March 12

Caspar Othmayr was born in 1515 in Nuremberg and studied theology at the University of Wittenberg. He served as a Lutheran pastor in Ansbach and Nuremberg, where he introduced chorales into worship. As a composer, he published collections of psalm settings and hymns that became influential in Lutheran church music. His works display a marriage of traditional German song with emerging Baroque elements. Othmayr's compositions were admired for their melodic clarity and devotional depth. He died in 1553 but left behind a significant body of sacred music.

Paul Gerhardt was born in 1607 in Gräfenhainichen, Germany. After studying theology, he became a Lutheran minister and turned to hymn writing during the ravages of the Thirty Years' War. His lyrics express deep faith and comfort, often set to melodies by contemporary composers. Gerhardt published hymns in the influential collection Praxis Pietatis Melica. His most famous works include 'O Sacred Head Now Wounded' and 'There Is a Green Hill Far Away.' Recognized for his poetic skill and theological insight, Gerhardt's hymns continue to be sung worldwide.

Thomas Arne was born in 1710 in London and studied music under his father, a jeweler and amateur musician. He rose to prominence composing for theatres during the Georgian era, setting music for plays and masques. Arne's most celebrated work, 'Rule, Britannia!,' debuted in 1740 and became a lasting symbol of British patriotism. He also composed the song 'Where the Bee Sucks' for Shakespeare's 'The Tempest.' Arne's versatility extended to operas, chamber music, and church compositions. He died in 1778, remembered as one of the leading English composers of the 18th century.

Alexandre Guilmant (1837–1911) was a French organist, composer, and pedagogue known for his exquisite technique. He served as the organist at La Trinité in Paris and toured extensively across Europe and the United States. Guilmant composed numerous works for organ, including sonatas, concertos, and liturgical pieces. He co-founded the Schola Cantorum, a prominent music school dedicated to Gregorian chant and early music. As a professor of organ at the Paris Conservatoire, he taught many influential students. His contributions greatly advanced organ performance and repertoire in the late 19th century.

Born in 1855, Birnbaum studied music in Germany and served as a synagogue cantor in several communities. He dedicated his career to researching and preserving traditional Jewish melodies. Through publications and teachings, he promoted the revival of liturgical music at a time of cultural change. His seminal collections of chants and hymns influenced subsequent generations of cantors and musicologists. Birnbaum's work provided a foundation for modern Jewish music scholarship until his death in 1920.

Born in 1864, Tegnér studied at the Stockholm Conservatory and became a respected church organist. She published popular songbooks for children, including her celebrated collection Sjung med oss, mamma!. As a teacher, she promoted music education for young learners across Sweden. Tegnér composed numerous hymns, piano pieces, and choral works that remain part of Sweden's musical heritage. Her passion for combining pedagogy with creative composition influenced generations of music educators.

Edmund Eysler (1874–1949) was an Austrian composer whose operettas captured the spirit of early 20th-century Vienna. Over his career, he wrote more than 60 works for the stage, including celebrated pieces like "Der unsterbliche Lump" and "Die Grund’nerinnen." His music is marked by catchy melodies, rich orchestration, and a keen sense of comic timing. Eysler's operettas were hugely popular in Austrian and German theatres before World War II. Despite being sidelined during the war, his works enjoyed a post-war revival among operetta enthusiasts. Today, his compositions remain a vibrant part of the Viennese operetta repertoire, reflecting his enduring influence on musical theatre.

Hans Knappertsbusch (1888–1965) was a German conductor renowned for his deep, worshipful renditions of late-Romantic repertoire. After early positions in Munich and Hamburg, he became a regular presence at the Bayreuth Festival, winning acclaim for his Wagner performances. From 1950 to 1962, he served as principal conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, expanding its international reputation. Known for deliberate tempos and an almost spiritual approach to phrasing, Knappertsbusch championed the works of Bruckner, Wagner, and Strauss. His live recordings, many preserved by radio broadcasts, continue to influence conductors and listeners. Despite health challenges later in life, he remained active until his death in Munich.

Evert Taube (1890–1976) was a Swedish singer-songwriter, poet, and lute player whose ballads have become a cornerstone of Nordic folk music. Born in Gothenburg, he traveled widely in South America, collecting stories and melodies that inspired his compositions. Taube's lyrical narratives often celebrate maritime life, island landscapes, and tales of love and adventure. Over a career spanning decades, he published poetry collections, recorded albums, and wrote musicals that earned him national acclaim. An accomplished painter and novelist, Taube's multidisciplinary talents enriched Sweden's cultural scene. His enduring legacy is honored through festivals, scholarships, and continued performances of his cherished songs.

Jesse Fuller (1896–1976) was an American musician and inventor who popularized the concept of the one-man band. He invented the fotdiddle, a foot-operated percussion instrument, to accompany his guitar and harmonica. Fuller's most famous song, 'San Francisco Bay Blues', became a folk standard performed by many artists. He toured extensively across the United States and Europe, showcasing his unique blend of guitar, vocals, and percussive rhythms. Fuller's innovative performances influenced generations of solo performers and folk musicians.

Rita Angus was a leading New Zealand painter of the mid-20th century. She was renowned for her vivid portrayal of New Zealand scenery and people. Her work often featured sharp lines and bold colors, reflecting her modernist influence. Among her notable paintings is 'Cass' and numerous striking portrait studies. Her legacy continues to shape New Zealand's national art identity.

Agathe von Trapp was the eldest daughter of the Trapp Family Singers, whose story inspired 'The Sound of Music'. She performed with the family choir during European tours and settled in the United States. As an author, she recounted her family's musical heritage in her memoirs. Her writings and performances helped preserve the von Trapp family's musical legacy. She passed away in 2010, remembered for her artistic and literary contributions.