July 27

Born in Florence in 1502, Francesco Corteccia became maestro di cappella for Cosimo I de' Medici. He composed sacred and secular music, including elaborate intermedii for court entertainments. His madrigals and dialogues helped shape the early development of the Italian madrigal. Corteccia's works were widely circulated in manuscript, reflecting his stature among contemporaries. He remained a key musical figure in Florence until his death in 1571.

Born in France in 1741, Barthélémon moved to London in the 1760s and quickly became one of the city's leading violinists. He studied under prominent masters and led orchestras at fashionable venues such as Marylebone Gardens. A prolific composer, he wrote operas, chamber music, and teaching pieces that blended French elegance with English musical tastes. His works were celebrated for their melodic grace and technical demands, influencing the next generation of musicians. Beyond performance and composition, he taught violin to aristocratic students, leaving a lasting impact on British musical life. His legacy helped shape the musical tastes of late 18th-century Europe.

Born in Elbigenalp, Austria, in 1768, Koch initially studied architecture before turning to painting. He moved to Rome in 1790, where he immersed himself in classical art and the emerging Romantic movement. Koch developed a style of heroic landscape painting, combining rugged natural scenes with mythological and historical themes. His works influenced the Nazarene painters and helped define German Romantic ideals of nature and the sublime. Koch's dramatic compositions and use of light established him as a central figure in early 19th-century European art.

Born in Bisceglie, Italy, in 1781, Mauro Giuliani initially studied violin before focusing on the guitar. He moved to Vienna, where he became a celebrated performer, teacher, and composer for the instrument. Giuliani wrote over 150 works, including concertos, sonatas, and chamber pieces that expanded guitar technique. His compositions were praised for their melodic invention and technical sophistication. Giuliani's influence secured the guitar's place on European concert stages and inspired future generations of musicians.

Enrique Granados (1867–1916) was a leading Spanish composer and virtuoso pianist born in Lleida. He studied at the Madrid Conservatory and later in Paris, where he absorbed the French impressionist style. His most famous work, the piano suite 'Goyescas,' drew inspiration from the paintings of Francisco Goya and premiered in 1916. Granados also composed popular zarzuelas and chamber music that fused nationalistic Spanish elements with Romantic lyricism. His life was tragically cut short when his ship was torpedoed en route to a concert tour in the United States.

Stanislav Binički (1872–1942) was a foundational figure in Serbian classical music. Born in Niš, he studied composition and conducting in Belgrade and Vienna before returning to lead the Belgrade Music Academy. Binički founded Serbia's first professional opera company and composed the enduring patriotic march 'Marš na Drinu' during World War I. A dedicated educator, he taught generations of Serbian musicians and helped establish modern music institutions in his homeland. His legacy lives on in Serbia's national repertoire and music education.

Ernő Dohnányi (1877–1960), also known as Ernst von Dohnányi, was born in Pozsony in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He studied piano and composition under Hans von Koessler at the Royal Academy of Music in Budapest. A celebrated concert pianist, Dohnányi toured extensively before taking up conducting posts in Hamburg and Cincinnati. His compositions, including 'Ruralia hungarica' and the symphonic poem 'Kossuth,' blend Romantic lyricism with Hungarian folk elements. As a professor at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, he mentored a generation of Hungarian musicians. Dohnányi later emigrated to the United States, continuing to conduct and compose until his death in 1960.

Ernst May was born in 1886 and became a leading figure in modern architecture and urban planning. As city architect of Frankfurt, he implemented the 'New Frankfurt' program, creating affordable, functional housing. His designs emphasized light, air, and access to green spaces, influencing social housing concepts worldwide. After leaving Germany in the 1930s, May worked on urban planning projects in the Soviet Union and later in East Africa. His innovative approach blended social ideals with architectural design, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century urbanism. May's principles continue to inform sustainable and community-focused city planning today.

Ruby McKim was born in 1891 and became a celebrated quilt designer and illustrator. She founded a mail-order quilt pattern company, bringing innovative designs to home quilters nationwide. McKim authored influential books and magazines, teaching techniques and artistic approaches to quilting. Her geometric and nature-inspired patterns remain popular among quilting enthusiasts today. She played a key role in elevating quilting from a folk craft to a recognized art form. McKim's work continues to inspire fabric designers and quilters around the world.

Vernon Elliott was born on July 27, 1912 in Oxford, England. He became principal bassoonist of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, earning praise for his technique and musical sensitivity. In addition to performing, Elliott composed chamber works and arrangements for wind ensembles. He gained broader recognition as the composer of music for beloved BBC children's series such as 'Camberwick Green' and 'Trumpton'. Elliott also conducted orchestras in radio broadcasts, championing wind repertoire and contemporary composers. His versatility as a performer and composer made him a respected figure in mid-20th-century British music. Elliott passed away in 1996, leaving a legacy of distinctive compositions that continue to delight audiences of all ages.

Mario Del Monaco was born in Florence in 1915 and became one of the twentieth century's leading spinto tenors. He achieved international acclaim for his portrayals of Verdi heroes, particularly Otello, at La Scala, Covent Garden, and the Metropolitan Opera. His voice was renowned for its strength, brilliance, and emotional intensity. Del Monaco made numerous studio recordings that remain reference performances for opera lovers. In his later years, he taught young singers and helped shape the next generation of operatic talent.

Skippy Williams was born in 1916 and became a respected saxophonist in the American jazz scene. He played with well-known big bands and smaller ensembles, showcasing his lyrical tone and improvisational skills. As an arranger, Williams contributed charts that were performed by top orchestras of the swing era. His recordings from the 1940s and 1950s capture the energy and innovation of the period. Though less widely known today, his influence is recognized by musicians who value his contributions to jazz arranging and performance.