May 28

Leopold Mozart (1719–1787) was a German-Austrian musician, composer, and pedagogue who served as a violin virtuoso and concertmaster in the Salzburg court. He authored the influential 'A Treatise on the Fundamental Principle of Violin Playing', which became a seminal work on violin technique. Leopold composed symphonies, chamber works, and sacred music, renowned for clarity and elegance. He meticulously managed his family’s musical tours across Europe, ensuring his son Wolfgang’s emergence as a child prodigy. His dedication to music education and detailed correspondence provide valuable insights into 18th-century musical life. He died in 1787 in Salzburg, leaving a legacy of scholarship and family achievement.

Luigi Boccherini (1743–1805) was an Italian composer and cellist of the Classical era, celebrated for his elegant and expressive chamber music. Born near Lucca, he gained prominence for his string quintets featuring two cellos, showcasing his virtuosic technique. Boccherini spent much of his career at the Spanish court in Madrid, where he infused his works with Iberian rhythms and melodies. His 'Minuet' from the String Quintet in E Major remains one of his most beloved pieces. In addition to chamber music, he composed symphonies, concertos, ballets, and sacred works. Despite his artistic success, his later years were marked by financial difficulties, and he died in relative obscurity.

Boris Kustodiev was born in 1878 in Astrakhan and studied at the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. He gained fame for his colorful paintings of Russian markets, festivals, and bourgeois interiors. His works blend realism with decorative flourish, capturing the spirit of early 20th-century Russia. Kustodiev also designed sets and costumes for the Mariinsky Theatre and the Bolshoi. After a paralytic stroke in 1920, he continued to paint using only his left hand. He died in 1927, leaving a rich legacy of more than a thousand paintings and illustrations.

Frank Cowper was born in 1849 and became a leading figure in recreational yachting. He authored a popular series of cruising guides and illustrated them with his own sketches. His works, including Letters from a Yachtsman, inspired many to explore coastal cruising. He contributed detailed charts and firsthand observations that improved maritime safety. Cowper’s blend of practical advice, storytelling, and art broadened the appeal of sailing. He continued to write and sail until his death in 1930, leaving enduring nautical literature.

Zainul Abedin studied at the Government School of Art in Calcutta, where he developed his distinctive style blending realism with social commentary. His sketches documenting the 1943 Bengal Famine brought global attention to the plight of millions. After Bangladesh's independence, he established the country's first arts institute in Dhaka. Abedin's works celebrated rural life and shed light on social injustices. His influence continues to inspire generations of Bangladeshi artists.

Born in Atlanta in 1910 and raised in Pittsburgh, Mary Lou Williams became a child prodigy on the piano before rising to prominence in 1920s swing bands. She wrote groundbreaking compositions and arrangements for Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Andy Kirk, helping to shape the sound of big band jazz. In 1945 she created the landmark 'Zodiac Suite,' showcasing her innovative harmonic approach. Williams was also a mentor to young musicians such as Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis. Later in life she composed sacred jazz works and advocated for civil rights. Her versatility and influence made her a pioneering figure in American music.

Born in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1910, Sy Oliver began his career as a drummer before becoming a trumpeter and arranger. He joined Jimmie Lunceford’s orchestra in 1933, creating signature hits like 'For Dancers Only' and defining their tight ensemble sound. In 1939 he moved to the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, where his modern arrangements revitalized the band’s repertoire. Oliver led his own recording sessions and later worked in Hollywood as a studio arranger. He composed classics such as 'Yes, Indeed!' and was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame. His contributions left an indelible mark on American music.

Born John Elton Eastman Jr. in 1940, Julius Eastman studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and Wesleyan University. He emerged as a radical voice in the minimalist movement, creating works such as 'Gay Guerrilla,' 'Stay on It,' and 'Evil Nigger' that confronted issues of race, sexuality, and identity. Eastman performed as a pianist and vocalist with the S.E.M. Ensemble, pushing boundaries between composition and performance. Despite his groundbreaking contributions, he struggled with personal challenges and died in obscurity in 1990. Since the 21st century, Eastman’s music has been rediscovered and celebrated for its bold innovation and emotional intensity.

Michael Buonauro was an American author and illustrator known for his independent graphic storytelling. He self-published a series of personal comics that explored themes of mental health and human relationships. Buonauro's work gained a cult following for its raw emotion and candid narrative style. He contributed illustrations to underground zines and collaborative art projects. Despite his brief career, he left an impact on the indie comics community with his authentic voice.

Jörg Immendorff was a leading German painter and sculptor noted for his vibrant, politically infused works. His 'Café Deutschland' series critically examined German reunification through bold visual narratives. Immendorff held professorships at prestigious art academies, mentoring a generation of contemporary artists. He explored themes of power, society, and identity using expressive color and form. His multifaceted career also included stage design and public installations. Immendorff's art remains influential in discussions of post-war German culture and art history.

Beryl Cook was an English painter celebrated for her humorous and vibrant depictions of everyday life. Her distinctive style featured bold colors and exaggerated characters in social settings such as pubs and beaches. Cook's first major exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1985 brought her widespread acclaim. She published several books showcasing her paintings, attracting a devoted following. Cook's work provided a playful commentary on British culture and human interactions. Her art continues to inspire enthusiasm for genre painting and illustration.

Born in 1948, Gerber developed a passion for the piano and composition early in life. He created works for solo piano, chamber ensembles and orchestras, earning recognition for his melodic inventiveness and structural clarity. Gerber's music bridged modernist and romantic traditions, and he premiered works across the United States with critical acclaim. He also lectured at various institutions, mentoring young musicians and advocating for new music. His legacy endures through his recordings and published scores.