January 12

Giacomo Carissimi (1605–1674) was one of the most influential composers of the early Baroque era. He served as maestro di cappella at the Collegio Germanico in Rome and taught composition to noble students. Carissimi wrote over 70 oratorios and numerous cantatas that expanded the expressiveness of vocal music. His sacred works, including masses and motets, were celebrated for their emotional depth and clarity. Through his teaching and compositions, he left a lasting legacy that influenced generations of European composers.

John Eccles (1668–1735) was a leading composer of the English Baroque, serving as the Master of the King’s Musick under Queen Anne. He composed music for stage plays by William Congreve and John Dryden, blending expressive melodies with dramatic flair. Eccles also wrote church music, odes, and instrumental suites, demonstrating versatility across genres. His work for court masques and royal ceremonies showcased his skill in ceremonial composition. Though many of his manuscripts were lost, surviving works highlight his craftsmanship and influence on English music of the early 18th century.

Johann Melchior Molter (1696–1765) was a prolific composer and virtuoso violinist who worked at the courts of Karlsruhe and Eisenach. He wrote over 100 orchestral concertos, many featuring solo violin and horns, reflecting the bright and spirited style of the late Baroque. Molter also produced chamber music, sacred cantatas, and vocal works that were performed at court chapels and public concerts. His inventive melodies and technical demands for soloists contributed to the evolving concerto form. While less famous than Bach or Vivaldi, Molter’s music exemplifies the rich tapestry of early 18th-century German Baroque.

Born in 1866, Gervase Elwes became one of England's leading tenors, renowned for his rich tone and expressive delivery. He championed contemporary composers and helped popularize British art songs and oratorios. Elwes regularly performed at the Queen's Hall and collaborated with composers like Gabriel Fauré and Edward Elgar. In addition to his singing career, he made appearances as an actor, showcasing his stage presence. His tragic death in 1921, when he fell under a train, shocked the music world and inspired memorial concerts. Elwes's legacy endures through recordings and the artists he influenced.

Paul Kochanski was born in 1887 and studied under prominent teachers like Henri Marteau and Eugène Ysaÿe. He was a close collaborator of Karol Szymanowski, premiering the composer's Violin Concerto No. 1. Kochanski's performances were celebrated for their technical brilliance and deep musicality. He held teaching positions at the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute, influencing a generation of violinists. In addition to performing, he arranged and published critical editions of violin works by Bach and others. Kochanski died in New York in 1934, remembered as a key figure in early 20th-century violin performance.

Oscar Florianus Bluemner was born in 1867 in Braunschweig, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in 1885. He initially worked as an architectural draftsman before fully dedicating himself to painting. Bluemner's work is characterized by bold color contrasts, simplified forms, and expressive brushwork. He exhibited at the National Academy of Design and became a part of the American modernist movement. In addition to painting, he wrote essays on art theory and contributed illustrations to various publications. Bluemner's legacy endures in major museum collections and through his influence on American avant-garde art.

Henri-Georges Clouzot earned acclaim as one of France’s foremost directors of psychological thrillers. His 1953 film 'The Wages of Fear' won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and remains a masterclass in tension. In 1955, he directed 'Les Diaboliques,' a chilling story of betrayal that influenced the modern horror genre. Clouzot's meticulous craftsmanship combined atmospheric cinematography with moral complexity. Originally an art critic and screenwriter, he brought a sharp visual style and narrative economy to his films. Despite health setbacks later in life, his cinematic innovations continue to inspire filmmakers around the world.

Born in 1924, Kumar Gandharva overcame childhood tuberculosis to develop a distinctive singing style that broke with convention. He explored rare and folk melodies within the Hindustani classical tradition, fusing them with established ragas to create fresh musical expressions. His improvisational approach and mastery of rhythm earned him critical acclaim and a devoted audience. Gandharva was honored with India’s highest musical awards, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Padma Bhushan. He also collaborated with musicologists to preserve and revive ancient compositions. His legacy continues to inspire generations of classical musicians in India and beyond.

Marc Davis was born in Bakersfield, California and became one of Walt Disney's core animators, known as the 'Nine Old Men'. He contributed to landmark films including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Mary Poppins. Davis also served as a story writer and screenwriter on features such as The Jungle Book. His distinctive character designs brought to life icons like Tinker Bell and Cruella de Vil. Over a career spanning five decades, he influenced generations of animators before retiring in the 1980s.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Bonfá was a key figure in the development of bossa nova music in the 1950s and 60s. He composed the iconic song 'Manhã de Carnaval' for the 1959 film Black Orpheus, which gained international acclaim. Throughout his career, he released numerous albums blending jazz and Brazilian rhythms. Bonfá collaborated with artists worldwide and toured extensively in Europe and the United States. His melodic guitar style and compositions continue to influence musicians in jazz and world music genres.

Born on the Isle of Man, Maurice Gibb moved with his family to Australia and began performing at a young age. Together with brothers Barry and Robin, he formed the Bee Gees and achieved global success in the 1960s and 70s. Gibb played bass guitar, keyboards, and provided harmony vocals for hits like 'Stayin' Alive' and 'How Deep Is Your Love'. He co-produced albums and collaborated with artists such as Jimmy Ruffin and Diana Ross. Maurice was admired for his melodic bass lines and versatile musicianship. He continued to perform and record until his sudden death from a heart condition in 2003.

Pablita Velarde was a pioneering Native American artist who brought Pueblo traditions to the fine art world. Her vivid paintings and screen prints captured daily life, ceremonies, and landscapes of her Santa Clara community. A recipient of Guggenheim and Ford Foundation fellowships, she held solo exhibitions across the United States. Velarde also taught art workshops and inspired young Native artists to explore their cultural heritage through painting. Her work remains a treasured record of Pueblo history and visual storytelling.