March 05

Born in 1489 near Parma, Correggio trained under local masters before developing a distinctive style characterized by soft chiaroscuro and dynamic compositions. His celebrated frescoes include the 'Assumption of the Virgin' in Parma Cathedral and the 'Camera di San Paolo'. Correggio’s daring ceiling illusions and graceful figures pushed the boundaries of Renaissance art. He maintained a workshop that trained notable pupils, helping to disseminate his techniques. Despite his early death in 1534, his artistic legacy deeply influenced Baroque masters like Rubens and Carracci.

Thomas Arne was born in 1710 in London and became one of the leading English composers of the 18th century. He is best known for composing the patriotic song 'Rule, Britannia!' and for his numerous theatre works, including masques and operas. As a music educator, he taught singing and composition to members of the British aristocracy. Arne played a key role in popularizing English-language opera and masque in London. He died in 1778, leaving a legacy of enduring patriotic and theatrical music.

David Scott was born in 1806 in Edinburgh, Scotland, and studied at the Trustees' Academy before traveling abroad. He produced dramatic historical paintings, drawing inspiration from classical literature and history. Scott exhibited works at the Royal Academy in London and earned acclaim for masterpieces such as 'Coriolanus at the Gate of Rome'. In 1846, he was appointed professor of painting at the University of Edinburgh, shaping a generation of Scottish artists. He died prematurely in 1849, leaving a lasting impact on 19th-century European historical painting.

Alfredo Casella was born in 1883 in Turin, Italy and studied piano with Ferruccio Busoni and composition in Paris. He emerged as a leading advocate for contemporary music, co-founding the 'Società Italiana di Musica Contemporanea' in 1917 to promote avant-garde composers. Casella composed a wide range of works, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and piano pieces, blending Italian lyricism with modern harmonies. He also conducted major orchestras across Europe and taught at prestigious conservatories. Casella played a key role in reviving interest in Baroque music, editing and performing historical works. He died in 1947, leaving a rich legacy that shaped Italian musical modernism.

Sergei Prokofiev was born in 1891 in Sontsovka, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire, and displayed piano prodigy talents as a child. He studied at the St. Petersburg Conservatory and quickly gained recognition for his distinctive compositional voice. After touring Europe and the United States, he returned to the Soviet Union in 1936. Prokofiev composed iconic works such as the ballets 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'Cinderella,' the orchestral suite 'Peter and the Wolf,' and groundbreaking symphonies and concertos. He navigated complex Soviet cultural policies while maintaining his modernist style. His music continues to be celebrated for its innovation and emotional depth. Prokofiev died in 1953, leaving a profound legacy in 20th-century music.

Patsy Cline was an American singer-songwriter who revolutionized country music with her emotive voice and crossover appeal. Born in Winchester, Virginia, in 1932, she rose to fame in the late 1950s with hits such as Walkin' After Midnight and I Fall to Pieces. Her 1961 single Crazy became one of the biggest country hits of all time. Cline broke down barriers for female artists in a male-dominated industry and became one of the first country performers to headline Las Vegas shows. Tragically, her life was cut short in a plane crash in 1963 at the age of 30. Her enduring legacy continues to influence artists across genres.

Cowboy Copas was an American country singer and guitarist who rose to fame in the 1940s with his smooth baritone vocals. Born Lloyd Estel Copas in 1913 in Blue Creek, Ohio, he joined the Grand Ole Opry in the late 1940s. His 1960 single Alabam stayed at number one on the country charts for six weeks. Copas became known for his heartfelt ballads and honky-tonk classics. In 1963, at age 49, he died in a tragic plane crash near Camden, Tennessee, alongside fellow country stars Patsy Cline and Hawkshaw Hawkins. He remains remembered for his contributions to the golden era of country music.

Hawkshaw Hawkins was an American country music singer and guitarist, renowned for his warm baritone voice and heartfelt performances. Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1921, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II before pursuing music full-time. He achieved major success with his 1956 hit Slow Dance with You and his 1963 chart-topper Lonesome 7-7203. Hawkins was a beloved Grand Ole Opry member and toured extensively, earning acclaim for his dynamic live shows. Tragically, he perished in the 1963 plane crash that also claimed the lives of Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas. His legacy endures among country music fans for his contributions to the genre's golden age.

Born Edgar Yipsel Harburg in 1896 in New York City, Yip Harburg started his career as a journalist before turning to songwriting. His collaboration with composer Harold Arlen produced 'Over the Rainbow', which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1939. Harburg's lyrics for The Wizard of Oz and the Broadway musical Finian's Rainbow showcased his wit, poetic flair, and commitment to social justice. Known for addressing themes of equality and human rights, he worked alongside legends such as Jerome Kern and Burton Lane. Blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his political beliefs, he continued writing under pseudonyms and mentoring younger songwriters. Harburg's body of work, celebrated for its humanity and optimism, has left an indelible mark on American music. His songs remain standards in the Great American Songbook.

Born in Bassano del Grappa in 1913, Gobbi made his operatic debut in Milan in 1935. Over a career spanning five decades, he became famous for his powerful baritone and dramatic intensity. His portrayal of Scarpia in 'Tosca' is widely regarded as definitive. He collaborated with legendary conductors and acclaimed sopranos, leaving recordings that remain influential. Beyond the stage, he taught masterclasses, influencing future generations of opera singers. He also directed and staged productions, showcasing his multifaceted talents. His passion for music extended to teaching and writing, cementing his legacy in the opera world.

Born in Shardeloes, Buckinghamshire, in 1943, Vivian Stanshall rose to prominence in the 1960s. As lead singer of the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, he infused music with surreal humor and theatrical flair. His distinctive vocals and whimsical lyrics set the band apart in the British psychedelic scene. Stanshall expanded into radio and theatre, creating the beloved 'Sir Henry at Rawlinson End' series. A multi-instrumentalist, he experimented with diverse musical styles, from jazz to progressive rock. Despite struggles with personal demons, his creative genius influenced alternative comedy and music. Stanshall's legacy endures through his adventurous spirit and boundary-pushing artistry.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1922, Richard Kiley honed his craft in community theatre and operatic training. He won the first Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Don Quixote in 'Man of La Mancha'. His rich baritone and commanding stage presence made him a favorite in both theatre and television. Kiley's versatile career spanned film, including a Golden Globe nomination for 'The Anderson Tapes'. On television, he earned acclaim as the voice of Dr. Jonathan Chase in 'The Thorn Birds'. He continued performing into his seventies, captivating audiences with storytelling and song. Kiley's legacy lives on through his definitive recordings and Broadway landmarks.