October 07

Pierre Le Muet was born in 1591 and became one of the foremost architects of his era under Louis XIII and Louis XIV. He authored "Manière de bâtir pour toutes sortes de personnes" in 1647, one of France’s earliest comprehensive architectural pattern books. His designs blended classical symmetry with practical construction methods, guiding the construction of châteaux, townhouses, and public works. Le Muet’s treatise saw multiple editions, spreading his ideas across France and standardizing building practices. He left a lasting legacy as a bridge between Renaissance ideals and the emerging Baroque style in French architecture.

Born in 1635, de Piles studied painting in Paris before traveling to the Netherlands to learn from Dutch masters. He served as a diplomat to Spain and later wrote influential works such as "Dialogue sur le coloris" and "Cours de peinture par principes". His theories on color and composition shaped French Rococo art and helped formalize the field of art criticism. Balancing practical artistic experience with academic theory, he became a central figure in European aesthetics of his time. He died in 1709, leaving a legacy as both a creator and commentator in the visual arts.

Born in 1746 in Boston, Billings was largely self-taught and published the first collection of choral music by an American in 1770. His landmark work, "The New England Psalm Singer," introduced original tunes and harmonies to colonial congregations. Billings promoted shape-note notation and led singing schools that spread choral singing throughout New England. His compositions blended folk-like melodies with contrapuntal complexity, reflecting both accessibility and innovation. Though his style fell out of favor after his death in 1800, his music was rediscovered in the 20th century, securing his place in American music history.

Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume was a pioneering French luthier and businessman born in 1798. He founded one of the most celebrated violin workshops in Paris, crafting instruments admired for their tonal richness. Vuillaume developed innovative techniques, including a unique self-rehairing bow design. He produced meticulous copies of Stradivari and Guarneri violins, influencing violin making worldwide. As a connoisseur and dealer, he amassed and restored rare antique violins. His workshop trained a generation of eminent violin makers. Vuillaume's contributions helped shape the modern art of luthiery before his death in 1875.

Charles Crozat Converse was an accomplished American lawyer and musician born in 1832. He practiced law in New York before turning his attentions to music composition. Converse wrote the melody for the popular hymn 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' which remains widely sung today. His compositions spanned hymns, songs, and church music reflecting 19th-century American tastes. He balanced his legal career with prolific musical output, contributing to both fields. Converse died in 1918, leaving a lasting legacy in American hymnody.

Felix Draeseke was a prominent German composer and educator born in 1835. A disciple of Liszt and advocate of the New German School, he composed symphonies, operas, and chamber music. His major works include the opera 'Gudrun' and the symphonic poem 'Untergang der Titanic.' Draeseke taught at the Dresden Conservatory, influencing a generation of musicians. He championed progressive musical ideas and wrote theoretical essays on composition. Draeseke died in 1913, remembered for his adventurous harmonies and contributions to late Romantic music.

Born Davis Macon in 1870, Uncle Dave Macon became a pioneering figure in old-time country music. He gained fame through his dynamic banjo playing, energetic stage presence, and humorous storytelling. As one of the first stars of the Grand Ole Opry, he helped popularize country music on radio and vaudeville circuits. Macon's recordings from the 1920s and 1930s remain influential in folk and country traditions. He continued performing into his eighties before his death in 1952.

Born in Odessa and later emigrating to the United States, Shura Cherkassky gained fame for his flamboyant technique and lyrical performances of Chopin, Liszt, and Schumann. He made his professional debut at just 14 and toured extensively across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Cherkassky recorded dozens of albums, earning praise for his expressive touch and showmanship. In addition to performing, he shared his artistry through masterclasses around the world. Revered for his musical intelligence, he remained active on stage into his eighties.

Vaughn Monroe rose to prominence in the 1940s as the leader of a popular big band known for its smooth vocals and lush arrangements. His 1945 recording of 'Racing with the Moon' topped the charts, and his seasonal classic 'Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!' remains a holiday standard. Monroe also hosted his own network radio show and later appeared on early television variety programs. A skilled trumpeter, he blended jazz and pop influences to create a signature sound. Over his career, he sold millions of records and became one of the era’s most beloved entertainers.

Raimond Valgre was a leading Estonian songwriter and performer whose melodies became folk standards. Born in 1913, he served in the navy before settling in Tallinn to compose and play music. His songs blended jazz, tango, and Estonian folk influences, creating a unique sound that resonated across the country. Popular during the late 1930s, his career was interrupted by war and personal hardships. Valgre's music was rediscovered in later decades, and his work is now celebrated as a symbol of national identity.

Alfred Drake was a leading man of mid-20th century American musical theatre. He originated the role of Curly in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" in 1943, earning acclaim for his robust baritone. He later created the title role of Fred Graham in Cole Porter's "Kiss Me, Kate". Over his career, Drake appeared in numerous Broadway hits and made television guest appearances. His performances helped define modern musical theatre and inspired generations of performers.

Břetislav Pojar (7 October 1923 – 23 August 2012) began his career at the iconic Studio Jiří Trnka in Czechoslovakia. He moved to Canada in the 1960s, where he became a leading figure in National Film Board of Canada animation. Pojar won multiple awards, including an Academy Award nomination for his short film "To See or Not to See." His work, blending humor and social commentary, influenced animation worldwide. Pojar continued creating acclaimed films into his late years and mentored upcoming animators. He is remembered for his artistry and innovative approach to puppetry and film.