May 01

Frans Luycx was a leading portraitist at the Habsburg court, active in Vienna during the early 17th century. Born in Antwerp in 1604, he trained under prominent Flemish masters before securing patronage from Emperor Ferdinand II. His refined style captured the grandeur and fashion of Empress Eleonora and Ferdinand III, among others. Luycx’s portraits are celebrated for their meticulous detail, luminous color palette, and sumptuous fabrics. He contributed to the spread of Baroque aesthetics in Central Europe. His works remain prized in major museum collections around the world.

François de Troy began his career in Toulouse and moved to Paris, where he gained recognition as a portrait painter. He became the official painter to the Duke of Orléans and later painted significant members of the French court. His work blended realism with delicate elegance, capturing his subjects’ personalities and social standing. De Troy also produced engravings that disseminated his compositions to a wider audience. In addition to portraits, he created lively genre scenes that reflected contemporary life. His influence extended to his son Jean-François de Troy, who became a celebrated painter in his own right.

Johann Ludwig Bach was born in Thal near Schleiz in 1677 and became a court musician in Meiningen. As a member of the extended Bach family, he contributed to the Baroque musical tradition with compositions for violin and church choir. His chamber sonatas and instrumental works exhibit expressive melodies and contrapuntal skill. He also composed cantatas and sacred concertos for local churches. Johann Ludwig’s music influenced his cousin Johann Sebastian Bach, who admired his work and collected several of his scores. Although his output was modest, his contributions enriched the era’s musical heritage.

Antonín Dvořák was born in 1841 in Nelahozeves, Bohemia, where he showed musical talent from a young age. He studied at the Prague Conservatory and began his career as a violist and organist. Dvořák gained international acclaim with works such as his 'New World' Symphony and Slavonic Dances, which blended Bohemian folk elements with classical forms. In 1892, he was appointed professor at the Prague Conservatory and later served as director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. His time in America influenced works like the 'American' String Quartet and pieces inspired by Native American and African American melodies. Upon returning to Europe, he continued composing operas, chamber pieces, and choral works. Dvořák’s melodic inventiveness and incorporation of folk rhythms have made him one of the most performed composers of the Romantic era. He died in 1904, leaving a lasting influence on both European and American music.

Born in 1876 in Woodstown, New Jersey, Everett Shinn trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He became one of the leading artists of the Ashcan School, capturing gritty street life and working-class scenes in early 20th-century America. Shinn's loose brushwork and bold use of color distinguished his paintings of dance halls, theaters, and urban nightlife. Beyond painting, he contributed illustrations to magazines like Harper's Weekly and designed stage sets for Broadway productions. His eclectic career bridged fine art and commercial illustration, reflecting the dynamism of his era. Shinn died in 1953, leaving behind a legacy as a chronicler of modern American city life.

Lindley Armstrong 'Spike' Jones was born in 1911 and gained fame as a drummer and bandleader. With his ensemble, Spike Jones and His City Slickers, he transformed popular tunes with comedic sound effects and wild antics. Their parodies of standards and use of cowbells, gunshots, and whistles became a hallmark of postwar entertainment. Jones's radio and television shows in the 1940s and 1950s brought musical satire to the masses. He influenced generations of comedy musicians and remains a cult figure for his inventive performances. Jones passed away in 1965, leaving a legacy of joyful irreverence in American music.

Born in 1914, Asger Jorn was a leading figure in postwar European art. He co-founded the CoBrA movement in 1948, promoting spontaneous and experimental approaches to painting and sculpture. Jorn's works blend abstract forms with vibrant colors and often incorporate political and philosophical themes. He was also a prolific writer on art theory and philosophy, contributing to the Situationist International. His bold style and intellectual rigor left a lasting impact on modern art.

Born in 1903 in Tbilisi, Aram Khachaturian studied at the Moscow Conservatory and became a leading Soviet composer. He is celebrated for his ballets Gayane (which includes the famous Sabre Dance) and Spartacus, as well as symphonies, concertos, and choral works. Khachaturian's music blends Armenian folk melodies with modern orchestration, earning him international acclaim and the Stalin Prize. He also taught composition at the conservatory, influencing generations of musicians. His works remain staples of the classical repertoire.

Born in Glasgow in 1903, William Primrose initially trained as a violinist before dedicating himself to the viola. He joined the London String Quartet before launching a celebrated solo career, premiering works by Bartók, Walton, and Hindemith. Primrose also served on the faculties of the Curtis Institute and University of Southern California, mentoring generations of violists. His technical brilliance and rich tone transformed public perception of the instrument. Primrose's recordings and publications on viola technique remain influential today.

Born in 1916, Hugo Peretti formed a songwriting partnership with his cousin Luigi Creatore. They penned classics such as 'Can't Help Falling in Love,' 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight,' and 'Twilight Time.' Peretti produced numerous recordings for Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, and other major artists. He co-founded the Hill & Range music publishing company and the record label Roulette Records. His innovative arrangements and pop sensibilities helped shape the sound of 1960s pop and rock. Peretti was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in recognition of his enduring influence on popular music.

Born in Italy in 1926, Sergio Franchi emigrated to the United States where he rose to fame with his rich tenor voice. He made his Broadway debut in 'La Traviata' and starred in musicals such as 'The Merry Widow.' Franchi recorded numerous albums of romantic ballads and opera, earning gold record certifications. He appeared in films and television specials, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. Beyond his artistic achievements, he was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting numerous charities before his untimely death in 1990.

Antonio Salemme was born in 1892 in Naples, Italy, and moved to the United States in his youth. He studied at the National Academy of Design in New York, where he developed a mastery of portraiture. Salemme became a prominent figure in the early 20th-century American art scene, celebrated for his nuanced use of light and color. He exhibited his work at institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago. Throughout his career he taught painting masterclasses, influencing a generation of artists. His works are held in major museums and private collections around the world. He continued to paint until his death in 1995.