May 28

Born in 1692 near Piacenza, Geminiano Giacomelli became one of the leading opera composers of his time. He composed numerous opera seria works that premiered in Venice, Rome, and other major cultural centers. Giacomelli's music was praised for its expressive melodies, dramatic flair, and sophisticated orchestration. He also wrote sacred pieces, including oratorios and mass settings, for ecclesiastical patronage. His compositions influenced contemporaries and were performed at courts throughout Europe. Though few manuscripts survive today, his reputation as a master of Baroque opera endures.

Thomas Moore was a leading Irish poet, singer, and songwriter in the early 19th century. His publication 'Irish Melodies', with music often composed by John Andrew Stevenson, galvanized Irish cultural pride across Europe. Moore became a fixture in London's literary circles, earning admiration from contemporaries like Byron and Shelley. Beyond poetry, he penned satirical essays, biographies, and translations showcasing his erudition and wit. His work influenced the development of nationalistic song traditions and remains central to Ireland's cultural heritage.

Friedrich Baumfelder was a 19th-century German musician whose compositions blended lyrical melodies with Romantic sensibilities. Educated in Leipzig, he earned acclaim as a piano virtuoso and later conducted orchestras in Dresden and Rotterdam. His published salon pieces, symphonies, and choral works were widely performed across Europe. Baumfelder's pedagogical piano studies influenced a generation of students seeking expressive performance techniques. Though overshadowed by his contemporaries, modern revivals of his music reveal the charm and technical mastery of his style.

Carl Larsson was a leading Swedish painter and illustrator whose watercolor paintings depicted vibrant domestic scenes. Born in Stockholm in 1853, he studied at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts. He gained fame through his illustrated books 'A Home' and 'On the Sunny Side', which showcased his domestic life. His warm color palette and detailed interiors became hallmarks of the Swedish national romantic style. Beyond painting, he authored texts blending narrative with art, influencing generations of illustrators. His portrayal of rural and household themes provided a new, intimate perspective on Scandinavian life. Larsson's legacy endures in Sweden's cultural heritage and museums worldwide.

Clough Williams-Ellis was an English-Welsh architect born in 1883, best known for designing the whimsical Italianate village of Portmeirion in North Wales. He advocated for conservation and harmony between architecture and landscape, influencing the preservation movement. Williams-Ellis began his career under artist Augustus John and later designed country houses and public buildings. His book 'England and the Octopus' criticized unsightly development and promoted thoughtful planning. Portmeirion, begun in 1925 and completed over decades, exemplifies his belief in aesthetic variety and imaginative design. He received numerous awards for his work in conservation and architecture. Williams-Ellis died in 1978, leaving a legacy of creative and sustainable architectural practice.

Born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, in 1900, Tommy Ladnier became a prominent jazz trumpeter in the 1920s and 1930s, known for his bold, expressive sound. He performed with leading bands of the era, including those led by Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton, and recorded influential tracks for the Okeh label. Ladnier’s style bridged traditional New Orleans jazz with emerging swing influences. Despite declining health, he continued to tour and record until his untimely death in 1939 at age 39. Ladnier’s recordings remain valued for their vitality and musicianship.

Born in 1910 in Linden, Texas, T-Bone Walker became one of the first musicians to amplify the guitar in blues music. His innovative playing style and expressive vocals influenced generations of guitarists and helped popularize electric blues. His best-known song, 'Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)', remains a blues standard. He recorded dozens of albums and performed with jazz greats such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Walker's fluid solos and sophisticated chords bridged blues and jazz, earning him a lasting legacy. He passed away in 1975, remembered as a towering figure in American music history.

D. V. Paluskar (1921–1955) was an eminent Indian classical vocalist trained in the Gwalior gharana tradition. Son of musicologist Vishnu Digambar Paluskar, he made his public debut at age 14. Known for his clear diction and deep emotional expression, he mastered khayal and devotional bhajans. He toured extensively, bringing Hindustani music to audiences across India and abroad. Despite his short life, Paluskar's recordings remain benchmark performances of the Gwalior style. He influenced future generations of vocalists with his technical precision and emotive power.

György Ligeti was born in Transylvania in 1923 and studied at the Liszt Academy in Budapest. He fled Hungary after the 1956 uprising and settled in Austria, where he became a leading avant-garde composer. Ligeti's early works drew on folk motifs, but he soon pioneered techniques such as micropolyphony that redefined modern classical music. His iconic compositions like Atmosphères and Lux Aeterna gained international acclaim and featured in Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey. He taught at the Hamburg and Cologne conservatories, influencing generations of composers. Throughout his career, Ligeti continually expanded the boundaries of sonic texture and ensemble writing until his death in 2006.

Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau was born in Berlin in 1925 and became world-renowned for his expressive baritone voice. He specialized in German art songs (lieder), recording the complete works of Schubert and Schumann. His career spanned opera stages from Vienna to New York, where he excelled in roles by Mozart and Verdi. Fischer-Dieskau collaborated with leading pianists and conductors, elevating the art of recital performance. He also conducted orchestras and taught at the Hochschule für Musik, influencing generations of singers. His extensive discography and teaching legacy cemented his reputation until his passing in 2012.

Gordon Willis was an American cinematographer celebrated for his innovative approach to lighting and composition. Nicknamed 'The Prince of Darkness', he crafted the iconic look of Francis Ford Coppola's The Godfather trilogy with his masterful control of shadow. Willis collaborated with Woody Allen on Manhattan, using subdued color palettes to enhance mood. His work on Annie Hall and Zelig helped shape modern cinematic aesthetics. Over a career spanning four decades, he influenced generations of filmmakers and received honors from the American Society of Cinematographers.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Howland began her career on Broadway before transitioning to television and film. She gained widespread fame portraying Vera Louise Gorman on the hit series Alice from 1976 to 1985. Known for her bubbly persona and comic timing, she also appeared in movies such as Catch-22 and various musical productions. Her versatility as both a singer and actress made her a memorable presence in American entertainment. Howland passed away in Los Angeles in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of heartfelt performances.