January 19

Born in Mechelen, Faydherbe trained under the master painter and sculptor Peter Paul Rubens. He became renowned for his dynamic marble and wood sculptures that combined classical form with Baroque emotion. His notable works include the marble statue of the Virgin Mary in St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and the high altar of Mechelen’s Basilica of Our Lady. As an architect, he designed elegant churches such as the Church of Our Lady across the river, showcasing balanced proportions and ornate details. Faydherbe’s style influenced a generation of Flemish artists, blending sculptural drama with architectural harmony. He is remembered as a key figure in spreading the Baroque aesthetic in the Austrian Netherlands.

Born in Oxford, Weldon studied music under John Blow and Henry Purcell. In 1705 he was appointed organist and composer for the Chapel Royal, serving the court of Queen Anne and King George I. Weldon composed cantatas, anthems, and ceremonial odes, including works for St. Cecilia’s Day celebrations. His style blended lyrical melody with skilled counterpoint, reflecting both French and Italian influences. He contributed to the development of English Baroque church music and taught younger composers in the royal household. Weldon’s surviving manuscripts are preserved in the British Library and continue to be performed in cathedrals today.

Born near Avellino, Millico gained fame for his virtuosic soprano performances in Neapolitan opera. He created roles in works by composers such as Niccolò Jommelli and Johann Adolf Hasse. Millico composed sacred music, cantatas, and instructional treatises on singing technique. Appointed chamber singer at the Dresden court, he impressed audiences with his clarity of tone and expressive phrasing. Later in Vienna, he became a sought-after voice teacher, mentoring singers who would shape classical opera. Millico’s pedagogical writings on breath control and ornamentation remained influential into the 19th century.

Born in Rome, Bonomi studied classical architecture under the tutelage of prominent Italian masters. He moved to England in 1767 and quickly gained commissions from aristocratic patrons. Bonomi’s designs, such as Longford Hall in Shropshire and Barrells Hall in Warwickshire, feature balanced proportions and refined neoclassical details. He collaborated with landscape designers to integrate his buildings harmoniously into their park settings. Bonomi also penned essays on architectural theory, advocating a return to classical purity. His influence extended through teaching younger architects and contributing to the spread of Palladianism in Britain.

Ferdinand Laub was born in Prague in 1832 and demonstrated musical talent from a young age. He studied at the Prague Conservatory and became renowned for his rich tone and technical mastery. Laub served as concertmaster of the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and later of the Vienna Court Opera. He premiered works by composers such as Antonín Dvořák and championed Czech music across Europe. As a dedicated teacher at the Prague Conservatory, he influenced a generation of violinists. Laub’s contributions to performance and education left a lasting mark before his untimely death in 1875.

Paul Cézanne was born in Aix-en-Provence in 1839 and initially studied law before pursuing art. He befriended writer Émile Zola and enrolled at the studio of the Impressionists in Paris. Cézanne developed a distinctive style of repetitive, exploratory brushstrokes to capture form and color. He often painted Mont Sainte-Victoire, still lifes, and bathers, emphasizing structure beneath surface appearances. His analytical approach to painting influenced artists like Picasso and Matisse, shaping the modern art movement. Cézanne’s work gained wider recognition later in life and he died in 1906 after developing pneumonia.

Hermann Abendroth rose to prominence as a conductor in the early 20th century, holding posts in Lübeck, Essen, and Dortmund. He became principal conductor of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig and later led the Berlin State Opera. Abendroth was celebrated for his authoritative readings of German Romantic repertoire and support for contemporary composers. Despite the challenges of the wartime era, he maintained high artistic standards and nurtured young talent. After World War II, he became one of the founding conductors of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. He continued to record and perform until his death in 1956, leaving a rich legacy of recordings and students.

Sophie Taeuber-Arp (1889-1943) was a pioneering Swiss painter, sculptor, and textile artist. She studied at the School of Arts and Crafts in St. Gallen, mastering woodwork and embroidery techniques. As a leading figure in the Dada movement, she created abstract geometric compositions that challenged traditional art forms. Taeuber-Arp collaborated with Cabaret Voltaire, influencing avant-garde circles with her performances and puppetry. She taught at the Zurich Kunstgewerbeschule and later inspired Bauhaus artists with her multidisciplinary approach. Despite her untimely death in an accident, her innovative spirit continues to inspire artists worldwide.

Magda Tagliaferro (1893-1986) was a renowned Brazilian pianist and teacher. A child prodigy, she debuted in Paris at the age of twelve, earning acclaim for her interpretations of French and Romantic repertoire. Tagliaferro studied under Alfred Cortot and later became his assistant at the Paris Conservatoire. She toured extensively, performing works by Debussy, Ravel, and Chopin, and made numerous recordings. Passionate about education, she founded the Magda Tagliaferro School and mentored generations of pianists in Brazil. Her elegant style and pedagogical legacy have left an enduring mark on classical piano performance.

Boris Blacher (1903-1975) was a German composer and playwright celebrated for his rhythmic innovation and versatile compositional style. He studied under Franz Schreker in Berlin and quickly established himself in European musical circles. Blacher's operas and orchestral works merged traditional tonality with modern techniques, often incorporating jazz-inspired rhythms. During his career, he provided music for theater and film, demonstrating his adaptability across media. As a professor at the Berlin University of the Arts, he mentored a generation of composers. His contributions influenced post-war music and left a lasting legacy in 20th-century classical repertoire.

Dyre Vaa (1903-1980) was a prominent Norwegian sculptor and painter known for his expressive public works. He studied at the Norwegian National Academy of Fine Arts and won early acclaim for his realistic sculptures of folkloric and historical figures. Vaa's monuments, including statues commemorating Henrik Ibsen and national heroes, adorn public spaces across Norway. In painting, he favored naturalist scenes, capturing rural landscapes with keen observation. He taught at the art academy and influenced younger Norwegian artists through his dedication to national themes. Vaa's work bridges traditional craftsmanship and modern sensibilities, making him a significant figure in Norwegian art history.

Ish Kabibble (1908-1994), born Merwyn Bogue, was an American comedian and cornetist famous for his comic persona. He rose to fame as a member of Kay Kyser's big band during the 1930s and 1940s, delighting audiences with musical comedy routines. Kabibble's trademark cornet solos, delivered with playful humor, made him a standout act on radio programs and in films. After serving in World War II, he continued entertaining on stage and television, often appearing with notable orchestras. He kept his stage name and enjoyed a career resurgence in nostalgia tours later in life. Kabibble's blend of music and humor contributed to the golden age of American variety entertainment.