April 10

Born in Rouen in 1707, Michel Corrette served as organist at several Paris churches and composed a wide range of concertos, sonatas, and sacred music. He authored over twenty method books for instruments including violin, cello, harpsichord, and organ, which became essential teaching texts in 18th-century France. His music blended Baroque elegance with early Classical clarity, making it both charming and accessible. Corrette's pedagogical writings influenced music education across Europe and remained in use well into the 19th century. His legacy endures in both performance and teaching traditions.

Eugen d'Albert studied piano with Clara Schumann and composition with César Franck before achieving fame as a concert pianist across Europe. He composed more than 30 operas, chamber works, and numerous piano pieces, blending Romantic lyricism with Germanic structure. D’Albert was a leading interpreter of Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt, and he later served on the faculty of the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt. His opera Tiefland remains his most performed stage work. D’Albert’s dual legacy as a performer and composer secured his reputation as a towering figure of late Romantic music.

Often writing under the pseudonym 'AE', George William Russell was a central figure in the Celtic Revival and collaborated with W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory. His poetry and essays explored mysticism, Irish identity, and social reform, while his paintings and illustrations reflected Symbolist influences. Russell co-founded the Abbey Theatre and contributed to the Irish Homestead journal, advocating for rural cooperative movements. His spiritual and nationalist writings left a lasting impact on Ireland’s cultural renaissance. Russell’s multifaceted artistry bridged literature, visual art, and community activism.

Born in Austria in 1877, Alfred Kubin became renowned for his striking black-and-white illustrations. His works often delved into dreamlike and fantastical themes, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. As an author, he penned novels and essays that complemented his visual artistry. Kubin's style influenced the Expressionist movement and mesmerized audiences across Europe. He remained active throughout the first half of the 20th century, leaving behind a rich legacy of prints and writings. He died in 1959, remembered as a master of evocative, otherworldly art.

Ben Nicholson (1894-1982) was a pioneering British painter whose abstract compositions shaped modern art in the UK. Born in Denham, Buckinghamshire, he studied at the Slade School of Fine Art. Influenced by Cubism and geometric abstraction, he became a leading figure in the St Ives art colony. His works often feature a subtle interplay of shapes and muted tones. Nicholson was married to sculptor Barbara Hepworth and collaborated with artists like Naum Gabo. His paintings are held in major collections including Tate Britain and MoMA. He helped to define British Modernism and inspired generations of abstract artists.

Patroklos Karantinos (1903-1976) was a pioneering Greek architect who introduced modernist principles to post-war architecture in Greece. Educated at the National Technical University of Athens and the Technical University of Berlin, he combined functionalist and classical elements in his designs. Karantinos created notable public buildings, museums, and theaters, including the Archaeological Museum of Thebes and the Municipal Theater of Thessaloniki. He served as a professor at the National Technical University of Athens, influencing future generations of architects. His work is characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and integration with the surrounding environment. Karantinos also participated in international exhibitions, showcasing Greek modern architecture abroad. Through his buildings and teaching, he played a key role in shaping Greece's architectural identity in the 20th century.

Martin Denny was an influential American pianist and composer who pioneered the exotica music style in the 1950s. He blended tropical rhythms, bird calls, and atmospheric sounds to create immersive musical experiences. His 1957 album 'Exotica' became a bestseller and defined a new lounge music genre. Denny's innovative arrangements inspired generations of musicians and revived interest in global melodies. He toured internationally, bringing his unique sound to audiences around the world until his retirement. His legacy endures in modern chill-out and world music scenes.

Leo Vroman studied biology in the Netherlands and fled to the United States in 1940 to escape World War II. He became a leading hematologist, researching the interactions of blood proteins and their role in clotting. Alongside his scientific career, Vroman published over fifty books of poetry, often illustrating them with his own artwork. His poems blended scientific insight with personal reflection, earning him acclaim in both scientific and literary circles. Vroman's interdisciplinary legacy continues to inspire researchers, poets, and artists around the world.

Lee Jung-seob studied art in Japan before returning to Korea and developing his distinctive style. His works often feature vibrant colors and emotional brushstrokes, portraying scenes from rural Korean life. During the Korean War, Lee faced personal hardship and separation from his family, which deepened the poignancy of his art. His most famous painting, 'White Ox,' symbolizes resilience and hope amid adversity. Despite dying young, Lee's work has been exhibited worldwide and remains central to Korea's modern art history.

Sheb Wooley wrote and performed the 1958 novelty song "The Purple People Eater," a chart-topping hit He recorded country and rockabilly music throughout the 1950s and 1960s Wooley also appeared in over 100 films and television shows He had roles in classics like High Noon and The Outlaw Josey Wales He invented the "Goofy holler," a signature sound effect used in Westerns Wooley served in the US Army during World War II He continued performing and recording into the 1980s Wooley's versatility bridged music and acting in mid-20th century entertainment

Kenneth Noland served in the US Army during World War II before studying art on the GI Bill He became a leading figure in the Color Field movement of the 1950s and 1960s Noland's work is characterized by concentric circles, chevrons, and horizontal stripes He explored the emotional power of color and simple geometric forms His paintings were exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art and other major institutions Noland received numerous awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship He taught at various universities, influencing generations of abstract artists Noland's art continues to be celebrated for its vibrant hues and formal clarity

Jacques Castérède was born on April 10, 1926, in Paris, France. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Olivier Messiaen and other noted composers. His oeuvre spans symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and piano works celebrated for melodic depth. Castérède won the Grand Prix de Rome in 1955, marking him as a leading composer of his generation. He served as a professor at the Conservatoire de Paris, mentoring future talents. His compositions blend traditional techniques with innovative harmonic language. He passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy of influential 20th-century classical works.