February 21

Sethus Calvisius was born in 1556 in Thuringia and studied at the University of Wittenberg. He served as cantor in Leipzig, where he published influential works on Gregorian chant and counterpoint. Calvisius was an accomplished astronomer, producing calendars, eclipse predictions, and advocating for reform. Appointed Thomaskantor, he elevated Leipzig’s musical traditions and wrote theoretical treatises on rhythm and tuning. His interdisciplinary career bridged science and the arts, embodying the Renaissance spirit until his death in 1615.

Born in Vienna in 1791, Czerny became a student of Ludwig van Beethoven at age eleven. He composed over one thousand works, including numerous études and exercises that remain fundamental to piano pedagogy. As a teacher, he instructed a generation of pianists, most notably Franz Liszt. His salon pieces and études emphasized technical mastery and musical expression. Czerny’s writings on piano technique and his vast compositional output contributed significantly to 19th century piano literature and performance practice.

Born in Saint-Germain-du-Val in 1836, Delibes studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Auber. He composed light operas before achieving fame with the ballet Coppélia in 1870, celebrated for its charming melodies and danceable rhythms. His later ballet Sylvia and the opera Lakmé, premiering in 1883, further cemented his reputation. Delibes’ inventive orchestration and lyrical themes influenced the development of ballet music in France. He contributed to the Paris Opera for over two decades and remains a key figure in Romantic French music.

Born in Lyon in 1844, Widor studied at the Paris Conservatoire and won multiple prizes for organ and composition. He served as organist at Saint-Sulpice in Paris for over sixty years, overseeing the newly built Cavaillé-Coll organ. His ten organ symphonies expanded the instrument’s repertoire, blending classical form with Romantic harmony. As a professor at the Conservatoire, he taught notable students such as Louis Vierne and Marcel Dupré. Widor’s work bridged sacred and concert music, leaving a lasting impact on organ performance and composition.

Goscombe John was a leading Welsh-English sculptor active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He became renowned for his graceful war memorials, public monuments, and portrait busts that blend realism with elegant detail. As an academic, he taught at prestigious art institutions and mentored a generation of British sculptors. His work includes notable commissions such as the Welsh National War Memorial in Cardiff and various statues in major British cities. He received numerous honors and accolades for his artistic achievements. His legacy endures through the enduring presence of his sculptures across the United Kingdom.

Kenneth J. Alford was the pen name of Frederick Joseph Ricketts, an English soldier and bandmaster celebrated as 'The British March King.' Born in 1881, he served in the British Army, eventually becoming director of music for the Royal Artillery. Alford composed some of the most enduring military marches, including the famous 'Colonel Bogey' and 'The British Grenadiers.' His works are characterized by their memorable melodies, brisk tempo, and stirring brass harmonies. Alford's marches remain staples of military and ceremonial occasions worldwide. He also influenced military band repertoire and performance standards through his leadership and publications. His legacy endures through countless performances of his marches by military and concert bands around the globe.

Andrés Segovia had a profound impact on the modern classical guitar repertoire by transcribing works for guitar and commissioning new pieces. He embarked on worldwide concert tours from the 1920s, bringing guitar recitals to prestigious venues. His teaching and masterclasses influenced generations of guitarists, including Julian Bream and John Williams. He recorded extensively and helped elevate the guitar's status in academic institutions. Segovia's legacy endures through the many compositions dedicated to him and the continued prominence of classical guitar in concert halls.

Jeanne Aubert rose to fame in Parisian music halls and operetta stages during the 1920s. She transitioned to film in the early sound era, appearing in both French and American productions. Her charming stage presence and clear soprano voice made her a popular headliner at venues like the Moulin Rouge. In Hollywood, she co-starred in musical comedies and worked with major studios of the time. After returning to France, she continued performing in cabarets and revues. Her longevity in entertainment extended into radio broadcasts and touring shows until the 1970s.

Hans Erni was born in Lucerne, Switzerland, and became one of the country's most versatile modern artists. Over his long career, he produced murals, posters, book illustrations, and postage stamps that gained international acclaim. He was a pioneer in graphic design and played a key role in promoting modern art in Switzerland. Erni's works often combined abstraction with humanist themes and reflected his interest in social issues. Celebrated for his creativity and longevity, he continued to create new work well into his 100s. He received numerous awards and honors before passing away in 2015 at the age of 106.

Tadd Dameron was a leading figure in the bebop jazz movement, renowned for his sophisticated compositions and arrangements. Born in Cleveland, he worked with icons like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. His notable pieces include "Hot House" and "Our Delight," which remain jazz standards. Dameron's lyrical approach to harmony influenced generations of jazz musicians. Despite struggles with addiction, he continued to record and perform throughout his career. He passed away in 1965, leaving a lasting legacy on modern jazz.

Zdeněk Miler began his career at an animation studio in Prague. In 1956, he introduced Krtek, a mute mole whose wordless adventures won the hearts of children worldwide. His innovative storytelling relied on expressive animation rather than dialogue. Over five decades, he produced over fifty short films featuring Krtek, which became a cultural icon in Europe and Asia. Miler's work showcased the power of visual narrative and simplicity. He received numerous awards for his contributions to animation before his death in 2011.

Sam Peckinpah revolutionized the Western genre with his 1969 masterpiece "The Wild Bunch," noted for its stylistic violence and complex characters. He explored themes of honor, aging, and societal change in films like "Straw Dogs" and "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid." Peckinpah's innovative editing and camera techniques influenced modern action cinema. Despite struggles with studio conflicts and personal issues, his work garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following. He died in 1984, leaving a profound impact on filmmaking and narrative style.