June 29

Pietro Paolo Troisi (1686–1743) was a leading Maltese sculptor and painter whose works adorned many churches and public buildings. He trained in Italy, where he absorbed Baroque influences that he later integrated into local Maltese art. Troisi created intricate marble statues, altarpieces, and decorative motifs that combined classical and religious themes. His craftsmanship contributed significantly to the artistic revival in Malta during the early 18th century. Many of his pieces remain on display in Valletta and other historic sites, reflecting his enduring legacy in Maltese art.

Vincenzo Dimech (1768–1831) trained under Italian masters and became one of Malta's foremost sculptors. He was commissioned to create statues of saints, church altars, and architectural ornamentation that blended Neoclassical and Baroque styles. Dimech’s work can be seen in parish churches throughout Malta and in the ornate facades of Valletta's historic buildings. His skillful use of limestone and marble showcased his mastery of form and detail. Dimech also contributed to public monuments, leaving a tangible record of his artistic influence across the island.

Joseph Carl Breil was born in 1870 and trained as an operatic tenor before turning to composition and direction. He wrote the first original film scores for D.W. Griffith’s landmark films The Birth of a Nation (1915) and Intolerance (1916), defining the role of music in silent cinema. Breil’s innovative use of leitmotifs and orchestration enhanced storytelling and set a template for future film composers. In addition to his film work, he directed stage productions and conducted orchestras. His contributions helped establish the artistic and emotional power of movie music before his death in 1926.

Born in Berlin, Curt Sachs emigrated to the United States in 1930 to escape rising antisemitism. He collaborated with Erich Moritz von Hornbostel to develop the Sachs-Hornbostel system classifying musical instruments. His extensive writings include The History of Musical Instruments and numerous articles shaping ethnomusicology. As a professor at New York University, he influenced generations of music scholars. Sachs's research laid the foundations for modern organology and museum curation of instruments. He remained active until his death in 1959, leaving a lasting legacy in musicology.

Robert Laurent studied at the Art Students League of New York and later in Paris. He became a leading figure in American modernist sculpture during the early 20th century. Laurent's work blended classical techniques with abstraction, often exploring marine and labor themes. He founded the sculpture department at Iowa State Teachers College, now the University of Northern Iowa. As an educator, he influenced generations of artists through teaching and public lectures. Laurent's public monuments and reliefs across the United States reflect civic and historical narratives.

Aarre Merikanto was born in Helsinki in 1893 and became one of Finland's foremost modernist composers. He studied composition under his father, Oskar Merikanto, and later in Leipzig and Vienna. His music blended national romanticism with avant-garde techniques, creating a distinct Finnish voice. Notable works include the opera "Juha" and the orchestral piece "Tragic Poem". As a professor at the Sibelius Academy, he mentored a generation of Finnish composers. Despite initial controversy, his contributions solidified his legacy in the canon of European modernism.

Born in Oran in 1898, Yvonne Lefébure rose to prominence as a gifted concert pianist in the interwar period. She studied under Marguerite Long and won acclaim for her performances of French repertoire. Lefébure premiered works by contemporary composers and recorded critically lauded interpretations of Debussy and Ravel. In 1941, she joined the Paris Conservatory faculty, mentoring students who would become leading pianists. Her teaching emphasized musical expression and technical clarity. Through masterclasses around the world, she influenced generations of musicians until her death in 1986.

Nelson Eddy was born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1901 and emerged as one of MGM's leading musical stars. With a rich baritone voice, he brought operetta classics to cinema audiences, often co-starring with Jeanette MacDonald. Their on-screen chemistry yielded hits like 'Naughty Marietta' and 'Rose-Marie,' blending romance and melody. Eddy also enjoyed a successful concert career, performing with major orchestras nationwide. Beyond singing, he directed and wrote music for stage productions, showcasing his versatility. His smooth vocals and charismatic presence left a lasting imprint on American musical film.

Leroy Anderson was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1908 and emerged as a master of light orchestral music. His tuneful compositions, including 'The Syncopated Clock' and 'Blue Tango,' became radio and concert favorites. 'Sleigh Ride,' with its jaunty melodies and sleighbell effects, remains a holiday season staple worldwide. Anderson studied at Harvard and served as a conductor for the Boston Pops Orchestra. He frequently composed descriptive works, famously using unconventional instruments like typewriters and cowbells. His accessible melodies and inventive orchestration cemented his status as an American musical icon.

Born in 1910, Frank Loesser became one of the most celebrated composers and lyricists in American musical theater. He crafted memorable scores and songs for iconic Broadway productions including 'Guys and Dolls,' 'The Most Happy Fella,' and 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.' Loesser also wrote music and lyrics for Hollywood films, earning an Academy Award for 'Baby, It's Cold Outside.' His clever lyrics, catchy melodies, and keen sense of drama helped define the Golden Age of American musicals. Over his career, he received numerous accolades and left a lasting influence on theater and popular music. He died in 1969, but his compositions continue to be performed worldwide.

Born in 1911 in New York City, Bernard Herrmann studied at Juilliard and quickly established himself as a leading composer for radio, theater, and film. His collaboration with director Alfred Hitchcock produced some of cinema's most memorable scores, including 'Psycho,' 'Vertigo,' and 'North by Northwest,' characterized by innovative orchestration and psychological depth. Herrmann also wrote music for Orson Welles ('Citizen Kane') and other directors, earning acclaim for his ability to enhance narrative tension. A pioneer in modern film music, he influenced generations of composers with his bold harmonies and textures. Herrmann continued to compose for stage and concert, leaving an indelible mark on 20th-century music. He died in 1975, but his work remains a staple of film and concert repertoires.

Born in 1912 in Guadalajara, José Pablo Moncayo emerged as a central figure in Mexico's musical renaissance of the 20th century. His 1941 composition 'Huapango,' inspired by traditional folk rhythms, became a symbol of Mexican cultural identity and one of the country's most celebrated orchestral pieces. Moncayo co-founded the Orquesta Sinfónica de México and contributed to its early development, serving as a conductor and advocate for contemporary Mexican music. He also taught at the National Conservatory, mentoring young composers and performers. His works blend European techniques with Mexican folk elements, reflecting a deep nationalistic spirit. Despite his early death in 1958, Moncayo's legacy endures through performances of his music worldwide.