January 07

Adam Krieger (1634–1666) was a pioneering figure in the development of the German Lied during the early Baroque period. Serving as court organist in Dresden, he composed over 200 songs combining expressive melody with clear harmonies. His 1657 song collection influenced later composers such as Heinrich Schütz and Johann Sebastian Bach. Krieger’s works popularized vernacular music in Protestant worship and courtly settings. Though his life was brief, his songs remained in the repertoire for generations and shaped the future of German art song.

Giovanni Battista Locatelli (1713–1785) directed and managed opera companies across Europe, shaping the production and repertoire of Baroque opera. He collaborated with leading composers and singers to stage innovative performances in Venice, Vienna, and Warsaw. Locatelli introduced advanced scenography techniques, enhancing visual storytelling on stage. His entrepreneurial acumen balanced artistic excellence with financial success, expanding opera’s audience. He left a legacy in opera management, influencing how productions were organized and marketed throughout the continent.

Born in Germany and raised in New York, Bierstadt studied art in Düsseldorf before traveling to the United States to capture the vast landscapes of the West. He joined government-sponsored surveys and expeditions to the Rocky Mountains, producing large-scale paintings that combined dramatic lighting and meticulous detail. As a leading member of the Hudson River School, his works appealed to audiences eager to see visions of the frontier. Bierstadt's exhibitions in major cities drew acclaim and high prices, although critics sometimes saw his scenes as romanticized. His paintings influenced public perceptions of the American wilderness and westward expansion. Today, his work is celebrated for its technical skill and its role in shaping 19th-century landscape art.

William Hurlstone studied at the Royal College of Music under Charles Villiers Stanford and Hubert Parry before gaining recognition for his richly melodic compositions, including piano miniatures, chamber music, and orchestral suites. His work reflects the late-Romantic tradition, and pieces like the Piano Quintet in F minor have been praised for their emotional depth. Tragically, Hurlstone’s promising career was cut short by tuberculosis, and he died at age 30, leaving a small but cherished body of work.

Al Bowlly was born in Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) in 1898 and moved to London as a child. He became one of Britain’s most popular dance-band vocalists during the 1930s, recording hits such as 'Love Is the Sweetest Thing' and 'A Garden in the Rain.' Known for his warm tone and expressive delivery, Bowlly captivated audiences across Europe. His life was tragically cut short when he was killed during a Luftwaffe air raid in London in 1941.

Born into a wealthy Parisian family in 1899, Francis Poulenc became associated with Les Six, a collective of composers seeking a fresh, modern French style. His diverse oeuvre includes chamber music, choral works, ballets, and operas such as 'Dialogues of the Carmelites.' Poulenc’s music is celebrated for its lyrical charm, wit, and emotional depth, often blending sacred and secular influences. He continued to compose and perform throughout his life until his death in 1963.

Born in 1900, John Brownlee rose to prominence as a leading baritone at the Metropolitan Opera. He made his company debut in 1926 and went on to perform more than 500 roles by Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini. Renowned for his rich, expressive voice and stage presence, he also appeared in operatic films and concert broadcasts. His extensive recordings captured the essence of mid-20th-century opera performance. After retiring in 1946, he dedicated himself to teaching and gave masterclasses worldwide. Brownlee died in 1969, remembered as one of Australia's greatest vocal talents.

Henry 'Red' Allen was born in 1908 in New Orleans and became a prominent figure in early jazz. He played with Fletcher Henderson's band in the late 1920s, helping to shape the swing era. Allen's powerful tone, inventive phrasing, and vocal performances set him apart from his contemporaries. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, he led his own bands and recorded extensively, leaving a rich discography. He collaborated with legends like Louis Armstrong and Coleman Hawkins, contributing to evolving jazz styles. Allen passed away in 1967, leaving a lasting impact on the development of American jazz trumpet.

Charles Addams was born in 1912 in Westfield, New Jersey, and began contributing cartoons to The New Yorker in 1932. His darkly humorous style introduced macabre characters and settings, gaining a loyal following. In 1938, he debuted the Addams Family, a quirky clan who embodied a playful subversion of domestic life. The cartoons inspired television and film adaptations that became cultural touchstones worldwide. Addams' work spanned over five decades, influencing generations of illustrators and humorists. He passed away in 1988, but his creations remain iconic in popular culture.

Jean-Pierre Rampal was born in Marseille, France and studied at the Conservatoire de Paris. He won first prize at age 16 and launched a solo career that broke new ground for the flute repertoire. Rampal performed worldwide with leading orchestras, expanding the instrument’s scope with baroque, classical, and contemporary works. He made numerous acclaimed recordings, including collaborations with harpsichordist Gustav Leonhardt and pianist Lily Laskine. Rampal founded the Festival de Flaine and the Orchestre de Chambre Jean-François Paillard. As a teacher, he influenced generations of flutists through masterclasses and his published method books. He was awarded the French Légion d’honneur and multiple Grammy Awards for his recordings. Rampal passed away in 2000, remembered as one of the greatest flutists of the 20th century.

Robert Juniper was a leading figure in Australian landscape painting whose career spanned over six decades. He studied at the North Adelaide School of Arts and began exhibiting his work in the 1950s. Juniper's work is known for its vibrant colors and abstract interpretations of the Australian bush, often reflecting a deep connection to the natural environment. He received numerous awards including the Belmont Prize in Germany and the Redcliffe Award. In addition to painting, Juniper created sculptures and designed public artworks across Australia. His legacy continues through major collections in galleries and museums nationwide before his death in 2012.

Kenny Davern was a celebrated jazz musician whose robust clarinet sound defined a traditional jazz revival in the 1960s and beyond. He began his career in the Dixieland scene, performing with groups like the Dukes of Dixieland and the World's Greatest Jazz Band. Davern was admired for his technical skill, improvisational flair, and deep knowledge of early jazz idioms. Over his career, he recorded numerous albums as a bandleader and collaborated with jazz greats such as Jack Teagarden and Dick Sudhalter. In addition to clarinet, he occasionally played saxophone, demonstrating versatile musicianship. Davern's dedication to traditional jazz earned him critical acclaim and a loyal following until his death in 2006.