May 04

Claudio Merulo was born in 1533 in Correggio, Italy, and became one of the leading composers of the late Renaissance. He served as organist at St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, where he composed influential toccatas and ricercars. Merulo’s keyboard works introduced bold harmonic experiments and virtuosic passagework. His music greatly influenced later Baroque composers, including Girolamo Frescobaldi. In addition to keyboard music, he wrote madrigals and liturgical works. Merulo’s contributions helped shape the development of instrumental music in Europe.

Born around 1675, Thornhill became one of England's leading Baroque artists, receiving royal commissions from Queen Anne and George I. He famously decorated the interior of St Paul's Cathedral with a series of allegorical murals that celebrated British victories. His work at the Greenwich Hospital and Hampton Court Palace showcased his mastery of large-scale public decoration. Knighted in 1720, he also served as Serjeant Painter to the King, blending artistic skill with courtly influence. In addition to his artistic achievements, Thornhill sat in Parliament, reflecting his dual interests in art and political life.

Born in Valenciennes in 1717, Saly trained under prominent artists before winning the Prix de Rome. He moved to Rome and later settled in Copenhagen, where he was appointed court sculptor to King Frederick V. Saly’s most famous work is the equestrian statue of King Frederick V in Amalienborg Square, renowned for its lifelike detail. His Neoclassical style blended French elegance with classical ideals, influencing sculpture across Europe. A respected teacher, he mentored the next generation of sculptors before his death in 1776.

Born Georgine Wilhelmine Olsen, Gina Oselio studied voice in Oslo and later in Stockholm. She made her professional debut in the 1880s and quickly became known for her dramatic interpretation of roles such as Carmen and Aida. Oselio performed at the Royal Swedish Opera and later at Covent Garden in London. Her rich soprano voice and expressive stage presence earned her acclaim across Europe. She retired from the stage in the early 20th century and passed away on May 4, 1937.

George Enescu (1881–1955) was a Romanian composer, pianist, and conductor whose work left a profound impact on classical music. He trained at the Vienna Conservatory and later at the Paris Conservatory, developing a distinctive voice that blended Romanian folk themes with classical forms. His most famous compositions include the two Romanian Rhapsodies, which remain staples of the orchestral repertoire. As a virtuoso pianist and conductor, Enescu toured extensively, earning acclaim for his interpretations of a wide range of works. Beyond composition and performance, he was a dedicated teacher and mentor to a generation of musicians, and the international George Enescu Festival continues to honor his legacy.

Born in Glasgow in 1920, Joe "Mr Piano" Henderson gained fame through his engaging BBC radio broadcasts in the 1950s. His blend of jazz and light orchestral arrangements captured the public's imagination and led to several chart-topping instrumental singles. Henderson toured extensively across the UK and Europe, earning his nickname "Mr Piano" for his signature style. In addition to performing, he composed music for stage and screen, further cementing his reputation as a versatile musician. His recordings brought piano music into living rooms and helped popularize instrumental pop in post-war Britain. Henderson's influence on British light music resonates in radio and performance traditions today.

Born in Venice in 1911, Nino Sanzogno studied composition and conducting at the Conservatory of Venice. He rose to international prominence as principal conductor of Teatro La Fenice, where he introduced contemporary works by composers such as Stravinsky and Schoenberg. His recordings and performances were praised for their precision and passion, helping to bring 20th-century repertoire to wider audiences. Sanzogno also composed orchestral and chamber pieces that reflected his neoclassical influences. He served as a respected teacher at the Venice Conservatory, mentoring the next generation of musicians. Sanzogno's innovative spirit and musical scholarship left a lasting imprint on Italian and European musical life until his death in 1983.

Born in 1942 in Chicago, Paul Butterfield immersed himself in the city's vibrant blues scene from a young age. In 1963, he formed the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, one of the first interracial blues ensembles. The band's innovative fusion of electric blues and rock on albums like 'East-West' influenced generations of musicians. Butterfield's powerful vocals and masterful harmonica technique earned him acclaim as a leading figure in blues revival. He performed at landmark festivals such as Monterey and Woodstock, bringing blues to wider audiences. Butterfield continued to record and tour until his death in 1987, leaving a lasting legacy in American music.

Emily Remler was born in 1957 in New York and became one of the few female jazz guitarists to gain international acclaim. She was influenced by jazz greats such as Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass and developed a lyrical bebop style. Remler released several acclaimed albums, including 'Firefly' and 'This Is Me', showcasing her technical prowess and creativity. She collaborated with prominent musicians like Hank Jones and organist Don Ewell, further solidifying her reputation. Despite her rising career, she faced personal struggles and tragically died in 1990, leaving a lasting legacy in jazz history.

Mohammed Abdel Wahab was born in 1902 and became one of Egypt's most influential musicians. He composed hundreds of songs and film scores, elevating Arab music with innovative arrangements. Wahab collaborated with legendary artists like Umm Kulthum, producing timeless classics. He introduced Western instruments into Egyptian compositions, creating a modern sound that resonated across the Middle East. His work in cinema included scores for dozens of films, earning him accolades at international festivals. His legacy endures in the continued popularity of his compositions and his impact on generations of musicians.

France Štiglic was a pioneer of Slovenian cinema, directing 'On Our Own Land' in 1948, the nation's first post-war sound film. He wrote and directed numerous films and shorts, exploring themes of national identity and social change. Štiglic's works, including 'The Ball' (1958), earned critical acclaim at international film festivals. He combined poetic storytelling with humanist perspectives, shaping the cinematic language of Yugoslavia. His contributions laid the groundwork for future generations of filmmakers in the region.

Mort Lindsey (1923–2012) was an American musician who served as musical director and arranger for numerous television programs and films. He led the orchestra on "The Judy Garland Show" and collaborated with artists such as Barbra Streisand. Lindsey composed themes for movies and television series, showcasing his versatile talents. As a conductor, he brought rich orchestral textures to both live performances and studio recordings. His contributions earned him acclaim in the entertainment industry and influenced generations of musicians. He continued performing and teaching until his passing in 2012.