May 06

Born in Livorno in 1680, Stuck moved to France where he joined the royal chapel and the Paris Opéra as a cellist. He mastered the cello’s sonority, merging Italian virtuosity with refined French style in his performances. His published Six Sonates à violoncelle seul (1708) became standard repertoire for the instrument. Stuck also composed operas, cantatas, and instrumental works that showcased his melodic inventiveness. He collaborated with leading composers of the time, including Lully and Campra. His musical style influenced the evolution of the French chamber music tradition. Stuck spent his later years teaching and performing until his death in 1755. Today his works are revived for their elegant Baroque charm and technical demands.

Anton Raaff (1714–1797) was a leading German tenor renowned for his rich voice and dramatic interpretations. He studied in Italy and became a favorite at the Bavarian court in Munich, where he collaborated with composers such as Christoph Willibald Gluck. Raaff premiered iconic roles in Gluck’s operas, setting new standards for expressive singing. His performances in Paris and Vienna earned him widespread acclaim and influenced generations of vocalists. Although he retired later in life, his pedagogical work and the roles he originated left a lasting mark on the development of classical opera.

Joseph Brackett (1797–1882) was an American Shaker leader and songwriter whose hymn 'Simple Gifts' became an enduring piece of American folk music. Born in Cumberland, Maine, he joined the Shaker community and served as a deacon at the Shaker meeting in Hancock, Massachusetts. In 1848, Brackett composed 'Simple Gifts,' a hymn embodying Shaker values of simplicity, humility, and unity. Though initially used within Shaker worship, the melody gained widespread popularity after being arranged by Aaron Copland in 'Appalachian Spring.' Brackett also composed other hymns and spiritual songs for communal gatherings. His leadership and musical talents helped define the cultural life of the Shakers during the 19th century. Today, 'Simple Gifts' remains a beloved tune performed around the world, symbolizing American heritage and spiritual tradition.

Aristide Bruant was born Louis Armand Aristide Bruand in Courtenay, France in 1851. He became a prominent figure in Parisian cabaret culture during the 1880s. Bruant performed in a distinctive red scarf and black cloak, cultivating a working-class persona. He was immortalized in posters by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and composed witty and satirical songs. Bruant's performances at venues like Le Chat Noir helped popularize Belle Époque entertainment. He brought social commentary to the stage through his storytelling and lyrics. Bruant also acted in early French silent films and published collections of his songs. He died in Paris in 1925, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of modern cabaret.

Winifred Brunton was a British-born artist who made her career in South Africa and gained renown for her vividly detailed portraits and illustrations of ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Educated in London under Walter Sickert and Frank Brangwyn, she combined fine art techniques with archaeological insight. Alongside her husband, archaeologist Guy Brunton, she contributed artwork to excavation reports and publications on Egyptian tombs. Her reconstructions of royal figures were instrumental in bringing ancient history to life for the public. Brunton’s work continues to be featured in museums and publications on Egyptology, blending artistic skill with scholarly precision.

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner was a leading figure in the German Expressionist movement, co-founding the Die Brücke artists’ group in 1905 to challenge traditional academic art. His work is characterized by bold colors, distorted forms, and dynamic compositions that express psychological depth. After serving in World War I, he struggled with trauma and relocated to Davos, Switzerland, where he depicted mountain landscapes and local life. Kirchner experimented with woodcuts and prints, leaving behind a diverse body of work. His art influenced later modernist movements and remains highly celebrated in museums worldwide. Despite personal struggles, Kirchner’s innovative style reshaped 20th-century painting.

Born Max Oppenheimer in 1902, Max Ophüls began his career in German theater before moving into film. He fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s, working across Europe before settling in Hollywood. Ophüls was known for his fluid tracking shots, elaborate mise-en-scène, and romantic storytelling in films like "La Ronde" and "The Earrings of Madame de…". His work influenced generations of filmmakers and is studied for its technical mastery and emotional depth. Ophüls died in 1957, leaving a legacy as one of cinema’s most elegant auteurs.

Carmen Cavallaro rose to fame in the 1930s with his interpretations of popular music adapted for piano. He recorded numerous albums and had hit singles that showcased his lush, expressive arrangements. Known for his elegant touch and nuanced phrasing, he performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Paris Olympia. Cavallaro also appeared in films and on radio, bringing piano music to a broad audience. His style influenced generations of pianists and left an enduring mark on 20th-century popular music.

Nestor Basterretxea was a leading figure in the Basque art movement, blending abstraction with traditional cultural motifs. Born in Bermeo, Spain, he worked across painting, sculpture, and film, often exploring themes of memory, identity, and political struggle. His monumental public sculptures, such as the Tree of Gernika, have become symbols of Basque resilience. Basterretxea also collaborated on experimental documentaries, pushing the boundaries between visual art and cinema. Over five decades, his work was exhibited internationally, earning him critical acclaim and numerous awards. His legacy endures in the vibrant Basque cultural renaissance of the 20th century.

Denny Wright was a prolific session guitarist whose style bridged jazz, blues, and skiffle, contributing to the vibrant British music scene of the 1950s and 1960s. He performed with ensembles such as the John Barry Seven and featured on recordings for televised music programs. Beyond performance, Wright composed original music for film and television, showcasing his melodic sensibility. As a producer, he guided emerging artists and helped shape the sound of early British rock and roll. His adaptability and technical skill made him a sought-after collaborator among top musicians of his era. Wright's influence is recognized in the roots of modern British popular music.

A leading figure in the Light and Space movement, James Turrell creates installations that manipulate light and perception to transform architectural spaces. Born in Los Angeles in 1943, he studied perceptual psychology and fine art at Pomona College. His works, such as the Skyspace series, frame the sky through apertures in ceilings, creating dynamic color experiences for viewers. Turrell's ambitious Roden Crater project involves converting an extinct volcano into a monumental naked-eye observatory. His exhibitions have been displayed in major museums worldwide, including the Guggenheim in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Through his exploration of light as a tangible medium, Turrell invites audiences to reconsider the act of seeing and the nature of reality.

Jimmie Dale Gilmore is an influential figure in alt-country music, recognized for his distinctive high tenor vocals and poetic songwriting. Born in Amarillo, Texas, in 1945, he co-founded the Flatlanders in 1972 alongside Joe Ely and Butch Hancock. Although the group's early recordings saw limited commercial success, Gilmore's solo work, including the album 'Spinning Around the Sun', earned critical acclaim in the 1990s. He has collaborated with artists like Willie Nelson and contributed songs to film soundtracks, showcasing his versatility. In addition to performing, Gilmore has acted and produced, further expanding his creative pursuits. His blend of traditional country with folk and rock influences has cemented his reputation among fans and critics alike.