April 16

Born around 1569 in Scotland, Tobias Hume served as a soldier in various European armies, including under Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. During his military career, he also cultivated a passion for the viol and published influential collections such as ‘Captain Humes Poeticall Musicke’. His compositions feature bold techniques and expressive melodies that expanded the instrument’s possibilities. Hume was known for his eccentric personality and sharp wit, often reflected in the titles and prefaces of his works. After retiring from service, he continued to compose and teach, leaving a lasting impact on viol repertoire. He died in 1645, remembered as both a warrior and an innovative musician.

Born in 1746 near Zaragoza, Goya rose to prominence as a court painter for King Charles IV and Queen Maria Luisa. He created ‘Los Caprichos’ and ‘The Disasters of War’, powerful series that exposed social injustice and the horrors of conflict. Goya’s portraiture captured the personalities of royalty and commoners alike with psychological depth. In his later years, he painted the haunting ‘Black Paintings’ directly on the walls of his home, exploring dark, introspective themes. His innovative techniques and daring subject matter influenced generations of artists. Goya spent his final years in exile in Bordeaux and died there in 1828, acclaimed as a pioneer of modern art.

Born in Venice in 1763, Dragonetti began his musical career as a violinist before mastering the double bass. He toured Europe with extraordinary technical skill and vibrant performances, earning widespread acclaim. Settling in London, he became principal bassist of the Philharmonic Society and collaborated with composers such as Rossini and Beethoven. Dragonetti composed numerous concertos, sonatas, and chamber works that showcased the expressive potential of the bass. His pedagogical writings and methods influenced bass playing for generations. Dragonetti died in London in 1846, celebrated as a pioneering soloist of his instrument.

Born Marie Grosholtz in 1761 in Strasbourg, she honed her wax modeling skills under Philippe Curtius. She survived the French Revolution, creating death masks of guillotine victims. In 1802, she moved to London with her collection of wax figures and captivated the British public. In 1835, she opened the first permanent Madame Tussauds Wax Museum on Baker Street. Her innovative waxworks set a new standard for lifelike representation. Today, Madame Tussauds remains one of the world’s most visited cultural attractions.

Eduard Oja was an Estonian composer, conductor, and music critic known for his lyrical orchestral works and chamber music. He studied at the Tallinn Conservatory and later taught composition, influencing a generation of Estonian musicians. As conductor of local ensembles, he championed Estonian composers and introduced modern styles to the national repertoire. In his role as a critic for various newspapers, Oja provided insightful analyses that helped define Estonia’s musical identity. His works often blended folk themes with contemporary techniques, reflecting the cultural spirit of his homeland. Despite his untimely death in 1950, his compositions remain part of Estonia’s classical music heritage.

Born in 1904, Hem Vejakorn studied traditional Thai art before developing his signature pen-and-ink style. He illustrated hundreds of pulp novels and magazines, bringing Thai folklore and ghost stories to vivid life with striking compositions and eerie atmospheres. His work influenced generations of Thai graphic artists and remains a cornerstone of Thailand's visual culture. In addition to his commercial art, Hem produced fine art paintings and contributed to mural projects across Thailand. He passed away in 1969, but his visionary illustrations continue to inspire.

Born in Vienna in 1892, Neutra studied under Adolf Loos and was influenced by the Bauhaus movement before emigrating to the United States in 1923. He became a leading figure in West Coast modernism, designing iconic houses like the Lovell Health House and the Kaufmann Desert House, which emphasized harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces. In 1961, he completed the Los Angeles County Hall of Records, showcasing his signature minimalist aesthetic and innovative use of glass and steel. Neutra also taught architecture at the University of Southern California and authored influential writings on design. He died in 1970, leaving a lasting impact on modern architecture.

Born in 1929, Kertész studied at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest before launching an international conducting career. He won acclaim for his authoritative performances of Bartók, Dvořák, and Beethoven while leading ensembles such as the London Philharmonic and the Israel Philharmonic. As an educator, he mentored young musicians and conducted masterclasses around the world. Kertész's precise technique and deep musical insight made him a sought-after guest conductor throughout Europe and the United States. His life was tragically cut short in 1973, but his recordings continue to inspire.

Morris Stoloff was an influential American film composer and musical director best known for his work at Columbia Pictures. He served as music director at Columbia Pictures for nearly twenty years and oversaw the musical scores of more than 200 films. He won three Academy Awards for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture and was praised for his ability to blend orchestral arrangements with cinematic storytelling. Stoloff began his career as a cellist before transitioning to film music arranging and composition. He collaborated with top directors to help define the sound of Hollywood's Golden Age. His innovative techniques and dedication to musical excellence left a lasting legacy in the world of film scoring.

Youri Egorov was a Soviet-born Russian pianist whose performances were celebrated for their poetic interpretations and delicate touch. After winning top prizes at international competitions, he emigrated to the West in 1978 and built a distinguished concert career across Europe and North America. Egorov's repertoire focused on Romantic composers and his recordings are praised for their emotional depth and technical mastery. Despite his career being cut short by illness, his artistry left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. He is remembered as one of the most gifted pianists of his generation. His recordings continue to inspire audiences and pianists alike.

Born in Los Angeles in 1919, Russell rose to fame with his hit recording of 'Amor' in 1944 and became one of the first crossover artists by performing in both English and Spanish. He recorded numerous romantic ballads that sold millions of records and cultivated a devoted audience in North America and Latin America. Russell appeared in several Hollywood films and television shows, showcasing his suave style and rich baritone. Later in life, he moved to Mexico, where he continued to perform and record into the 1970s. He died in Guadalajara in 1992, remembered as a pioneering figure in Latin-infused popular music.

Born in Paris in 1938 to Polish-Jewish refugee parents, Topor first gained attention as a cartoonist and co-founder of the satirical magazine 'Hara-Kiri.' His grotesque and surreal artwork influenced European counterculture, while his novel 'The Tenant' was adapted into a film by Roman Polanski. Topor also wrote and directed experimental theater pieces, contributed animation designs for 'Fantastic Planet' (1973), and acted in films and television. His interdisciplinary approach and dark humor left a significant mark on multiple art forms. He died in 1997, remembered as a pioneering figure in surreal and satirical art.