November 23

Agnolo Bronzino (1503–1572) was a leading Italian painter and poet of the Florentine Mannerist school. Serving as the court painter to Duke Cosimo I de' Medici, he created elegant and highly detailed portraits that became emblematic of the Medici dynasty's prestige. His notable works include 'Portrait of Eleanor of Toledo' and mythological scenes rich in symbolism. As a poet, he wrote Latin epigrams that complemented his artistic output. Bronzino's cool, polished style influenced European art for generations. He died on 23 November 1572.

Thomas Tallis (c. 1505–1585) was an influential English composer of sacred music during the Tudor period. He served under monarchs Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, adapting his compositions to shifting religious contexts. Tallis is celebrated for his mastery of polyphony, particularly in works like the 'Lamentations of Jeremiah' and the 40-part motet 'Spem in alium'. In collaboration with William Byrd, he produced the first printed collection of music authorized by an English monarch. His innovative techniques and melodic richness shaped the future of English choral tradition. He died on 23 November 1585.

Claude Lorrain (1604–1682), born Claude Gellée, was a French-born painter and etcher who made his career in Rome. He pioneered the classical landscape genre with works suffused by golden light and harmonious composition. His masterpieces, such as 'The Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba', captivated patrons across Europe and influenced artists like J.M.W. Turner. Lorrain's delicate handling of atmosphere and perspective set new standards for landscape painting in the Baroque era. His etchings and drawings further demonstrated his mastery of naturalistic detail. He died on 23 November 1682 in Rome.

Ivan Mane Jarnović was an 18th-century Italian violinist celebrated for his exceptional technique and expressive style. Born in 1747, he toured Europe's musical capitals, charming audiences from Paris to London. He composed a variety of violin concertos and chamber works noted for their melodic inventiveness and technical challenges. His compositions helped shape the classical repertoire and influenced future generations of violinists. As a teacher, he introduced innovative bowing methods and expressive nuances that enriched violin pedagogy.

Born in 1944, Sill overcame a troubled childhood to develop a unique musical voice. She was the first artist signed to David Geffen's Asylum Records, releasing two albums: "Judee Sill" and "Heart Food". Her songs blended baroque arrangements with spiritual and personal themes. Though her life was marked by addiction and challenge, her work influenced future singer-songwriters. Posthumous recognition has grown, celebrating her as a pioneering and lyrical talent. Sill died in 1979, leaving behind a haunting and lyrical musical legacy.

Born in 1899, Muks studied art at the Pallas school in Tartu, where he embraced Impressionist techniques. His landscapes captured the light and mood of the Estonian countryside with bold color palettes. Muks exhibited widely in Estonia and abroad, helping to shape the national art scene during the interwar period. He also taught and mentored younger artists, influencing the development of modern Estonian painting. Despite political upheaval, his work remained a testament to the resilience of Estonian culture. Muks passed away in 1983, leaving a rich body of work celebrated for its vibrant vision.

Roy Acuff (1903–1992) was a pioneering figure in country music, instrumental in popularizing the genre across America. He joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1938 and became one of its most enduring stars. Acuff's heartfelt vocals and distinctive fiddling style defined early country sounds. He co-founded Acuff-Rose Music, one of the first major country music publishing companies. His hits, such as Great Speckled Bird and The Wabash Cannonball, remain classics. Acuff's influence paved the way for countless country artists and earned him induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Irwin Kostal (1911–1994) was an American songwriter, screenwriter, and publisher who contributed to the soundtrack and scripts of classic Hollywood films. He collaborated in various capacities on major studio productions during the mid-20th century. Kostal's songwriting skills complemented his work as a screenwriter, allowing him to shape both musical and narrative elements of cinema. In addition to creative roles, he managed publishing ventures that supported emerging writers and composers. Starting his career in local theaters and radio, he eventually became a respected figure in studio circles. His multifaceted talents left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Louis Malle (1932–1995) was a French-American filmmaker known for his elegant direction and exploration of diverse themes. His early work in the French New Wave included films like Elevator to the Gallows and The Lovers. After moving to Hollywood, he directed acclaimed films such as Atlantic City, My Dinner with Andre, and Au Revoir les Enfants. Malle received multiple Academy Award nominations and won for Best Foreign Language Film. He balanced studio projects with personal essays on subjects like childhood and death. Malle's thoughtful style bridged European and American cinema, influencing generations of directors.

Junior Walker (1931–1995) was an American saxophonist and singer who fronted the Motown group Junior Walker & the All Stars. His raw, energetic sax playing and soulful vocals produced hits like Shot Gun, What Does It Take, and Road Runner. Walker joined Motown Records in the 1960s and became one of its standout instrumentalists. His fusion of R&B, soul, and rock elements influenced future generations of saxophonists and soul artists. Throughout his career, he toured internationally and recorded over a dozen albums. Walker's dynamic performances and distinctive tone left an enduring mark on popular music.

Art Porter Jr. (1961–1996) was an American jazz saxophonist celebrated for his smooth, lyrical sound. He released several acclaimed albums, blending jazz, R&B, and electronic elements in his performances. Porter toured internationally and collaborated with artists like Ramsey Lewis and David Sanborn. His technique and tone earned him a place among the leading contemporary saxophonists of the 1990s. Tragically, Porter died of a heart attack while on tour in Japan at age 35. His recordings continue to inspire jazz musicians and fans around the world.

Born in Santiago, Chile, in 1911, Matta studied architecture before moving to Paris in the 1930s where he joined the Surrealist movement under André Breton's influence. His dynamic paintings combined fluid forms and bold colors to evoke otherworldly spaces and psychological depths. Matta's work bridged Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, influencing artists on both sides of the Atlantic. During and after World War II, he continued to develop innovative techniques including automatic drawing and large-scale mural projects. He exhibited widely in Europe and the United States, cementing his reputation as a pioneer of modern art. Matta's legacy endures in museums and collections worldwide, celebrated for his visionary approach to form and space.