milan.
Bussone proved to be a skilled leader, and he was able to secure several victories for Venice, including the capture of Verona. He was rewarded for his efforts with the title of Count of Carmagnola and was given land and property in the Venetian Republic.
However, Bussone's relationship with Venice began to deteriorate, and he was eventually accused of treason and arrested in 1431. He was brought before a tribunal and ultimately found guilty. Bussone was sentenced to death by beheading, and the sentence was carried out the following year.
Despite his gruesome end, Bussone is remembered as an accomplished military leader who played a significant role in the conflicts between Milan and Venice during the early 15th century.
Bussone was born into a noble family in Carmagnola, a town in the Piedmont region of Italy. Little is known about his early life or family background. He first came to prominence as a soldier and military commander under Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan. It was during his time under Visconti that Bussone honed his skills as a military strategist and leader.
As a mercenary, Bussone was known for his quick thinking and tactical abilities, as well as his willingness to switch sides if it meant gaining an advantage. His decision to join forces with the Venetians was a major turning point in the conflicts between Milan and Venice, and helped to tip the scales in favor of the latter.
Following his capture and execution, Bussone's name became synonymous with treachery and betrayal in Venetian lore. However, some historians have argued that his actions were motivated by a desire for personal gain, rather than a lack of loyalty or patriotism.
Despite the controversy surrounding his career and legacy, Bussone is widely regarded as one of Italy's most talented military commanders of the early Renaissance era. His life and career continue to be studied by military historians and scholars to this day.
He died in decapitation.
Read more about Francesco Bussone da Carmagnola on Wikipedia »
Baldassare Castiglione (December 6, 1478 Mantua-February 2, 1529 Toledo) also known as Baldassarre Castiglione or Baldesar Castiglione was an Italian writer and diplomat.
He is best known for his book "The Book of the Courtier" (Il Cortegiano), which was published in 1528 and became a seminal work of the Renaissance period. The book offers an idealistic portrayal of the perfect courtier, discussing various traits and skills necessary to be a perfect member of a royal court.
Castiglione was born into a noble family and received a humanist education. He served as a diplomat for the Gonzaga family in Mantua and later for the Duke of Urbino. He was also a close friend of artists such as Raphael and Titian, and he wrote several poems and plays that are still studied today.
In addition to his diplomatic and artistic pursuits, Castiglione was also a patron of the arts and was known for his expansive art collection. He died in Toledo while serving as ambassador to the court of Charles V.
Castiglione's influence extended beyond his literary and artistic contributions, as his diplomatic career was notable for his role in mediating between the Pope and Venice during a time of conflict. He also published other works, including a collection of sonnets titled "Rime" that was dedicated to his wife, and a play called "Tirsi."Castiglione's "The Book of the Courtier" had a significant impact on the cultural and social thinking of the time, as it presented an idealized vision of the Renaissance court culture that became a model for courtiers throughout Europe. It is still widely read and studied today as a seminal work on Renaissance humanism and etiquette.
Read more about Baldassare Castiglione on Wikipedia »