November 25

Johann Friedrich Reichardt produced a diverse body of music including operas, lieder, and instrumental works that reflected the transition from the Baroque to Classical era. As a critic and writer, he championed new musical ideas and documented performances in periodicals, influencing public taste. Reichardt collaborated with literary figures like Goethe, setting poems to music and fostering cultural exchange in Weimar. His salon in Berlin became a hub for artists and intellectuals before he later worked in Vienna and Prague.

Franz Xaver Gruber served as church organist in Oberndorf, where in 1818 he collaborated with priest Joseph Mohr to compose 'Silent Night' (Stille Nacht). The song, initially performed with guitar and choir, grew into one of the most beloved Christmas carols worldwide. Gruber's career included teaching music in Salzburg and surviving the loss of many early manuscripts in a flood. Though his body of work beyond this carol was modest, the enduring popularity of 'Silent Night' has cemented his legacy in music history.

Ethelbert Nevin (1862–1901) was an American composer and pianist celebrated for his lyrical piano pieces and songs. His most famous work, 'Narcissus', from the suite 'Water Scenes', became a popular staple of salon recitals. Nevin studied music in Europe and the United States, drawing on romantic traditions to craft his expressive melodies. He also composed art songs, such as 'The Rosary' and 'Oh, Promise Me', which enjoyed widespread success. Despite his early death, Nevin's melodic gift and sensitive harmonies have secured his place in American musical history.

Maurice Denis (November 25, 1870 – November 13, 1943) was a French painter, writer, and art theoretician associated with the Les Nabis movement. He championed the idea that painting is fundamentally a decorative arrangement of colors, famously stating that a painting is essentially a “flat surface covered with colors.” Denis’s work blended symbolism and religious themes with bold, flattened forms and ornamental patterns. He authored influential essays on aesthetics, exploring the relationship between art, religion, and beauty. As a teacher at the École des Beaux-Arts, Denis guided a generation of artists toward modern decorative art. His theories and paintings deeply impacted 20th-century art and design, bridging traditional motifs and avant-garde ideas.

Albert Henry Krehbiel (November 25, 1873 – 1945) was an American painter and illustrator celebrated for his impressionist landscapes and decorative murals. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, developing a refined sense of color and composition. Krehbiel’s murals adorn public buildings such as the National Museum of Natural History in Chicago, showcasing his mastery of large-scale art. He taught at the Art Institute of Chicago for over two decades, influencing generations of American artists. Krehbiel also contributed illustrations to prominent books and magazines, bringing his artistic vision to a wider audience. His work remains admired for its luminous palette and elegant forms.

Wilhelm Kempff (1895-1991) was a German pianist whose lyrical and introspective performances garnered international acclaim. He made landmark recordings of the complete Beethoven sonatas and concertos, influencing generations of pianists. Kempff also composed piano works and chamber music, showcasing his Romantic sensibilities. As an educator, he taught masterclasses at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. His legacy endures through numerous recordings that remain benchmarks of the classical piano repertoire.

Virgil Thomson (1896-1989) was a prominent American composer, conductor, and music critic. He co-founded the American wing of the International Composers' Guild and wrote music criticism for the New York Herald Tribune. Thomson's most famous compositions include the operas 'Four Saints in Three Acts' and 'The Mother of Us All', the latter earning him a Pulitzer Prize in 1949. His music combined clarity of expression with an American vernacular style. Thomson was also a respected essayist, influencing perceptions of modern music in the 20th century.

Aarne Viisimaa (1898-1989) was an Estonian tenor celebrated for his refined vocal style and stage presence. After studying in St. Petersburg, he became a principal singer at the Estonian National Opera. From 1927 to 1938, and again after WWII, he served as director of the company, shaping its artistic direction. Viisimaa emigrated to Sweden in 1944, where he continued to perform and teach. His legacy endures through recordings and the many singers he mentored.

Born in Avio, Italy, Ortelli was a talented musician who led local choirs and orchestras. In 1927 he composed 'La Montanara', inspired by the Italian Alps, which became an international folk standard. He arranged the song for various ensembles and conducted performances across Europe. Ortelli’s enduring melody has been covered by countless artists and remains a symbol of mountain culture. He continued composing and conducting until his death in 2000, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

Born in Massachusetts, Eastman studied at Antioch College and the Art Students League of New York. He joined Dr. Seuss's staff at Random House, contributing to the development of beginner reader books. Eastman authored and illustrated over 40 children's books, including 'Are You My Mother?' and 'Go, Dog. Go!'. His playful characters and simple language helped generations of children learn to read. Inducted into the Children's Book Hall of Fame, his work remains beloved worldwide.

Roelof Frankot was a pioneering Dutch painter and photographer, celebrated as one of the Netherlands' foremost abstract artists. Born in Meppel in 1911, he studied at the Rijksakademie in Amsterdam and was deeply influenced by constructivist and surrealist movements. Frankot's bold use of color, geometric forms, and non-representational imagery set him apart in the mid-20th century art scene. In addition to painting, he explored photography, experimenting with avant-garde techniques and photo-collages. His works were exhibited internationally, including shows in Paris, New York, and Tokyo. Throughout his career, Frankot remained committed to pushing the boundaries of abstract art in Holland. He passed away in 1984, leaving a lasting legacy as a trailblazer of modernism in Dutch art.

Ricardo Montalbán was a pioneering Mexican-American actor who achieved success in Hollywood over seven decades. He began his career in the 1940s, starring in film noirs and adventure pictures. Montalbán showcased his versatility as a singer and appeared on Broadway in musicals such as Kismet. His television breakthrough came as the enigmatic Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island (1977-1984). He earned new acclaim portraying the villainous Khan Noonien Singh in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). Off screen, he was a passionate advocate for Latinos in the entertainment industry and helped found the Nosotros Foundation. Montalbán also directed stage productions and supported numerous charitable causes. He left a lasting legacy as one of Hollywood's most charismatic and trailblazing performers.