March 04

Francesco de Layolle (1492–1540) originated from Florence and became a leading figure in early 16th-century music. He served at royal courts in France and Italy, composing masses, motets, and secular songs. His works blended Italian melodic grace with emerging Franco-Flemish polyphony. Layolle's organ compositions influenced liturgical music in major cathedrals and chapels. Several collections of his madrigals circulated widely, reflecting the period's musical innovations. His contributions enriched the transition from medieval to Renaissance styles across European courts.

Kanō Tan'yū (1602–1674) was a leading artist of the Kanō school during the early Edo period. He was appointed official painter to the Tokugawa shogunate, decorating Edo Castle and Nijo Castle. Tan'yū integrated Chinese ink techniques with bold Japanese color and composition. His extensive output includes sliding door panels, scrolls, and screens featuring landscapes and animals. He trained many students, ensuring the Kanō tradition continued for generations. Tan'yū's works remain celebrated for their elegance and historical significance in Japanese art.

Born Vittore Ghislandi in 1655 in Bergamo, he took the name Fra Galgario upon joining the Capuchin order. He became celebrated for his intimate and realistic portraits of local aristocrats and church dignitaries. His use of rich color and meticulous detail exemplified late Baroque artistry. Working mainly in Lombardy, he captured subtle expressions and luxurious attire. His works appear in prominent Italian galleries and private collections today. Fra Galgario's legacy endures through his influence on 18th-century portraiture.

Born in Venice in 1678, Antonio Vivaldi became a priest before dedicating himself to music. He served as violin teacher and composer at the Ospedale della Pietà, an orphanage for girls. Vivaldi wrote over 500 concertos, operas, and sacred works, revolutionizing the concerto form. His cycle The Four Seasons, depicting scenes of nature in music, remains his most celebrated work. Traveling across Europe, he influenced composers like Bach and established a reputation as 'The Red Priest.' Vivaldi's vibrant melodies and innovative techniques helped define the Baroque era.

Born in Aarhus in 1706, Lauritz de Thurah studied engineering and architecture in Copenhagen. He became the Royal Building Master for King Christian VI of Denmark. De Thurah's Baroque masterpieces include the Hermitage Hunting Lodge and Gammel Holtegård. He authored architectural treatises that documented Danish Baroque architecture. His work blended grandeur with intricate detail, influencing Scandinavian design. De Thurah's legacy lives on in Denmark's architectural heritage and landmark buildings.

Born in Southampton in 1745, Charles Dibdin began his career as a stage actor before composing music for leading theatres in London. He authored and performed solo musical entertainments that featured over 1,200 songs, often celebrating naval life. Dibdin’s works, such as “Tom Bowling” and “The First of September,” became staples of British patriotic music. He managed venues like the Royal Circus and assembled popular annual concerts marking King George III’s birthday. His innovative blend of drama and melody influenced the development of English musical theatre throughout the late 18th century.

Born in Edinburgh in 1756, Raeburn trained under the painter David Allan and later studied in Italy, refining his technique. He became the first president of the Royal Scottish Academy and was knighted for his services to art. Raeburn’s portraits, such as “The Skating Minister,” are noted for their psychological depth and dynamic compositions. Avoiding the formality of his contemporaries, he often painted sitters in relaxed poses against simple backgrounds. His work remains a defining record of Scotland’s cultural and intellectual elite during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Born in London in 1760, Payne exhibited at the Royal Academy from a young age and gained recognition for his skillful washes. He invented Payne’s grey, a versatile neutral hue that became a standard in watercolor palettes. Payne also authored influential treatises on perspective, enhancing artists’ understanding of spatial rendering. His landscapes, characterized by subtle tonal variations, influenced a generation of British watercolorists. Throughout his career, he balanced teaching, writing, and creating works that bridged the gap between drawing and painting.

Mykhailo Verbytsky was born in 1815 in what is now western Ukraine. Ordained as a priest, he served rural parishes while nurturing his passion for music. Verbytsky composed numerous religious choral works that blended folk motifs with ecclesiastical harmony. In 1863, he created the melody for 'Shche ne vmerla Ukraina', which later became the Ukrainian national anthem. His music inspired national consciousness during a period of foreign domination. Verbytsky’s hymn remains a powerful symbol of Ukrainian identity and resilience. He passed away in 1870 but left an enduring musical legacy.

Paul Lacôme (March 4, 1838 – May 17, 1920) was a prolific French composer celebrated for light operettas and elegant salon pieces. Trained in both piano and cello, he initially performed before dedicating himself to composition. His works, including 'La Dot mal placée' and 'Les Deux Pigeons', were popular in Parisian theaters. Lacôme collaborated with librettists to shape the operetta genre during the late 19th century. He also composed instrumental pieces that highlighted his gift for melody and refined harmony. His contributions influenced the development of French musical theater and salon culture.

Alfred William Rich (March 4, 1856 – January 13, 1921) was an English artist renowned for his subtle and atmospheric watercolour landscapes. He studied at the Heatherley School of Fine Art and exhibited widely at the Royal Academy. Rich published instructional guides such as 'First Lessons in Watercolour' to share his painting methods. He taught art through workshops and classes, influencing a generation of watercolorists. His style emphasized simplicity, tonal harmony, and the interplay of light and shadow in nature. Rich's legacy endures in both his paintings and his contributions to art education.

Born in Moscow in 1877, Goedicke studied at the Moscow Conservatory under Sergei Taneyev. He gained recognition for his piano compositions, including concert etudes and preludes. Goedicke also wrote orchestral works, chamber music, and an opera. He returned to the Conservatory as a professor, mentoring students and influencing Soviet music education. His style combined Romantic lyricism with Russian nationalistic elements. Throughout his career, he performed extensively and edited classical piano literature. He passed away in 1957, remembered for his technical brilliance and pedagogical contributions.