November 12

Notker Physicus, also called Notker the Physician, was a Benedictine monk at the Abbey of Saint Gall in the 10th century. He gained renown for illuminating manuscripts with vivid religious imagery, blending Carolingian and Byzantine artistic styles. Contemporary accounts suggest he practiced medicine, earning his sobriquet 'Physicus.' Notker's work contributed to the intellectual and artistic life of his monastery, which was a major cultural center of medieval Europe. Though few of his originals survive, his legacy endures in the manuscripts preserved at St. Gall. His interdisciplinary talents exemplify the scholarly rigor of monastic communities in the Middle Ages.

Frederick Holland Day was a pioneering American photographer and publisher born in 1864. He emerged as a central figure in the pictorialist movement, advocating for photography's recognition as an artistic medium. Day's work often featured stylized portraits, allegorical scenes, and literary themes, challenging conventional views of the medium. He founded his own publishing house to produce magazines and books that showcased photographic art. Day also organized influential exhibitions and was a mentor to younger photographers. His bold experimentation and promotion of aesthetic photography left a lasting impact on the development of photographic art in America.

Umberto Giordano was born in 1867 and became a central figure in the Italian verismo opera movement. He studied at the Naples Conservatory and achieved early success with his opera 'Regina Diaz.' Giordano's most renowned works include 'Andrea Chénier' (1896) and 'Fedora' (1898), which remain staples of the operatic repertoire. His music combined dramatic intensity with lyrical melodies, reflecting the social realism characteristic of verismo. He held positions as a conductor and director at major Italian opera houses, promoting contemporary works. Giordano's operas continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and orchestral richness.

Many Benner was born in 1873 into a family of artists and became known for his refined landscape and genre paintings. Influenced by Impressionism, he captured the play of light and color in pastoral scenes and urban settings. Benner exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon and earned praise for his delicate brushwork and harmonious compositions. His works were acquired by collectors across Europe and are held in public and private collections. Beyond easel painting, Benner contributed decorative murals to public buildings, showcasing his versatility until his death in 1965.

Rudolf Friml was born in Prague in 1879 and studied piano at the Prague Conservatory. He moved to the United States in the early 20th century and began composing for Broadway musicals. Friml's most celebrated works include the operettas 'Rose-Marie' and 'The Vagabond King', which enjoyed international success. His lush, romantic melodies and graceful orchestrations helped define the Golden Age of operetta. In addition to stage works, he wrote for Hollywood films and composed popular songs like 'Indian Love Call'. Friml influenced generations of composers with his melodic style and theatrical flair. He passed away in Berkeley, California, in 1972, leaving a rich legacy in American musical theater.

Walter Piston studied composition at Harvard University under Gustav Holst and Ernest Bloch. He joined the Harvard faculty in 1926 and taught composition, theory, and orchestration until his retirement. Piston composed in diverse genres, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and solo pieces. He won Pulitzer Prizes for his Second Symphony (1943) and his Fourth Symphony (1948). His textbooks on harmony, counterpoint, and orchestration became standard references for music students. Piston's music is celebrated for its craftsmanship, clarity, and inventive use of form. He passed away in 1976, leaving a profound influence on American classical music and music education.

Born in Barcelona in 1915, Carlos Surinach emigrated to the United States in 1947 and became a prominent figure in modern dance music. He collaborated with choreographers such as Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey, composing vibrant ballet scores and concert works. His compositions blend Spanish rhythmic elements with contemporary orchestration, resulting in dynamic performances that captivated audiences. Throughout his career, he championed new music, conducting premieres and promoting living composers. Surinach's legacy endures in dance companies and concert halls worldwide.

Born in Marseille in 1913, Franck Pourcel became one of France's most prolific arrangers and conductors. He released over 250 albums under the Philips label, covering genres from jazz to film themes. His most famous recordings include his instrumental version of "Love Is Blue," which topped charts internationally. Pourcel led the Grand Orchestre Pourcel with precision and flair, blending classical sensibilities with popular melodies. His work helped popularize orchestral pop music in the mid-20th century, leaving a lasting influence on light music traditions.

Born in Berlin in 1920, Albert Hague escaped Nazi Germany and settled in the United States after World War II. He co-wrote the songs for the 1966 TV special "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!", which became holiday classics. As an actor, he appeared in films such as "The World of Henry Orient" and on television shows including "The Wonder Years," where he played the family patriarch, Mr. Unger. Hague's dual talents bridged music and performance, earning him acclaim on Broadway, in television, and in concert halls. His contributions to musical theatre and family entertainment remain beloved by audiences.

Born in 1954, Tony Thompson began drumming at an early age and quickly rose to prominence through his powerful, groove-driven style. As the drummer for Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards' band Chic, he anchored hits like "Le Freak" and "Good Times." In the mid-1980s, Thompson joined the supergroup Power Station, collaborating with Robert Palmer and members of Duran Duran. His session work spanned artists in rock and pop music, showcasing his versatility across genres. Admired for his technical precision and musicality, he influenced countless drummers until his death in 2003.

Mitch Mitchell (1947–2008) was an English drummer celebrated for his jazz-infused style and dynamic performances as a member of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Joining the band in 1966, he helped define the sound of albums like Are You Experienced and Electric Ladyland. Mitchell's inventive rhythms and improvisational solos complemented Hendrix's guitar work, earning him accolades among rock critics. After the band's dissolution, he continued recording and touring with various artists, showcasing his versatility. His influence is recognized by drummers across genres for his fusion of jazz and rock elements.

Henryk Mikołaj Górecki (1933–2010) was a Polish composer whose work bridged avant-garde techniques and deeply expressive lyricism. His early compositions explored serialism and experimental forms, reflecting the post-war avant-garde movement. In 1976, he premiered his Third Symphony, the 'Symphony of Sorrowful Songs', which achieved wide popularity decades later and became one of the best-selling contemporary classical recordings. Górecki's music often incorporated Polish folk melodies and themes of spirituality and human suffering. He held teaching positions at the State Higher School of Music in Katowice and influenced a generation of Eastern European composers. His legacy endures through recordings and performances that continue to move audiences worldwide.