February 26

William Brade was born in 1560 in England and became one of the first prominent English violinists abroad. He served at the courts of Denmark and Braunschweig, introducing English consort music to continental Europe. Brade composed dance suites, viol consort pieces, and early violin works blending English madrigal influences with German styles. His published collections helped shape the emerging Baroque tradition in Northern Europe. Known for inventive rhythms and expressive melodies, he influenced later violin composers. He died in 1630, leaving a repertoire that bridged musical cultures across Europe.

Giuseppe Tartini was born in 1692 in Pirano, present-day Slovenia, and emerged as a leading Baroque violinist. He studied under Francesco Maria Veracini before founding a renowned violin school in Padua. Tartini's compositions, including concertos and sonatas, are admired for their expressive harmony and technical demands. His 'Devil’s Trill Sonata', inspired by a vivid dream, remains a testament to his dramatic flair. He published treatises on ornamentation and tuning, influencing musical pedagogy across Europe. He died in 1770, securing his reputation as one of the era’s foremost violin virtuosos.

Karl Davydov was known as the czar of cellists, serving as principal cellist of the St. Petersburg Imperial Orchestra and later teaching at the Moscow Conservatory. He composed six evocative cello concertos and numerous chamber works that remain central to the instrument's repertoire. His arrangements and transcriptions broadened the cello's expressive range and brought the instrument to new audiences. Davydov championed modern cello techniques and mentored a generation of Russian cellists. His legacy endures through his compositions and the profound influence he had on cello performance.

Felix Draeseke was a leading figure of the late Romantic era, admired for his symphonic and chamber music works. Influenced by Liszt and Wagner, he developed a distinctive style that blended dramatic expression with formal innovation. His major works include the choral-orchestral piece 'Christus' and the powerful 'Symphonia Tragica'. As a professor at the Dresden Conservatory, Draeseke mentored many young composers, shaping Germany's musical future. Despite his prolific output, his music was overshadowed during his lifetime but has experienced renewed interest in recent decades.

Born in Portobello, Edinburgh, Harry Lauder rose to fame in the early 20th century with catchy tunes like “Roamin’ in the Gloamin’”. He became one of the highest-paid performers of his era and toured extensively across Britain and North America. During World War I, he entertained troops and raised funds for wounded soldiers, earning widespread admiration. Lauder was knighted in 1919 for his contributions to charity and entertainment. He continued performing into the 1940s, remaining a beloved figure in music hall history until his death in 1950.

Karl Albiker studied sculpture under notable artists at the Berlin Academy, developing a style marked by realism and emotional depth. After World War I, he created several war memorials across Germany that paid tribute to fallen soldiers with solemn dignity. He also produced lithographs that explored mythological and humanist themes, exhibiting widely in Europe. Albiker taught at the Karlsruhe Academy of Fine Arts, influencing a generation of artists through his rigorous approach. He continued working into his later years, leaving behind a legacy of public monuments and pedagogical excellence.

Howard Hanson was born in 1896 in Wahoo, Nebraska, and emerged as a leading figure in 20th-century American music. As director of the Eastman School of Music, he championed homegrown composers and nurtured countless young talents. His Symphony No. 2 'Romantic' won the Pulitzer Prize in 1944 and remains a staple of the orchestral repertoire. Hanson's compositions blended lush Romanticism with modern sensibilities, reflecting his belief in music's emotional power. He guest-conducted major orchestras worldwide and recorded extensively, promoting American works on the global stage. His educational leadership and musical output left an indelible mark on the development of American classical tradition.

Roy Eldridge, nicknamed 'Little Jazz', was born in 1911 in Pittsburgh and rose to prominence in the swing era. His dynamic, high-register trumpet style bridged the gap between Louis Armstrong and the bebop pioneers. Eldridge performed with big bands led by Fletcher Henderson and Gene Krupa, dazzling audiences with his virtuosity. His solos on recordings like After You've Gone and Rockin' Chair became landmarks of jazz improvisation. Later, he led his own groups and mentored younger musicians, cementing his role as a key transitional figure in jazz. His spirited performances and technical mastery continue to inspire trumpeters and jazz enthusiasts worldwide.

Jack Clayton was born in 1921 in Brighton, England, and began his career as a production assistant at Ealing Studios. He directed the Oscar-nominated Room at the Top (1959), earning acclaim for its gritty realism. Clayton's adaptation of Henry James's The Turn of the Screw (The Innocents, 1961) is celebrated as a masterpiece of psychological horror. Throughout his career, he balanced commercial projects with deeply personal films, showcasing his narrative finesse. He also produced works by emerging directors, supporting innovative storytelling in British cinema. Clayton's meticulous attention to atmosphere and character continues to influence filmmakers today.

Jun Seba, known professionally as Nujabes, was a Japanese music producer and DJ who founded the influential label Hydeout Productions. He gained acclaim for his unique fusion of jazz samples and hip hop beats, creating a mellow, atmospheric sound that resonated worldwide. His landmark albums, including Metaphorical Music, Modal Soul and Spiritual State, have become staples in the lo-fi hip hop genre. Seba's work on the soundtrack for the anime series Samurai Champloo further broadened his global audience. Despite his untimely death at age 36, his music continues to inspire new generations of producers and listeners. Seba's dedication to musical craftsmanship and emotional depth has secured his place as a pioneering figure in contemporary instrumental hip hop.

Marie-Claire Alain (1926–2013) was one of the most recorded organists of the 20th century, championing works by Bach, Franck, and contemporary composers. She recorded the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach three times, setting a benchmark for interpretation. As a professor at the Conservatoire de Rueil-Malmaison, she influenced countless students with her emphasis on clarity, articulation, and musical expression. Alain premiered new works, expanding the organ repertoire and modernist language. Recognized with awards such as the Grand Prix du Disque, her scholarly editions and writings on historical performance practice remain influential. Her passion for both performance and teaching cemented her status as a towering figure in classical music. She passed away in 2013, leaving an unparalleled recorded heritage.

Sorel Etrog (1933–2014) immigrated to Canada in 1957 and quickly established himself as a leading figure in modern sculpture. His works feature interlocking forms and biomorphic shapes that reflect themes of human connection and tension. Etrog exhibited internationally at events such as the Venice Biennale and São Paulo Biennial, and received prestigious public commissions, including the design for the Canadian Explorers coin series. In addition to sculpture, he was an accomplished painter and book illustrator, showcasing his versatility across mediums. Etrog taught at the Ontario College of Art, mentoring a generation of Canadian artists. His fusion of industrial materials with poetic form has influenced contemporary sculpture practices worldwide. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its innovation and expressiveness.