March 29

Born in 1565 in Antwerp, Jacob de Gheyn II established himself in Leiden as a master of painting and engraving. He produced detailed prints, including the famous 'Exercise of Arms' series depicting military drills. His still lifes and portrait engravings were admired for their technical accuracy and artistic composition. De Gheyn's work influenced Dutch art and printing in the early 17th century. He remained active until his death in 1629, leaving a lasting legacy in both painting and graphic art.

Born in 1665 near Hamburg, Nicolaus Bruhns studied under the renowned composer Dieterich Buxtehude. He served as organist at St. Mary's Church in Husum and performed as a virtuoso violinist. Bruhns's surviving works include chamber sonatas and organ pieces that showcase dramatic contrasts and deep emotional range. His music influenced later German Baroque composers and remains prized for its technical challenges. Bruhns died in 1697 at a young age, but his compositions continue to be celebrated by early music performers.

Johann Wilhelm Hässler (1747–1822) was a German pianist and composer whose dynamic performances earned him acclaim across Europe. Trained in Leipzig, he studied under renowned teachers and quickly gained a reputation for technical brilliance and expressive playing. Hässler composed a variety of keyboard works, including sonatas and variations that showcased his imaginative style. He also authored treatises on piano technique, influencing the teaching of keyboard instruments in the late 18th century. Throughout his career, Hässler balanced performance, composition, and instruction, leaving a lasting impact on the development of classical piano music.

Born in Paris in 1813, Alkan studied at the Paris Conservatoire and quickly gained a reputation as an extraordinary pianist. He composed groundbreaking piano pieces such as the Trois grandes études and the Grande sonate, known for their complexity and innovative harmonies. Despite his acclaim, Alkan withdrew from public performance in his thirties and led a reclusive life. His music was largely forgotten after his death in 1888, only to be rediscovered by 20th-century pianists fascinated by his unparalleled virtuosity. Today, Alkan is recognized as a visionary of Romantic piano literature, whose works continue to challenge and inspire performers.

Born in Paris in 1859, Seurat studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and became fascinated by color theory and optics. He developed pointillism, applying tiny dots of pure color to canvas to create luminous images through optical mixing. His masterpiece A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte remains an icon of 19th-century art and showcases his meticulous technique. Seurat's scientific approach to painting influenced contemporaries and bridged Impressionism with emerging modern art movements. Though his life was cut short at 31, his innovative methods left a lasting mark on the evolution of modern painting.

Born deaf in 1877, Raškaj trained at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts before returning to Croatia to pursue watercolor painting. She captured the subtle play of light and atmosphere in Zagreb's landscapes, forests, and wildflowers with remarkable sensitivity. Despite personal challenges, her lyrical style won acclaim at exhibitions across Europe at the turn of the century. Raškaj's mastery of watercolor technique and her emotive compositions secured her reputation as one of Croatia's most important artists. Her early death in 1906 cut short a promising career, but her work continues to inspire admiration for its technical skill and poetic vision.

Born in 1837 near Paris, Guilmant displayed exceptional talent at the pipe organ from a young age and studied at the Paris Conservatoire. He served as organist at La Trinité in Paris for over four decades, earning fame for his virtuosic performances and improvisational skill. Guilmant composed a significant body of organ music, including concerti and sonatas that expanded the instrument's repertoire. In 1894, he co-founded the Schola Cantorum de Paris to promote church music and early music traditions. As a teacher, he authored a landmark ten-volume organ method, shaping the education of countless organists and solidifying his legacy in the world of sacred and concert organ music.

Born in 1856 in Philadelphia, Denslow began his career as a newspaper cartoonist before gaining fame as a book illustrator. His collaboration with L. Frank Baum on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) produced some of the most enduring images in children's literature. Denslow's bold lines and whimsical character designs also appeared in magazines, posters, and theatrical productions. Beyond Oz, he illustrated numerous books and even wrote and illustrated his own works. Denslow's distinctive style left a lasting mark on early American illustration and continues to influence artists today.

Born in Dublin in 1852, Charles Villiers Stanford was a leading figure in British music as a composer, conductor, and teacher. He trained at the Royal College of Music and later became a professor at both the Royal College and Cambridge University. Stanford composed symphonies, choral works, and chamber music, including the well-known “Irish Rhapsodies.” He conducted the Bach Choir and guest conducted orchestras across Europe. As a teacher, he mentored composers such as Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams, leaving a lasting legacy on 20th-century music.

Karol Szymanowski was born in 1882 in the Russian Empire (modern-day Ukraine) and became one of Poland’s most celebrated composers and pianists. He studied in Vienna and later incorporated Polish folk melodies into his works, creating masterpieces such as the ballet “Harnasie.” Szymanowski’s music combined late-Romantic harmony with modernist influences, influencing future generations of composers. As a virtuoso pianist, he toured Europe, premiering many of his own compositions. He served as director of the Warsaw Conservatory and championed Polish culture until his death in 1937.

Arthur Fields was born in 1888 and rose to prominence as a Jewish-American singer and composer in the early 20th century. He became known for his prolific recording career, making records that blended popular melodies with his distinctive baritone voice. Fields performed in vaudeville theaters and on radio, captivating audiences with both his singing and songwriting talents. He composed and recorded patriotic songs during World War I, contributing to the era’s cultural soundtrack. His extensive discography offers a window into America’s musical landscape between the wars.

Born in Munich in 1895, Carl Orff emerged as one of the 20th century's most influential composers. He achieved international fame with his 1936 cantata Carmina Burana, which remains a concert staple. Beyond composition, Orff dedicated his life to music education, co-developing the Orff Schulwerk approach to teaching rhythm and movement. His methods emphasized creativity, improvisation, and the use of percussion instruments in childhood learning. Throughout his career, he composed operas, choral works, and instrumental pieces that blended ancient texts with modern harmonies. Orff's legacy endures in classrooms and concert halls worldwide.