March 04

Leonhard Kleber (1495–1556) was a German organist renowned for his compilation of the Tabulatura Nova in 1525, which preserved a rich repertoire of liturgical and secular keyboard music. Serving as an organist in Landshut, he introduced innovative fingering techniques and ornamentation in his performances. Kleber's Tabulatura Nova, one of the earliest large-scale organ tablatures, features works by prominent composers of his era. His contributions helped standardize organ notation and performance practice during the Renaissance. Although few biographical details survive, his influence is evident in the transmission of keyboard music across German-speaking regions. Kleber's collections remain valuable sources for understanding 16th-century organ music and performance.

Hans von Aachen (1552–1615) was a leading German Mannerist painter known for his allegorical and mythological compositions. Trained in the Netherlands and Italy, he synthesized Northern detail with Italianate elegance in his work. Invited to the court of Emperor Rudolf II in Prague, Hans produced portraits of the imperial family and imaginative allegories for the Habsburg court. His paintings often featured complex iconography, reflecting the erudition and mysticism of the late Renaissance. Von Aachen also taught at the imperial court, influencing a generation of artists in Central Europe. His art contributed to the cultural flourishing of Rudolfine Prague, leaving a lasting mark on European Mannerism.

Johannes Zick (1702–1762) was a leading German Rococo painter celebrated for his large-scale frescoes. He studied under his father in Munich before traveling to Italy to refine his craft. Zick’s works adorn numerous churches and abbeys in Bavaria and Swabia, showcasing his skill in color and composition. Notable projects include the frescoes at the Abbey Church of Ottobeuren and the Pilgrimage Church in Steinhausen. His style bridged the Baroque tradition and emerging Rococo elegance, influencing generations of ecclesiastical artists.

Jean-Baptiste Greuze (1725–1805) was a leading French painter known for his expressive depiction of domestic life. He gained fame at the Paris Salon for works like "The Broken Pitcher", which combined dramatic realism with moral storytelling. Greuze’s art influenced the development of French sentimentalism, inspiring both painters and writers. Though later he fell out of favor during the rise of Neoclassicism, his portraits remained admired for their emotional depth. Today, Greuze is recognized for bridging the gap between Rococo charm and emerging Romantic sensibilities.

Born in 1880 in Munich, Franz Marc became a leading figure in German Expressionism. He co-founded the avant-garde art group Der Blaue Reiter in 1911, alongside Wassily Kandinsky. Marc’s vivid paintings often featured animals as symbolic representations of purity and spirituality. His bold use of color and form reflected a deep interest in conveying emotional truth. In 1916, Marc was killed in action during World War I at the Verdun front. His work left a lasting impact on modernist painting and continues to be celebrated worldwide.

Born in 1854 in Breslau (now Wroclaw), Moszkowski studied at the Leipzig Conservatory. He achieved fame as a pianist of extraordinary technique and lyrical expressiveness. Moszkowski composed popular salon pieces, études, and caprices that remain favorites among pianists. His music combined Romantic charm with virtuoso brilliance, reflecting the influences of Chopin and Liszt. After a successful performing career, he settled in Paris as a sought-after teacher. Though less known today, his works have experienced a revival among piano enthusiasts.

Mark Sandrich was an influential Hollywood filmmaker during the Golden Age of cinema. He directed iconic dance musicals such as 'Top Hat' (1935), 'Follow the Fleet' (1936), and 'Carefree' (1938), defining the Astaire-Rogers partnership. As both director and producer at RKO Pictures, Sandrich shaped the studio's signature musical style. He also co-wrote several screenplays, blending sophisticated dialogue with elegant song-and-dance sequences. His innovative camera work and pacing influenced generations of musical directors. Sandrich's sudden death in 1945 cut short a promising cinematic career.

Noel Gay was a prolific British composer who shaped interwar musical theatre. His 1937 show 'Me and My Girl' featured the famous song 'The Lambeth Walk,' which became a global dance craze. Gay's melodic tunes and witty lyrics delighted West End audiences throughout the 1920s and 1930s. He composed music for revues, films, and comic operas, collaborating with top lyricists and performers. During World War II, he helped boost troop morale through music and entertainment. Gay's work remains celebrated for its charm and influence on British popular music.

Born in 1911 in New York City, Charles Biro began his career in the 1930s writing and illustrating comics. As editor-in-chief for Lev Gleason Publications, he co-created characters such as Daredevil and Steel Sterling, introducing grittier storylines and dynamic art styles to the medium. His innovative approach to pacing and character development influenced the evolution of comic-book storytelling. Biro's work extended to magazine illustration and mentoring young artists. He died on March 4, 1972, leaving a lasting impact on the Golden Age of comics.

Born in 1903 in New York City, Adolph Gottlieb studied at the Art Students League before traveling to Europe, where he was influenced by Surrealism. In 1936, he co-founded the American Abstract Artists group to promote abstract art in the United States. Gottlieb developed his signature "Pictograph" and "Burst" series, characterized by primitive symbols and dynamic color fields. His work was exhibited at major institutions including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum. A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, he mentored younger artists and helped shape post-war modernism. He died on March 4, 1974.

Born in Chicago in 1907, Joe Marsala rose to prominence in the 1930s as a leading swing-era clarinetist. He formed his own band and recorded extensively, earning acclaim for his warm tone and inventive improvisations. Marsala collaborated with jazz luminaries such as Benny Goodman and Marian McPartland, influencing peers and audiences alike. In addition to performing, he composed memorable jazz tunes that blended lyrical melodies with rhythmic drive. Later in life, he worked as a producer and club owner in New York City, nurturing emerging talent. Marsala's contributions to jazz continue to be celebrated by clarinetists and swing enthusiasts around the world.

Richard Manuel rose to fame as a founding member of The Band, contributing his expressive voice and versatile piano playing. Born in Stratford, Ontario, he blended blues, gospel, and rock influences in songs like "I Shall Be Released" and "Whispering Pines". His emotive performances helped define the group's roots-rock sound in the 1960s and 70s. Despite critical acclaim and chart success, Manuel struggled with personal challenges and substance abuse. His untimely death in 1986 shocked the music world and underscored the pressures of life on the road. Manuel's haunting vocals and songwriting continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.