February 15

Michael Praetorius was a prolific German musician, renowned for his role in early Baroque music. Born in 1571, he served as organist and Kapellmeister in various courts and churches. His treatise "Syntagma Musicum" remains a critical source on early 17th-century performance practice. He composed masses, motets, and chorale settings, blending Renaissance polyphony with emerging Baroque styles. His collection "Musae Sioniae" influenced church music throughout Germany. Praetorius's work bridged musical traditions and contributed to the development of Lutheran church music. He died in 1621, living behind an enduring musical legacy.

Matthias Braun, also known as Matyáš Bernard Braun, was a leading Czech Baroque sculptor born in 1684. Trained in Dresden and Italy, he brought Italian stylistic influences to Bohemia upon his return. Braun's masterpieces include the elaborate statues adorning the Kuks Hospital and the Charles Bridge in Prague. His dynamic figures and expressive drapery brought scenes of myth and spirituality to life in stone. He maintained a prolific workshop that supplied patrons across Central Europe. Braun's work contributed to the flourishing of Baroque art in the Czech lands. He died in 1738, leaving a legacy of monumental sculptures that continue to captivate visitors.

Born in 1804, Glinka studied music in St. Petersburg and Berlin. He composed the opera ‘A Life for the Tsar’ in 1836, which became a landmark in Russian music. His 1842 opera ‘Ruslan and Lyudmila’ showcased his gift for orchestration and melodic invention. Glinka incorporated Russian folk themes into Western forms, inspiring later composers like Rimsky-Korsakov. His works established a national style that defined Russian classical music for generations.

Born in 1832 in Posen, Damrosch studied violin and composition in Berlin. He immigrated to the United States in 1871 and founded the Oratorio Society of New York. Damrosch served as the first conductor of the Metropolitan Opera’s orchestra in 1883. He championed concerts of orchestral music in New York, broadening audiences’ tastes. His legacy continued through his sons, Walter and Frank, who became prominent musicians.

Lionel Monckton (1861-1924) studied music in London and began his career as a singing teacher. He rose to fame as a composer of Edwardian musical comedies in the West End, writing hit scores for productions like 'A Country Girl' and 'The Arcadians'. Monckton's melodies were noted for their wit, charm, and memorable choruses. He collaborated with leading lyricists and dramatists of his time, shaping the light musical theatre genre. Monckton's works were enjoyed by audiences across Britain and abroad, influencing the development of popular musical theatre. His contributions helped define a golden era of British stage entertainment.

Pat Sullivan (1887-1933) emigrated from Australia to the United States, where he worked in early animation studios. In partnership with animator Otto Messmer, Sullivan helped develop Felix the Cat in 1919, one of the first popular animated characters. Felix's expressive personality and surreal adventures made him a star of silent cartoons throughout the 1920s. Sullivan's studio produced numerous Felix shorts, pioneering techniques in character animation and comedic timing. Although later overshadowed by sound cartoons, Felix remained a cultural icon and influenced the future of animation. Sullivan's work laid foundational elements for the burgeoning animation industry.

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin (1878-1939) studied art in St. Petersburg and was influenced by Russian icon painting and modernism. He served as a war artist during World War I, documenting scenes on the Eastern Front with striking color and form. Petrov-Vodkin's best-known painting, 'Bathing of a Red Horse', symbolized the dawn of a new era in post-revolutionary Russia. He also wrote essays and memoirs on art theory, sharing insights into color, space, and spiritual symbolism. As a teacher, Petrov-Vodkin influenced generations of Soviet artists through his roles at art institutions. His unique vision and technical skill cemented his place among Russia's most celebrated early 20th-century artists.

Nat King Cole was an American singer and jazz pianist renowned for his smooth baritone voice and elegant piano stylings. Born Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery, Alabama in 1919, he rose to prominence in the 1940s with his trio and later as a solo artist. Cole scored numerous hit songs including "Mona Lisa", "Unforgettable", and "The Christmas Song", many of which became enduring standards. In 1956 he broke racial barriers as the first African-American to host a national television variety show, "The Nat King Cole Show". His sophisticated performances and warm personality made him one of the most beloved entertainers of his era. Cole's legacy continues to influence generations of musicians across jazz, pop, and R&B genres.

Kurt Atterberg was a Swedish composer and engineer whose lush Romantic style brought national and international recognition to his orchestral works. Born in 1887, he balanced a career in electrical engineering with his passion for music composition. Atterberg authored nine symphonies, as well as concertos, operas, and chamber music, often drawing inspiration from Nordic folklore. He served as head of publishing for the Swedish Performing Rights Society (STIM), advocating for composers' rights. Atterberg's Symphony No. 5 in B-flat minor remains one of his most popular works in the concert repertoire. His dual expertise in technology and art exemplifies the creative intersections of the early 20th century.

Mike Bloomfield was an American guitarist and songwriter celebrated for his virtuosity in blues and rock genres. Born in Chicago in 1943, he gained prominence as a founding member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Bloomfield's searing guitar solos on tracks like 'East-West' and on Bob Dylan's 'Highway 61 Revisited' album cemented his reputation. He performed at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, famously electrifying Dylan's set and ushering in the folk-rock movement. Throughout his career, he collaborated with artists such as Al Kooper and Steve Miller, leaving a lasting imprint on guitar playing. Despite his struggle with addiction, Bloomfield's artistry influenced generations of guitarists before his untimely death in 1981.

Karl Richter was born in 1926 in Plauen, Germany. He became principal organist of the Munich Bach Choir and Orchestra in 1951. Richter built an international reputation for his masterful performances of Johann Sebastian Bach's works. He also championed the music of Handel and Buxtehude. He made numerous acclaimed recordings that remain reference points in Baroque interpretation. Richter's precise technique and expressive depth influenced generations of musicians. He died on February 15, 1981, leaving a lasting legacy in classical music.

Ethel Merman was born in 1908 in Astoria, Queens, New York. She rose to fame in the 1930s starring in Broadway musicals such as Girl Crazy and Anything Goes. Merman's raucous, powerful voice defined the archetype of the Broadway belter. She earned multiple Tony Award nominations and delivered iconic performances in Gypsy and Annie Get Your Gun. Merman also appeared in films and television, bringing her theatrical flair to the screen. Her charismatic style influenced generations of performers. She passed away on February 15, 1984, remembered as a Broadway legend.