February 15

Alfonso Fontanelli was a member of the Ferrarese nobility who cultivated music alongside diplomatic duties. He contributed to the development of the madrigal, composing expressive secular vocal works. Fontanelli traveled across Europe on diplomatic missions, representing Ferrara's interests at foreign courts. His music blends chromatic harmonies with refined textual expression characteristic of the early Baroque. Arrested later in life over a crime of passion, he returned to musical pursuits until his death in 1622. His works remain significant examples of late Renaissance and early Baroque composition.

Born into a family of artists in Nice, Charles-André van Loo rose to prominence in Paris as a student of his uncle Jean-Baptiste van Loo. His elegant Rococo style captivated the royal court, leading to commissions from King Louis XV and Queen Marie Leszczyńska. He created grand decorative schemes for royal residences, including Versailles and Fontainebleau. Appointed Principal Painter to the King, he influenced artistic tastes across Europe. Van Loo's blend of mythological subjects and refined portraiture helped define 18th-century French painting. He taught and mentored the next generation of artists before his death in Paris in 1765.

Born into a family of architects in Paris, Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart became a leading proponent of neoclassical architecture. His most famous work, the Palais Brongniart (Paris Bourse), featured grand Corinthian columns and a harmonious facade. He served as professor of architecture at the Collège de France and influenced generations of designers. Brongniart also designed private residences and public institutions, blending classical forms with functional layouts. His contributions helped shape the visual identity of post-revolutionary Paris. He continued to work until his death in 1813, leaving a legacy of elegant civic architecture.

Jean-François Le Sueur was born in Mantes-la-Jolie and studied music at the Notre-Dame de Chartres school. He composed operas, sacred music, and instrumental works that blended Classical clarity with emerging Romantic expressiveness. Le Sueur held prominent positions, including maître de chapelle at Notre-Dame de Paris and composer to Napoleon’s court. As a professor at the Paris Conservatoire, he mentored Hector Berlioz, shaping the next generation of composers. His innovative orchestration and dramatic style influenced the development of French grand opera. Le Sueur’s contributions helped transition European music from the Classical to the Romantic era.

Robert Fuchs was born in Graz in 1847 and later became a professor at the Vienna Conservatory. He taught notable students including Gustav Mahler and Jean Sibelius, influencing a generation of composers. Fuchs composed orchestral works, chamber music, choral pieces, and songs noted for their melodic grace. His pedagogical approach and compositions made him a central figure in late Romantic Viennese music. He died in Vienna in 1927, leaving a lasting legacy through both his works and his students.

Totò, born Antonio de Curtis in Naples in 1898, became one of Italy's most beloved comic actors. He gained fame for his distinctive facial expressions, quick wit, and physical comedy style on stage and screen. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Totò appeared in over 100 films, often portraying everyday characters with humor and pathos. In addition to acting, he wrote songs, poems, and screenplays, showcasing his wide-ranging creative talents. His work remains a cornerstone of Italian culture, influencing generations of actors and comedians long after his death in 1967.

Georges Auric was born in Lodève, France in 1899 and became a leading figure of the avant-garde group Les Six. He composed ballets, chamber music, and orchestral works that blended modernist techniques with lyrical melodies. Auric scored numerous films, including Jean Cocteau's 'Beauty and the Beast' and other French cinematic classics. He later served as director of the Paris Opéra and taught at the École Normale de Musique, mentoring young composers. His music remains celebrated for its inventiveness and significant contribution to 20th-century French musical heritage.

Mary Adshead was born in London in 1904 and studied at the Royal College of Art. She became known for her colorful portrait paintings and landscape artworks. Adshead created public murals, including commissions for London's Regent Street and English airports, blending modernist style with decorative art. She illustrated books and collaborated with authors, demonstrating her versatility across media. Her works are held in major collections and continue to influence British art movements of the mid-20th century.

Harold Arlen was born Hyman Arluck in Buffalo, New York and became one of America’s great songwriters. He composed more than 500 songs for films, Broadway, and popular music. His most famous work, "Over the Rainbow," won the Academy Award and became Judy Garland’s signature tune. Arlen collaborated with lyricists such as Yip Harburg and Johnny Mercer. His music blended jazz, blues, and Tin Pan Alley traditions to enduring effect. He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously.

Jean Langlais was born blind in Brittany and studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Marcel Dupré. He served as organist at Sainte-Clotilde Basilica in Paris for over thirty years. Langlais composed a large body of organ and choral works, often merging Gregorian chant with modern harmonies. He taught at the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau, influencing generations of organists. His music remains a staple of contemporary liturgical repertoire. Langlais’s unique voice bridged tradition and innovation.

Allan Arbus (1918–2013) began his career as a successful fashion photographer, co-founding the firm Arbus & Sanders and working for leading magazines. After marrying photographer Diane Arbus, he transitioned to acting in the late 1960s. Arbus earned acclaim for portraying psychiatrist Dr. Sidney Freedman on M*A*S*H, and appeared in films such as Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and the TV show Twin Peaks. Known for his intelligence and dry wit, he balanced both artistic pursuits throughout his life.

Hank Locklin (1918–2009) was a pioneering figure in country music whose smooth tenor voice and heartfelt songwriting left a lasting mark. He broke through in the late 1950s with the international hit "Please Help Me, I'm Falling," which topped the country charts and crossed over into the pop Top 40. A Grand Ole Opry mainstay, Locklin was the first country artist to host his own syndicated television show. Over six decades, he recorded classics like "Send Me the Pillow You Dream On," influencing generations of artists.