April 19

Born in 1613 in Wechmar, Christoph Bach was a German musician during the early Baroque period. He served as organist and musician in various churches across Thuringia, including Arnstadt and Schweinfurt. Christoph laid the foundations of the Bach dynasty, nurturing a family tradition of exceptional musicians. He was the father of Johann Ambrosius Bach and the grandfather of J.S. Bach, one of history's greatest composers. Though few of his own compositions survive, his influence is seen through his descendants' achievements. He passed away in 1661, leaving a legacy embedded in central Germany's rich musical heritage.

Willem Drost was born in 1633 in Amsterdam and trained under the master painter Rembrandt van Rijn. His works reflect dramatic chiaroscuro and emotional depth, characteristics of his teacher’s style. Drost excelled in portraiture and biblical themes, producing notable works like 'Bathsheba at Her Bath.' He spent his final years in Venice, continuing to create art before his untimely death at age 26. Despite his brief career, Drost’s paintings contribute to the richness of the Dutch Golden Age. He died in 1659, leaving a concise but influential artistic legacy.

James Nares was born in 1715 in St. Marylebone, London, into a family of musicians. He served as organist at York Minster before becoming Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal in 1763. Nares composed numerous anthems, hymns, and organ works that became central to Anglican worship. His music bridged the Baroque and Classical styles, noted for its melodic grace and structural clarity. He taught and influenced a generation of English church musicians through his compositions and pedagogy. He retired from his royal position in 1781 and died in 1783, honored for his contributions to sacred music.

Karl von Ordóñez (1734–1786) was an Austrian violinist and composer active in Vienna’s vibrant musical scene. He studied violin performance and composition under prominent teachers of his time. Ordóñez composed several symphonies, string quartets, and violin concertos characterized by graceful melodies and clear textures. Many of his works were performed at aristocratic salons and contributed to the evolution of the Classical symphonic style. Though less remembered today, his music offers insight into the transitional period between the Baroque and Classical eras.

Alexandre Pierre François Boëly (1785–1858) was a French musician celebrated for his piano and organ compositions. Trained in Paris, he excelled as both a performer and teacher, championing the works of earlier masters like Bach and Handel. Boëly served as organist at the Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois and composed sonatas, preludes, and liturgical pieces that blended Baroque structure with Romantic expression. Although his conservative style fell out of favor, he influenced a resurgence of interest in early music. Today, his works are appreciated for their craftsmanship and historical significance.

Karl Tarvas was born in 1885 and became a prominent voice in Estonian architecture. He embraced modernist principles and integrated functionalism into his building designs. Tarvas’s work included public and private projects that shaped urban landscapes. He contributed to the architectural identity of newly independent Estonia. Tarvas’s legacy endures in the country’s architectural heritage.

Germaine Tailleferre was born in 1892 and studied at the Paris Conservatoire. She emerged as the sole woman in the influential composer collective Les Six. Tailleferre’s music is noted for its lyricism, wit, and clear textures. Her output included ballets, chamber works, film scores, and piano pieces. As an educator, she championed modern music and inspired future generations.

Cemal Tollu balanced a military career with a deep passion for painting, emerging as a significant artist in early 20th-century Turkey. His work blended disciplined composition with expressive color, reflecting both his service background and creative vision. As part of the D Grubu art movement, he helped introduce avant-garde and abstract styles to the Turkish art scene. Tollu exhibited widely, influencing a new generation of painters. His legacy endures in museums and private collections across Turkey. He remains celebrated for bridging the worlds of military service and fine art.

Rhea Silberta dedicated her career to Yiddish songwriting, composing melodies that blended traditional themes with contemporary lyricism. As a singing teacher, she nurtured generations of performers, ensuring the preservation of Yiddish culture in music halls and theaters. Her compositions were featured in Yiddish theater productions and radio broadcasts, earning her recognition within Jewish communities. Silberta's teaching emphasized vocal technique and emotional expression, inspiring students to carry forward the musical heritage. Through her dual roles as composer and educator, she played a vital part in sustaining Yiddish music during the mid-20th century. Her legacy lives on in recordings and the achievements of her pupils.

Sol Kaplan was an American pianist and composer celebrated for his work in film and television during the mid-20th century. After studying music at New York University, he began composing scores for Hollywood features in the 1940s. His dynamic and emotive music elevated classics such as the 1953 film "Titanic". During the McCarthy era, Kaplan faced blacklisting but continued to compose for live performances and academic settings. He later taught at New York University, influencing a new generation of composers with his lyrical and dramatic style.

Fernando Botero (1932–2023) was a globally acclaimed Colombian artist known for his signature style of voluminous figures and vibrant colors. He began his career in Bogotá and later lived in Paris and New York, exhibiting in major galleries around the world. Botero's works blend satire, politics, and homage to classical art traditions, from still lifes to monumental sculptures. He donated many pieces to museums and charitable causes in his native Colombia. His influence reshaped contemporary Latin American art and inspired generations of artists.

Dickie Goodman (1934–1989) was an American music producer and satirist who created chart-topping novelty records. He invented the 'break-in' format, splicing snippets of popular songs into comedic interview skits. Goodman's hits, including The Flying Saucer and Mr. Jaws, became staples of 1960s and 1970s pop culture. He founded several independent labels to release his experimental recordings. Goodman's influence can be seen in modern sampling and mashup artists who followed his innovative style.