February 25

Alessandro Stradella was a prominent Italian composer of the Baroque period. Born in 1639, he became celebrated for his operas, cantatas, and sacred music that combined dramatic flair with lyrical melodies. He worked in various Italian cities and France, influencing contemporaries with his innovative use of harmony. Stradella's tumultuous personal life, marked by scandals and intrigue, added to his legend. His works such as the oratorio 'La Susanna' remain popular for their emotional depth. Stradella's tragic murder in 1682 left the music world fascinated by his life story. His compositions bridge the gap between early Baroque and later operatic traditions. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer of dramatic vocal writing.

Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723) was a preeminent English architect and scientist. After rebuilding much of London following the Great Fire of 1666, he designed over 50 churches, including the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral. Wren combined classical architectural principles with Baroque flourishes, revolutionizing English architecture. He served as Surveyor of the King’s Works, overseeing royal building projects and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich. A founding member of the Royal Society, Wren contributed to astronomy and anatomy before turning to architecture. His designs feature harmonious proportions and innovative structural solutions. Wren’s work shaped London’s skyline and influenced future generations of architects. He is celebrated for his artistic vision and technical mastery, leaving a lasting architectural legacy.

Anton Arensky was born in 1861 near Novgorod and studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory under Rimsky-Korsakov. An accomplished pianist, he wrote extensively for chamber ensembles, notable for his Piano Trio No.1. His 'Variations on a Theme of Tchaikovsky' remains a staple of the Romantic repertoire. Arensky also composed songs, choral works, and two operas, blending lyricism with classical forms. As a professor, he mentored future giants like Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky, impacting Russian music education. He died in 1906, leaving a legacy of elegant melodies and pedagogical influence.

Worthington Whittredge was born in Ohio in 1820 and became a leading artist of the Hudson River School. He studied in Europe, absorbing the Barbizon school's attention to natural light and atmosphere. Whittredge's landscapes, depicting forests and mountain vistas, are noted for their poetic realism. He exhibited widely and influenced American perceptions of the Western frontier. As an educator at institutions like the Cooper Union, he mentored a generation of American painters. He died in 1910, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its serene beauty.

John Tenniel was born in 1820 and trained at the Royal Academy Schools. He gained fame for his detailed and imaginative illustrations for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass (1871). His mastery of line work and character expression made his images enduring classics of children's literature. Tenniel was appointed official political cartoonist for Punch in 1850 and shaped public opinion through his satirical art. He was knighted in 1893 in recognition of his contributions to art and publishing. Tenniel's work influenced generations of illustrators and remains widely reproduced to this day.

Mário de Andrade was born in 1893 in São Paulo and emerged as a leading figure of Brazil’s Modernist movement. He organized the landmark Week of Modern Art in 1922, which challenged traditional artistic norms and introduced avant-garde ideas. Andrade’s novel Macunaíma (1928) blended folklore, indigenous myths, and vernacular language, cementing his reputation as an innovative storyteller. He also produced poetry, essays on Brazilian culture, and pioneering work in ethnomusicology. An avid photographer, he documented urban and rural life across Brazil. Andrade died in 1945, leaving a rich legacy that continues to shape Brazilian literature and art.

Born in 1887 in Kyiv, Alexander Archipenko studied at the Moscow School of Painting. He moved to Paris in 1908 and became a key figure in the Cubist movement, transforming sculptural forms. Archipenko experimented with negative space, creating dynamic and abstract works. He exhibited at the 1913 Armory Show in New York, profoundly influencing American modern art. Later, he taught and led studios across Europe and the US, inspiring generations of artists. Archipenko died in 1964, remembered as a visionary of 20th-century sculpture.

Born Markus Rothkowitz in 1903 in Daugavpils, Russia, Rothko immigrated to the United States as a child. He emerged as a leading figure of Abstract Expressionism, focusing on large, soft-edged rectangles of color. Rothko sought to evoke profound emotional responses through his vast, transcendent canvases. His commissions, including murals for the Seagram Building, remain iconic in modern art. He served as a professor and influenced generations of artists with his theoretical writings. Rothko died in 1970, leaving a poignant legacy as one of the 20th century’s most influential painters.

Born in 1932 as Iverson Minter in Georgia, Louisiana Red became a traveling blues musician known for his raw voice and emotional delivery. He recorded more than twenty albums across a career that spanned over five decades, collaborating with blues greats like Sonny Boy Williamson. Songs such as 'Sweet Blood Call' and 'I'm Too Poor to Die' showcase his evocative storytelling. Louisiana Red's distinctive harp work and powerful lyrics earned him a dedicated following in Europe and the United States. He also advocated for prison reform and social justice through his music. He passed away in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy in the blues tradition.

Born in 1992 in Guamuchil, Sinaloa, Ariel Camacho formed Ariel Camacho y Los Plebes del Rancho at the age of 17. He pushed the boundaries of the sierreño-banda genre with his songwriting, blending traditional sounds with contemporary flair. Hits like 'Te Metiste' and 'Hablemos' showcased his emotive vocals and skillful guitar playing. Camacho’s charismatic performances made him a rising star in regional Mexican music. Tragically, he died in a car accident at the age of 22 in 2015. Despite his brief career, his influence continues among artists in the genre.

Born in 1927 in West Kirby, Cheshire, Shirley Hughes studied at the Liverpool College of Art before embarking on a career in illustration. Her gentle and detailed drawings brought to life stories of everyday childhood in books such as Dogger, which won the Kate Greenaway Medal. Hughes wrote and illustrated more than 50 books, including the beloved Alfie series and her collaboration on poetry collections. Her work is praised for its warmth, humor, and ability to capture the small moments of family life. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. Hughes died in 2022, leaving a lasting impact on children’s literature.