May 19

Born in 1528, Costanzo Porta was a leading composer of the Venetian School during the late Renaissance. He studied under Adrian Willaert in Venice and later held prestigious posts in Ferrara and Vicenza. Porta specialized in polyphonic sacred music, producing elaborate masses, motets, and hymns. His compositions are noted for their intricate counterpoint and use of double choir techniques. Porta's work influenced subsequent generations of composers and helped shape the Venetian musical style. He died in 1601, leaving a significant legacy in the history of Western liturgical music.

John Stanley was born blind in 1712 and became one of the leading English organists of the 18th century. He studied under Maurice Greene and succeeded him as organist at the Temple Church in London. Stanley also held the position of organist at All Hallows, Lime Street, for several decades. He composed a significant body of organ and harpsichord works, including voluntaries and concertos. His music was praised for its melodic inventiveness and virtuosic style. Stanley's career demonstrated his extraordinary skill despite his blindness, earning him lasting recognition in English Baroque music.

Kristjan Raud was born in 1865 in Kirbla, Estonia, and studied art in St. Petersburg and Stockholm. He co-founded the Pallas art school in Tartu, which became a cornerstone of Estonian modern art education. Raud's paintings and illustrations often drew on folklore and rural life, capturing the spirit of Estonian identity. His work as an illustrator for books and magazines helped disseminate national culture during a period of political awakening. Raud also taught at the Pallas school, mentoring a generation of Estonian artists. He passed away on May 19, 1943, leaving a rich artistic legacy.

Charles Ives (1874–1954) was an American composer and educator who revolutionized classical music through experimental approaches such as polytonality, polyrhythm, and quarter tones. Drawing on American folk tunes, church hymns, and marching bands, he crafted uniquely layered compositions like The Concord Sonata and Symphony No. 4. His work was largely unrecognized during his lifetime, as he balanced his musical pursuits with a successful insurance career. Posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1947, Ives influenced generations of composers and helped shape 20th-century music. In addition to composition, he taught music and wrote on theory, cementing his role as a scholarly pioneer.

Gabriele Münter (1877–1962) was a German painter whose bold use of color and form helped shape the Expressionist movement. As a co-founder of Der Blaue Reiter alongside Wassily Kandinsky, she created striking landscapes, portraits, and still lifes that emphasized emotional expression over realism. Münter’s intimate collaboration with Kandinsky influenced his abstract work, and she documented their artistic partnership through painting and photography. Despite personal and political challenges, she preserved much of the group’s art during the Nazi era and later donated her collection to museums. Münter’s work continues to be celebrated for its pioneering spirit and vibrant aesthetic.

Walter Russell (1871–1963) was an American artist and thinker whose diverse talents spanned painting, sculpture, and literature. He earned acclaim for his luminous canvases and public sculptures, and he articulated a unique cosmic philosophy detailed in works like The Universal One. In 1948, Russell founded the University of Science and Philosophy to promote his ideas on universal laws and human potential. His writings and lectures explored the interconnectedness of art, science, and spirituality. Russell’s visionary approach continues to inspire readers and artists interested in multidisciplinary exploration.

Coleman Hawkins was a trailblazing American jazz musician who brought the tenor saxophone to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. His innovative improvisational style and rich tone transformed the instrument into a leading voice in jazz. Hawkins recorded the iconic 1939 version of 'Body and Soul,' showcasing his harmonic sophistication and emotive playing. Over his career, he collaborated with jazz greats such as Fletcher Henderson, Louis Armstrong, and Thelonious Monk. His influence is heard in generations of saxophonists who followed, and his contributions helped shape the evolution of jazz.

Born in Jersey City, Jimmy Lyons became a key collaborator of pianist Cecil Taylor, helping define the sound of free jazz. His fiery alto saxophone playing and inventive improvisations appeared on seminal albums like Unit Structures and Conquistador!. Lyons also led his own ensembles, exploring new harmonic and rhythmic dimensions. His contributions expanded the possibilities of jazz expression in the 1960s and 1970s. Lyons’s influence is still felt among avant-garde musicians today.

A graduate of the Athens Conservatoire, Papaioannou embraced atonality and serialism, becoming a leading figure in Greek contemporary music. He taught at the Hellenic Conservatory, mentoring young composers and introducing new compositional techniques. Papaioannou composed symphonies, chamber works, and choral pieces that fused Greek folk elements with avant-garde methods. He organized concerts and workshops to promote experimental music in Greece and abroad. His influence is felt in the continued evolution of Greek art music and music education.

Susannah McCorkle was an American jazz vocalist renowned for her sophisticated interpretations of the Great American Songbook. Her rich, emotive voice and impeccable phrasing graced more than fifteen albums throughout her career. She collaborated with leading jazz musicians and performed at prestigious venues worldwide. Critics praised her for blending traditional jazz with intimate storytelling, creating deeply expressive performances. McCorkle's work continues to influence modern jazz singers who admire her artistry and emotional depth.

Nicholas Maw (1935–2009) was an English composer known for his richly textured works, blending modernist sensibilities with lyrical expression. His notable compositions include the piano concerto “Speculation” and the choral work “Odyssey,” both of which received international acclaim. Maw taught composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, influencing a generation of musicians. His music has been performed by leading orchestras worldwide, securing his place as a key figure in contemporary British classical music.

Jeffrey Catherine Jones (1944–2011) was an American artist renowned for her evocative paintings, illustrations, and comic art. She created covers for publications like National Lampoon and Time, as well as contributions to DC Comics. Jones's work combined romanticism with surreal and dreamlike elements, earning her a Hugo Award nomination and a World Fantasy Award. Her mastery of color and form influenced a generation of fantasy artists. Jones's art continues to captivate audiences with its poetic and mystical qualities.