April 01

Born around 1470, Francisco de Peñalosa served as maestro di cappella at the cathedrals of Burgos and Toledo. Influenced by the Franco-Flemish style, he composed expressive masses, motets, and villancicos celebrated for their harmonic richness and technical mastery. His works circulated throughout Europe and contributed to the flowering of Spanish Renaissance music. Despite his influence, many compositions were not published until after his death on April 1, 1528. He remains a key figure in early 16th-century music.

Born around 1510 in Spain, Alonso Mudarra mastered the vihuela—a lute-like instrument—becoming one of the first composers to write solo pieces for it. In 1546, he published ‘Tres libros de música en cifras para vihuela,’ a groundbreaking anthology featuring fantasias, ricercars, and dances. His innovative use of counterpoint and expressive melodies influenced the development of plucked string music across Europe. Mudarra’s works bridged archaic medieval traditions and the emerging Renaissance style, establishing a new standard for instrumental composition. Today, his music remains central to the repertoire of early music specialists and guitar enthusiasts.

Born in 1577 in Florence, Cristofano Allori trained under his father Domenico, absorbing the elegance of Mannerist art. He served as court painter to the powerful Medici family, producing portraits that combined realism with idealized beauty. Allori’s most famous work, ‘Judith with the Head of Holofernes,’ exemplifies his ability to convey drama and intricate detail. His palette favored rich colors and soft lighting, influencing the transition toward Baroque aesthetics in Italy. Through his teaching at the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, Allori shaped the next generation of Florentine artists.

Giuditta Pasta was born in 1797 in Saronno, Italy, and debuted in Milan, quickly earning acclaim for her dramatic soprano voice. She created the title roles in Vincenzo Bellini’s ‘Norma’ and ‘La Sonnambula,’ setting new standards for bel canto performance. Pasta was celebrated not only for her vocal agility but also for her intense stage presence and emotional depth. Her interpretations influenced composers and paved the way for future generations of opera singers. After retiring from the stage, she taught voice in Paris and Naples, shaping the vocal techniques of the mid-19th century.

Scott Joplin revolutionized American music around the turn of the 20th century with his ragtime compositions. His 1899 'Maple Leaf Rag' became an instant hit and remains one of the most recognizable piano works. Joplin's music blended African American musical traditions with classical structures, influencing early jazz development. In 1911, he premiered his opera 'Treemonisha', showcasing his ambition beyond piano rags. Despite declining health, he continued composing until his death on April 1, 1917. Joplin's legacy saw a revival in the 1970s, cementing his place in music history.

Max Ernst was a German painter, sculptor, graphic artist, and poet. Born in Brühl in 1891, he became a pioneer of the Dada movement after World War I. Ernst developed innovative techniques such as frottage and grattage that influenced Surrealism. His surreal landscapes and experimental works challenged traditional artistic conventions. He spent time in France and the United States before returning to France after World War II. Major works include 'Europe After the Rain' and 'The Elephant Celebes'. Ernst's contributions reshaped modern art in the 20th century. He died in Paris in 1976.

Eua Sunthornsanan was a Thai composer, singer, and bandleader born in 1910. He studied Western music and incorporated it into Thai melodies, founding the influential Suntaraporn band. His pioneering arrangements and compositions helped popularize music across Thailand during the mid-20th century. Sunthornsanan composed hundreds of songs and served as a cultural ambassador through performances at home and abroad. His work laid the foundation for the Thai pop genre and influenced generations of musicians. He passed away in 1981, leaving a lasting musical legacy.

Marvin Gaye was an American singer-songwriter born in Washington, D.C., in 1939. He rose to fame at Motown Records with hits like 'How Sweet It Is' and duets with Tammi Terrell. Gaye's landmark album 'What's Going On' addressed social issues and revolutionized soul music. He continued to innovate with albums such as 'Let's Get It On' and 'I Want You', showcasing his sensual vocal style. Gaye struggled with personal and financial challenges but remained a towering influence on R&B and pop music. Tragically, he died in 1984, leaving an enduring musical legacy.

Born in 1912, Robert Doisneau became a master of humanist photography, capturing everyday moments in post-war Paris. His iconic 1950 image "Le baiser de l'hôtel de ville" remains a symbol of love and spontaneity. Working for magazines like Vu and Life, he documented urban life with warmth and humor. Doisneau experimented with both staged and candid techniques, focusing on children, artisans, and ordinary citizens. Over his career, he published numerous books and held exhibitions worldwide. He influenced generations of photographers with his lyrical portrayal of human interactions before passing away in 1994.

Born in Vienna in 1902, Lucie Rie studied at the Vienna Kunstgewerbeschule before fleeing Nazi Austria for England in 1938. She established a London studio producing elegant wheel-thrown pots renowned for thin walls and innovative glazes. Rie blended Eastern and Western ceramic traditions, experimenting with texture and color. She exhibited internationally and influenced the studio pottery movement. In 1990, she was appointed OBE for her services to the arts. Into her nineties, Rie continued mentoring younger potters and pushing the boundaries of ceramic design until her death in 1995.

Born in 1963, Rozz Williams emerged from the Southern California punk scene to form Christian Death in 1979, pioneering the deathrock genre. His haunting vocals and provocative lyrics explored themes of darkness and existential angst. Williams later collaborated with Shadow Project and other projects, experimenting with noir jazz and spoken-word poetry. Beyond music, he was a painter and performance artist. His artistic output influenced the gothic subculture internationally. Williams’s life was marked by creativity and turmoil until his death in 1998, after which he achieved cult status among alternative music fans.

Born in 1901, Jesse Stone began his career in jazz and blues before joining Atlantic Records as a pioneering producer. He wrote and arranged classics like "Shake, Rattle and Roll," which became a landmark in rock and roll history. Stone’s blend of boogie-woogie piano, swinging rhythms, and catchy melodies influenced artists such as Bill Haley and Ray Charles. He formed his own studio band and contributed to hits across genres. Stone’s work laid the groundwork for post-war popular music. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame before passing away in 1999.