February 13

He was a leading figure in Venetian Rococo painting, renowned for his warm color palette and soft lighting. His works often depicted everyday life and religious themes with dramatic chiaroscuro. He trained in Bologna before settling in Venice, where he became a member of the Academy of St. Luke. Piazzetta's paintings influenced artists across Europe and helped define 18th-century Venetian art. His masterpieces include The Guardian Angel and The Bead Stringers.

Hugo Becker studied cello at the Stuttgart Conservatory under Wilhelm Fitzenhagen before embarking on a distinguished performing career. He became a professor at the Paris Conservatory in 1901, shaping a generation of cellists with his methodical approach. Becker gave acclaimed solo performances throughout Europe and championed contemporary composers. He composed pedagogical works and chamber music that remain staples in cello repertoire. His legacy endures through his students and contributions to cello technique and education.

Leopold Godowsky studied piano in Berlin and quickly gained a reputation for unparalleled technique and expressive depth. He toured extensively across Europe and the United States, performing demanding repertoire with effortless precision. Godowsky composed the famous 'Studies on Chopin’s Etudes,' pushing piano technique to new heights. As a teacher at the Chicago Conservatory, he influenced a generation of pianists with his emphasis on finger independence. His compositions and recordings remain a testament to his creative genius and enduring impact on piano literature.

Feodor Chaliapin (1873–1938) was a Russian bass opera singer celebrated for his deep, powerful voice and commanding stage presence. He rose to prominence in the early 20th century as one of the leading interpreters of Russian operatic roles. Chaliapin was noted for his expressive acting as well as his vocal technique, bringing characters to life with emotional depth. He toured extensively in Europe and the United States, introducing Russian opera to new audiences. His legacy influenced generations of opera singers and helped shape the art form in the modern era.

Born in 1891 in Iowa, USA. He studied art at the University of Iowa and in Europe, embracing the Regionalist style. Wood's 1930 painting American Gothic became an emblem of American art. He taught at the University of Iowa School of Art and influenced upcoming artists. Wood created murals and stage designs, celebrating Midwestern rural life. He died in 1942, leaving a lasting impact on American art history.

Born in Manila in 1907, de la Cruz rose to stardom in the vaudeville scene of early 20th-century Philippines. She earned the title 'Queen of Filipino Jazz' with her powerful vocals and emotive stage presence. De la Cruz starred in musical revues and films, blending jazz, blues, and native melodies in her performances. Later in life, she moved to the United States and continued to captivate audiences in concert halls and nightclubs. Her pioneering career opened doors for future generations of Asian-American artists. She passed away in 2004, remembered as a trailblazer of jazz and theatre.

Tennessee Ernie Ford (1919–1991) gained fame with his deep baritone rendition of the song Sixteen Tons, which became a million-selling record in 1955. He hosted The Ford Show, a popular variety program that showcased both his musical talents and warm on-screen presence. Ford achieved success in gospel and country music, releasing numerous albums and earning Grammy Awards. He also appeared in films and television dramas, demonstrating his versatility as a performer. His legacy endures through his influence on country music and his crossover appeal.

Boudleaux Bryant (1920–1987), often in partnership with his wife Felice, wrote some of the most enduring songs of the 1950s and 1960s, including Bye Bye Love, Wake Up Little Susie, and All I Have to Do Is Dream. The Bryants’ songs shaped the sound of rock and country music and influenced generations of musicians. Boudleaux was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame for his contribution to popular music. His melodic craftsmanship and lyrical storytelling continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Eileen Farrell (1920–2002) was an American soprano renowned for her wide-ranging repertoire, from grand opera to jazz standards. She performed leading roles with major opera companies, toured internationally in recitals, and recorded hits in the popular music market. Farrell was a founding member of the New York City Opera and earned critical acclaim for her expressive voice and technical precision. Later in her career, she devoted herself to teaching at Boston University, nurturing the next generation of vocal talent.

Jeanne Demessieux (1921–1968) was a celebrated French organist, pianist, and composer whose extraordinary technique and expressiveness captivated audiences across Europe and North America. Serving as organist at La Madeleine in Paris, she gave premier performances of her own compositions and works by contemporary composers. Her recorded legacy includes landmark interpretations of Bach, Franck, and her own organ suites. Demessieux’s contributions expanded the keyboard repertoire and inspired future generations of musicians.

Aung Khin (1921–1996) was a pioneering Burmese artist who fused indigenous themes with modernist techniques to create a unique visual language. His works often drew on Burmese folklore, landscapes, and calligraphy, transformed through bold color and abstract forms. Aung Khin exhibited internationally and played a central role in Burma’s contemporary art movement, founding art schools and mentoring young artists. His legacy endures in Myanmar’s art history as a bridge between tradition and innovation.

Ernst Fuchs was an Austrian painter, sculptor, and illustrator best known for co-founding the Vienna School of Fantastic Realism. His richly detailed works blended religious symbolism, surrealism, and mythology in vibrant frescoes and canvases. Fuchs restored and decorated notable buildings, including Otto Wagner’s Steinhof Church in Vienna. He experimented with innovative techniques like 'mischtechnik,' using egg tempera and oil glazes. As a prolific author and teacher, he influenced generations of artists through workshops and publications. Fuchs’s visionary art has been exhibited worldwide, and his legacy endures in museums and private collections. His work continues to inspire fascination with the mystical and the fantastical.