February 02

Born in 1669 in Lyon, Louis Marchand was hailed as a prodigy for his exceptional talent on the organ and harpsichord. He held prestigious posts, including organist of the King's Chapel in Versailles and at Saint-Jacques-la-Boucherie in Paris. Marchand was renowned for his improvisation skills, captivating audiences with intricate ornamentation and expressive flourishes. He published influential collections of harpsichord suites and organ pieces that exemplified the grandeur of the French Baroque style. Anecdotal accounts of a celebrated musical contest—possibly with Domenico Scarlatti—have contributed to his legendary status. Marchand's compositions influenced later generations of keyboard composers and remain staples of the Baroque repertoire. He died in 1732, leaving behind a legacy of artistry that helped define French keyboard music in the Age of Enlightenment.

Born in 1677, Jean-Baptiste Morin became an influential figure in the royal music establishments of France. He composed operas and ballets for the Académie Royale de Musique, including popular works such as 'Ariane et Bacchus'. Morin’s style blended the melodic grace of Italian opera with the refined elegance of French tragédie en musique. He collaborated with leading librettists and helped advance the theatrical and musical tastes of Louis XIV’s court. In addition to stage works, he wrote motets and chamber pieces that showcased his skill in counterpoint and orchestration. Morin maintained his royal appointments until his death in 1745, leaving a catalog of works that contributed to the richness of French Baroque opera.

Gottfried August Homilius (1714–1785) was an influential German organist, cantor, and composer of the late Baroque era. As Thomaskantor in Dresden, he led choirs and composed numerous motets, Passions, and cantatas characterized by expressive melodies and rich harmonies. His works bridged the Baroque and Classical styles, reflecting both contrapuntal mastery and emerging gallant elements. Homilius published his organ works widely, enhancing the instrument's liturgical role. He was revered for his pedagogical skills, mentoring a generation of musicians. Today, his sacred music continues to be performed in churches and concerts across Europe.

José Guadalupe Posada (1851-1913) was a Mexican printmaker celebrated for his politically charged illustrations. He popularized the image of calaveras (skulls) in satirical broadsheets critiquing social and political issues. His most famous creation, La Catrina, has become an enduring symbol of Día de los Muertos. Posada’s work influenced the Mexican muralists and the visual language of popular art. Today, his prints remain a touchstone for artists exploring social commentary.

Makar Yekmalyan (1856-1905) was a pioneering Armenian composer and educator. He studied in St. Petersburg and specialized in choral and liturgical music. His setting of the Armenian chant collection Shiravli is considered a masterpiece of sacred music. Yekmalyan taught at the Gevorgian Theological Seminary, shaping future generations of musicians. His efforts helped revive and elevate Armenian national music traditions.

Jan Drozdowski (1857-1918) was a distinguished Polish pianist and pedagogue. He studied at the Leipzig Conservatory and gained acclaim for his interpretations of Chopin. As a professor at the Kraków Conservatory, he mentored many future virtuosos. Drozdowski published pioneering pedagogical works on piano technique and interpretation. His teaching legacy helped establish the Polish piano school as a major European force.

Enrique Simonet (1866–1927) was a Spanish painter celebrated for his realistic portrayals of biblical, historical, and everyday life scenes. Trained at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando in Madrid, he traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from Orientalist and naturalist movements. His notable works include “Flevit super illam” and “The Judgment of Paris.” As a professor, he influenced a generation of Spanish artists, and his blend of academic precision with emotional depth deeply impacted early 20th-century Spanish art.

Leo Fall (1873–1925) was an Austrian composer renowned for his contributions to the Silver Age of Viennese operetta. His works, such as “Die Dollarprinzessin” and “Madame Pompadour,” achieved international acclaim for their memorable melodies and charming orchestration. A contemporary of Franz Lehár, Fall collaborated with leading librettists and saw his operettas performed across Europe and the United States. As a teacher and mentor, he influenced younger composers, and his operettas continue to be cherished for their elegance and wit.

Fritz Kreisler (1875–1962) was an Austrian-born violin virtuoso and composer who captivated audiences worldwide with his warm tone and expressive phrasing. After early successes in Europe, he emigrated to the United States, becoming a citizen in 1915. Kreisler's compositions, including “Liebesleid” and “Liebesfreud,” remain beloved, and his performances set enduring standards in violin playing. He collaborated with leading orchestras and conductors, made influential recordings, and taught at the Curtis Institute of Music, shaping future generations of violinists.

Robert Philipp (1895-1981) was a distinguished American painter celebrated for his impressionistic approach to portraiture and still life. Trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, he developed a style that blended soft, luminous brushwork with a vibrant color palette. Philipp’s subjects ranged from elegant female portraits to rich, textured floral arrangements, capturing mood and atmosphere with refined technique. He taught at the Art Students League of New York, influencing generations of artists through his emphasis on observation and color harmony. His works were exhibited widely, including at the National Academy of Design and galleries across the United States. Philipp received multiple awards and honors, cementing his standing in American art history. Today, his paintings are held in both private collections and museums, admired for their beauty and technical mastery.

Jascha Heifetz was born in 1901 in Vilnius and gave his first concert at the age of seven. He emigrated to the United States in 1917 and quickly became a sensation with his debut at Carnegie Hall. Renowned for his precision, speed, and emotional depth, he toured the world for over five decades. He made pioneering recordings that set new standards for violin performance. Heifetz also taught at the University of Southern California, mentoring a generation of violinists. His interpretations of both classical and contemporary works have had a lasting impact on the violin repertoire.

Burton Lane was born in New York City in 1912 and began composing music for films in the 1930s. He gained acclaim with his first film score and went on to write memorable melodies for Hollywood and Broadway. Lane's notable works include the musical Finian's Rainbow and the song cycle for On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. He collaborated with lyricists such as E.Y. Harburg and Alan Jay Lerner, creating songs that became standards. Throughout his career, he also discovered and mentored emerging talents, including Judy Garland. Lane left an enduring legacy in American musical theatre and cinema before his death in 1997.