July 16

Born in 1683, Heinichen studied law and music in Italy before joining the Dresden Hofkapelle. He composed operas, concertos, and chamber works characterized by their inventive harmony and structure. Heinichen’s treatise “Der General-Bass in der Composition” became a foundational text for basso continuo practice. His influence extended through teaching and performance, shaping the Baroque musical landscape in Germany.

Born in Bologna in 1665, Crespi earned the nickname “Lo Spagnolo” for his affinity with Spanish art. He blended dramatic chiaroscuro with lively subjects, painting religious altarpieces and intimate scenes of everyday life. His loose, expressive style anticipated the Rococo movement. Crespi’s major works are housed in the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, where his innovative approach continues to captivate art enthusiasts.

Born in 1726, Cotes began his career as a pastel artist before transitioning to oil painting. He excelled in capturing the refined fashions and personalities of 18th-century British society. Elected to the Society of Artists and later co-founded the Royal Academy in 1768, he played a key role in establishing professional standards for artists. Cotes’s work bridges the Rococo and emerging Neoclassical style, making him a pivotal figure in British art history.

Born in 1847 near Zabrze, Prussia, Philipp Scharwenka studied at the Cologne Conservatory. He composed piano works, chamber music, and songs characteristic of the late Romantic style. Scharwenka co-founded and taught at the Musikakademie in Berlin, influencing a generation of musicians. His piano pieces, such as 'Atmosphères', were celebrated for their lyrical melodies and rich harmonies. Through both his compositions and teaching, he left a lasting mark on German musical culture.

Born in 1889, Zheng Zhengqiu is celebrated as one of the founders of Chinese cinema. In 1913, he co-directed The Difficult Couple, regarded as the first Chinese feature film. He co-founded the Mingxing Film Company, which became the leading studio in China during the silent era. He wrote scripts, directed numerous productions, and mentored early filmmakers, laying the groundwork for China's motion picture industry. His contributions helped popularize cinema across China, influencing generations of directors and audiences alike. He passed away in 1935, leaving a lasting legacy in Asian film history.

Herms Niel was born in 1888 and began his career as a soldier before turning to music as a trombonist and bandmaster. He composed enduring marching songs, including "Erika" and "Heimat, deine Sterne," that became synonymous with German military bands. His melodies were widely adopted by the Wehrmacht during World War II, reflecting the era's martial culture. Beyond marches, he arranged and performed music that blended folk influences with military precision. Niel died in 1954, leaving behind a catalogue of compositions that remain staples of marching repertoires.

Boris Artzybasheff was born in 1899 in Kyiv and emigrated to the United States after the Russian Revolution. He became a leading illustrator for magazines like Time, Fortune, and Life, known for personified machines and surreal imagery. His cover art and advertisements blended technical precision with whimsical creativity, reflecting modern industrial America. Artzybasheff also authored and illustrated children's books, exploring themes of nature and imagination. He taught at the Art Students League in New York and influenced generations of graphic artists before his death in 1965.

Born in New York City in 1942, Harry Chapin rose to fame in the early 1970s with his storytelling folk songs. His hits like "Taxi" and "Cat's in the Cradle" combined narrative lyrics with melodic acoustic guitar. Beyond music, he was a passionate advocate against hunger, co-founding World Hunger Year in 1975. He performed countless benefit concerts to raise funds for social causes and received multiple Grammy nominations. Chapin died in a car accident in 1981, and his humanitarian work continues to inspire artists and activists today.

Born in 1901 in Savanna, Illinois, Wayne King became known as "The Waltz King" for his orchestra's smooth dance music. As a saxophonist and bandleader, he popularized waltzes and romantic tunes through radio broadcasts and recordings from the 1930s to the 1950s. King composed hits like "The Waltz You Saved for Me" and led concert tours across the United States. His band's elegant style influenced subsequent big bands and dance orchestras. King continued performing until his death in 1985, maintaining a loyal fan base and leaving a mark on American dance music.

Herbert von Karajan was born in Salzburg in 1908 and emerged as one of the most celebrated conductors of his time. He served as principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic from 1955 to 1989 and championed works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Strauss. Karajan also led the Vienna Philharmonic and founded the Salzburg Easter Festival. Known for his perfectionism and cinematic studio recordings, he pioneered high-fidelity classical albums. He died in 1989, leaving an indelible mark on orchestral music worldwide.

Robert Motherwell was born in 1915 in Aberdeen, Washington, and became a leading figure in the abstract expressionist movement. After studying at Stanford and Harvard, he moved to New York and joined peers like Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. Motherwell's "Elegy to the Spanish Republic" series reflected his political engagement and mastery of form and color. He co-founded the Documents of Modern Art series and taught at Hunter College, impacting generations of artists. Motherwell died in 1991, remembered for his intellectual approach to modern art and lasting influence.

Born Maurice De Bevere in Kortrijk, Belgium in 1923, Morris began drawing the iconic cowboy hero Lucky Luke in 1946. He collaborated with writer René Goscinny to craft engaging stories filled with humor and sharp visual gags. The series, renowned for its artistic clarity and wit, sold millions of copies worldwide and became a cornerstone of Franco-Belgian comics. Morris's distinctive line work and character designs influenced generations of cartoonists. His work extended to animation and advertising, showcasing his versatile talent. He continued to draw and innovate until his death in 2001, leaving a timeless legacy in the world of graphic storytelling.