March 23

Born in 1599 in Lüneburg, Selle became one of the leading German composers of the early Baroque period. He served as Kantor in Hamburg, where he was responsible for the city's church music. Selle composed numerous motets, psalms, and sacred concertos that blended intricate counterpoint with emerging styles. His collection 'Prodromus cantilenarum sacrarum' exemplifies his mastery of vocal polyphony. Through his teaching and compositions, Selle influenced the next generation of Northern German composers. He remained active in Hamburg until his death in 1663, leaving a legacy of rich liturgical music.

Born in 1750 in Feldsberg, Sperger became one of the foremost double bass virtuosos of his era. He served in prestigious orchestras, including the Vienna Hofkapelle, showcasing his technical mastery. As a composer, he wrote symphonies, concertos, and chamber works, often featuring the double bass. His 'Concertante for Double Bass' remains a seminal work in the instrument's literature. Sperger’s music bridged the late Baroque and Classical styles, influencing subsequent bass composers. He retired in 1808 and died in 1812, leaving a lasting impact on double bass performance.

Ludwig Minkus (1826–1917) was an Austrian violinist and composer who became the principal ballet composer for the Imperial Russian Ballet. He collaborated closely with choreographer Marius Petipa, creating enduring works such as 'La Bayadère' (1877) and 'Don Quixote' (1869). Minkus's melodic gift and sense of dance rhythm made him a favorite at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. His compositions blended classical form with Russian theatrical flair, influencing ballet music for generations. He retired to Austria, leaving behind a legacy as one of the 19th century's most beloved ballet composers.

Julius Reubke (1834–1858) was a German prodigy who studied under Franz Liszt and quickly gained acclaim for his virtuosic piano and organ compositions. His most famous work, the Organ Sonata on the 94th Psalm, is revered for its emotional depth and technical demands. Reubke's compositions blend dramatic Romantic expression with intricate counterpoint. Despite his promising talent, his career was cut short by tuberculosis at the age of 24. His limited output has nonetheless secured him a lasting place in music history.

Friedrich Amelung (1842–1909) was an Estonian-German scholar who made significant contributions to regional historiography and the arts. He published numerous studies on Baltic history and served as a patron of cultural societies. As a businessman, he supported local economic ventures and funded artistic salons. His compositions for violin and piano were popular in Estonian and German musical circles. Amelung's multifaceted career bridged scholarship, commerce, and creative expression.

Joseph Christian Leyendecker was born in 1874 in Germany and raised in Chicago, where he studied painting at the Art Institute of Chicago. He rose to prominence as one of America's leading illustrators, creating over 400 covers for The Saturday Evening Post. Leyendecker's elegant compositions and vivid colors set new standards in commercial art, notably through his iconic 'Arrow Collar Man' advertisements. He mentored Norman Rockwell, helping to shape the style of American illustration for decades. Today, Leyendecker's works are highly collectible and celebrated for their technical mastery and cultural impact.

Franz Schreker was an Austrian composer and conductor born in 1878 who became renowned for his richly textured late-Romantic scores. His operas, including 'Der ferne Klang' and 'Die Gezeichneten,' were celebrated for their lush orchestration and psychological depth. Schreker held key academic posts, directing the Vienna Music Academy and later teaching in Berlin, where he mentored composers such as Ernst Krenek. His works were suppressed by the Nazi regime but experienced a significant revival in the late 20th century. Schreker's innovative fusion of Romanticism and Modernism has solidified his place in Western musical canon.

Josef Čapek was a Czech artist celebrated for his vibrant modernist paintings and evocative poetry. His visual art encompassed landscapes, portraits, and satirical illustrations that captured the spirit of early 20th-century Europe. As a poet, he explored themes of human emotion, freedom, and social critique in his verses. Čapek collaborated with his brother on various creative projects, bridging the worlds of art and literature. He exhibited his work widely and influenced the Central European avant-garde movement. Čapek's multidisciplinary talent solidified his place in Czech cultural history.

Juan Gris (1887–1927) was a Spanish painter and sculptor who played a central role in the development of Synthetic Cubism. Born in Madrid, he moved to Paris in 1906 where he formed a close friendship with Pablo Picasso. Gris’s work is known for its precise composition, bright color palette, and incorporation of collage techniques. He published a manifesto on Cubism and contributed theoretical writings to art journals of his time. His major works include 'Portrait of Picasso' and 'Still Life with Checkered Tablecloth'. Despite his early death at age 40, Gris left a lasting impact on modern art movements worldwide.

Cedric Gibbons (1893–1960) was an Irish-American art director and production designer who shaped the visual style of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Emigrating from Dublin to New York in his youth, he joined Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 1924 and became one of the studio’s most prolific artists. Gibbons designed more than 1,500 film sets and won 11 Academy Awards for Best Art Direction. His sleek, elegant designs defined the look of classics such as 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'Grand Hotel'. He also played a key role in creating the iconic Oscar statuette that remains unchanged today. Gibbons’s visionary approach set new standards for cinematic design and continues to inspire production designers.

Dane Rudhyar (1895–1985) was a French-American composer, author, and astrologer regarded as a major figure in modern astrology. Born in Paris, he moved to the United States in 1916 and became known for his innovative compositions in music and his pioneering writings on psychological astrology. Rudhyar authored more than 40 books, including 'The Astrology of Personality,' which introduced a humanistic approach to the field. He combined artistic creativity with spiritual philosophy, influencing both the esoteric and musical communities. Rudhyar’s work emphasized self-awareness and personal growth through cosmic cycles. His legacy continues in contemporary astrology, music, and the New Age movement.

Dora Gerson was born in Berlin in 1899 and began her career on stage in the vibrant Weimar cabaret scene. She transitioned to film in the silent era, appearing in several German productions during the 1920s. Gerson also recorded songs that showcased her clear voice and emotive style. After the rise of the Nazi regime, her Jewish heritage led to her recordings being banned and her career cut short. In 1943, she was deported to Auschwitz concentration camp. She died there, her life and art tragically ended by the Holocaust.