February 11

Egidio Duni gained fame in Italy before moving to Paris and sharing his compositions there. He wrote both opera seria and opera buffa, influencing the evolution of French opéra comique. His melodious tunes and dramatic structures were admired by contemporaries and students alike. Duni's work helped pave the way for future composers in the Classical era. He left behind a varied catalog of stage works that reflect the transitional tastes of the mid-18th century.

Hans Bronsart von Schellendorff was a 19th-century Prussian musician and composer. He studied piano under Franz Liszt in Weimar and became a close associate of the composer. Bronsart wrote a celebrated Piano Concerto in B-flat major and composed chamber music and orchestral works. He served as a court pianist and conductor in Weimar, promoting contemporary composers of his time. As a teacher, he influenced a generation of pianists with his virtuosic technique and musical insight. His compositions reflect the Romantic spirit and the Lisztian piano tradition.

Ellen Day Hale was born in 1855 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. She studied at the Boston Museum School and the Académie Julian in Paris under masters of Impressionism. Hale exhibited her work at major institutions including the Paris Salon and the National Academy of Design. Her delicate portraits and landscapes are praised for their subtle use of color and light. She also wrote essays advocating for women's professional opportunities in the art world. As one of the first American women to gain recognition in Europe, she paved the way for future generations of artists. Hale continued to create and teach until her death in 1940.

Elsa Beskow was born in 1874 in Stockholm, Sweden, and became one of the country's most popular children's book creators. She wrote and illustrated over 40 books, including classics like Peter in Blueberry Land and Aunt Green, Aunt Brown, and Aunt Lavender. Her watercolor illustrations and gentle storytelling celebrated rural life and the natural world. Beskow's art school background influenced her distinctive use of color and composition. Her works have been translated into multiple languages and remain widely read. The Elsa Beskow House museum in Sundborn preserves her legacy and original art. She passed away in 1953, leaving a rich heritage of illustrations that continue to inspire.

Carlo Carrà was born in 1881 in Quargnento, Italy, and began his career as a Futurist artist alongside artists like Umberto Boccioni. He contributed to the 1910 Futurist Manifesto and created dynamic works celebrating modernity and movement. After World War I, Carrà shifted toward the Metaphysical style with Giorgio de Chirico, producing dreamlike paintings that influenced Surrealism. In the 1920s and 1930s he explored classicism, integrating traditional composition and mythological themes. Carrà taught at art academies in Venice and Milan, shaping future generations of artists. His versatility and innovation made him one of Italy's most important 20th-century painters. He died in 1966, leaving a diverse and influential body of work.

Arne Jacobsen studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and emerged as a leading proponent of functionalist design. He designed the SAS Royal Hotel (now Radisson Blu Royal Hotel) in Copenhagen, creating the building, interiors, and signature furniture such as the Egg and Swan chairs. His approach integrated architecture and industrial design, influencing modern aesthetics worldwide. Jacobsen also worked on public buildings, churches, and private residences, always emphasizing form, function, and simplicity. He taught at his alma mater, shaping future generations of architects. Today, his designs remain in production and feature in museums, reflecting his lasting impact on design history.

Joseph L. Mankiewicz was a versatile force in Hollywood, earning consecutive Academy Awards for writing and directing the 1950 film All About Eve. Over his six-decade career, he directed and crafted scripts for dramas that became benchmarks of character-driven storytelling. His sharp dialogue and nuanced direction distinguished films like A Letter to Three Wives and Cleopatra. Mankiewicz also produced numerous successful projects, showcasing his keen eye for talent and narrative structure. He left an indelible mark on cinema, influencing generations of screenwriters and directors with his elegant style and incisive wit.

Rudolf Firkušný emerged as one of the leading pianists of his generation, renowned for his interpretations of Czech composers such as Dvořák, Smetana, and Janáček. After fleeing Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia in 1939, he built an international career performing with major orchestras across Europe and North America. In 1946, he became a naturalized American citizen and joined the faculty at the Juilliard School and other esteemed institutions. Firkušný’s recordings are celebrated for their warmth, clarity, and deep understanding of Slavic musical traditions. Throughout his long career, he mentored countless young pianists, leaving a lasting legacy as both performer and educator.

Matt Dennis made his mark in the 1940s and 1950s as a pianist, vocalist, and composer of songs that became jazz and popular music standards. He penned enduring tunes such as Everything Happens to Me, Angel Eyes, and Violets for Your Furs. Dennis collaborated with lyricist Tom Adair on music featured in films and radio programs. His sophisticated harmonies and lyrical melodies attracted interpretations by artists like Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Beyond composing, he worked as a vocal arranger and conducted recording sessions, leaving an influential catalog of classic songs.

Josh White began his career in the 1930s performing blues and spirituals in Harlem nightclubs before gaining national attention. His skillful guitar playing and emotive vocals brought blues music into concert halls and radio broadcasts. White composed songs like Freedom Road and Dew Drops, reflecting themes of struggle and hope. He was among the first African American artists to perform solo concerts for integrated audiences during the Civil Rights era. White’s versatile repertoire crossed boundaries between blues, folk, and gospel, influencing generations of musicians.

Roy De Forest emerged in the 1960s as a leading figure of the Funk art movement. He was known for his colorful, playful landscapes populated by stylized animals and figures. De Forest taught at the University of California, Davis, influencing a generation of artists. His work was exhibited in major galleries and museums across the United States. He experimented with ceramics and mixed media, expanding the boundaries of contemporary art. De Forest's legacy endures through his unique visual language and impact on American art education.

Gene Vincent burst onto the music scene in 1956 with his hit single 'Be-Bop-A-Lula.' His blend of rockabilly rhythms and emotive vocals influenced the development of rock and roll. Vincent's energetic performances and leather-clad image captured the rebellious spirit of the era. He toured extensively in the U.S. and Europe, gaining a devoted following of fans. Despite personal struggles and injuries, he continued to record and perform until his early death. Vincent's legacy endures through his songwriting and impact on artists like The Beatles and punk rockers.