March 24

Born in Halle in 1587, Scheidt studied under Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck in Amsterdam. He served as court organist in Gotha and later was appointed Kapellmeister in Halle. His publications, including the Tabulatura Nova and Ludi Musici, showcased his versatility. Scheidt's music blended Renaissance polyphony with emerging Baroque styles, influencing later composers. He founded the Halle School of composition, nurturing a generation of musicians. His works remain staples of early music repertoire.

Born in 1629 in Rotterdam, de Hooch became a prominent member of the Delft School. He is best known for genre paintings depicting serene interior settings and courtyards. His precise handling of light and shadow influenced contemporaries such as Vermeer. Around 1670 he moved to Amsterdam, where his later works adopted darker tones and richer detail. Though less prolific than some peers, his paintings are prized in museums worldwide. De Hooch's work offers a window into 17th-century Dutch domestic life.

Kramskoi was a founder of the Peredvizhniki, a group of realist artists who rejected academic constraints. He produced striking portraits, including the famous 'Portrait of an Unknown Woman', with psychological depth. An articulate critic, he wrote essays that shaped the direction of Russian art towards social realism. Kramskoi's work combined technical mastery with a commitment to depicting the lives of ordinary people. His influence extended through teaching and organizing traveling art exhibitions across Russia.

Enrique Granados (1867-1916) was a leading Spanish pianist and composer celebrated for his evocative works that blended romanticism with Spanish folk elements. Born in Lérida, Spain, he studied piano and composition in Barcelona and Paris. His most famous works include the piano suite Goyescas, inspired by the paintings of Francisco Goya. Granados premiered Goyescas in New York in 1916. On his return voyage aboard SS Sussex, he tragically drowned when the ship was torpedoed by a German submarine. His music left a lasting influence on generations of composers and pianists, known for its passionate melodies and vivid depiction of Spanish culture.

Sigrid Hjertén (1885-1948) was a prominent Swedish painter and leading figure in the Scandinavian modernist movement. After studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Stockholm, she moved to Paris in 1910 to absorb avant-garde trends. Her vibrant canvases often featured abstracted figures and landscapes rendered in bold, emotional hues. Influenced by Henri Matisse and the Fauvist movement, Hjertén developed a style marked by dynamic brushwork and expressive color. She exhibited with the Färg och Form group and played a key role in introducing modern art to Sweden. Despite critical acclaim, her later years were overshadowed by struggles with mental health. Hjertén died in 1948, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its innovation and emotional depth.

Born in Paris in 1899, Jean Goldkette became a celebrated jazz pianist and bandleader in the United States. He led one of the most popular big bands of the 1920s, featuring luminaries like Bix Beiderbecke. Under his direction, the Goldkette Orchestra set high standards for ensemble playing and helped shape early jazz. Goldkette was known for blending his classical training with improvisational flair. After disbanding his orchestra in 1927, he worked as an agent and conductor, supporting emerging talents. His influence extended beyond performance, contributing to the spread of jazz across America and Europe.

Alice Guy-Blaché was a French-born filmmaker born in 1873 and is considered one of the first film directors in history. She directed, wrote, and produced hundreds of short films, pioneering narrative storytelling and special effects. In 1910, she founded Solax Studios in the United States, becoming one of the first female studio heads. Her work spanned dramas, comedies, and newsreels, often exploring social themes and cinematic techniques. Despite early success, her contributions were overlooked until film historians revived her legacy. Her groundbreaking career opened doors for women in film and shaped the art of cinematic storytelling.

Arne Jacobsen was a leading Danish architect and designer born in 1902. A pioneer of modernist architecture, he blended functionalism with elegant aesthetics. Jacobsen's notable works include the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen and Aarhus City Hall. He also created iconic furniture pieces such as the Egg and Swan chairs. His holistic design approach spanned buildings, interiors, and furnishings, influencing generations. Jacobsen's legacy endures in both architecture and furniture design, epitomizing timeless modernism.

Born Albert Aarons, Albert Arlen emigrated to Australia and studied piano, developing a passion for musical theatre. He composed the celebrated 1961 musical adaptation of "The Sentimental Bloke," which became a landmark in Australian stage history. Arlen also wrote plays, acted in several productions, and crafted orchestral works that showcased his lyrical style. His multidisciplinary talents bridged performance and composition, enriching Australia's mid-century cultural scene. Arlen's works continue to be revived, highlighting his contribution to national identity in music and theatre.

Chalmers Alford was a highly respected session guitarist whose work featured on albums by Howard Hewett, the Winans, and Boyz II Men. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he developed a unique fusion of gospel, jazz, and rock influences that set him apart. Alford released solo albums showcasing his virtuosic playing and improvisational flair. He toured extensively, captivating audiences with dynamic live performances and heartfelt solos. Collaborators praised his versatility, tone, and ability to elevate any musical setting. Alford’s legacy endures through recordings that continue to inspire guitarists across genres.

Neil Aspinall began his career as a road manager for The Beatles, earning the affectionate title 'Fifth Beatle' from the band. He later became chief executive of Apple Corps, overseeing the group’s business interests and music catalogue. Aspinall played a key role in landmark projects such as the Apple Records label, the Beatles Anthology series, and archival reissues. His close friendship with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr gave him unique insight into the band’s history. Known for his discretion and loyalty, he managed Beatles affairs until his retirement in 2007. Aspinall’s stewardship helped shape the enduring legacy of one of the world’s most influential bands.

James Arthur Marshall was born in 1936 and became one of the most influential music photographers of the 20th century. He shot iconic images of artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, and The Rolling Stones, blending a documentary style with artistic composition. Marshall often traveled with performers on tour, capturing intimate behind-the-scenes moments as well as electrifying concert shots. His work appeared in major publications and album covers, defining the visual identity of rock and roll. Beyond photography, he produced documentaries and mentored emerging photographers, sharing his passion for music and the arts. Marshall's archive remains a vital record of an era that reshaped popular culture. He passed away on March 24, 2010, leaving a timeless legacy through his striking images.