August 08

Born in 1640 in Germany, Amalia Catharina created poetry and compositions reflecting Baroque aesthetics. Her literary works often explored themes of love, faith, and the natural world in ornate verse. As a composer, she blended vocal and instrumental textures typical of 17th-century German music. Her dual talents highlight the active role of women in the artistic circles of her era. She died in 1697, leaving a unique legacy that spans both literature and music.

Born in 1646 in Lübeck, Kneller trained under masters in the Netherlands before moving to England. He became court painter to Charles II and successive monarchs, capturing the likenesses of royalty. His elegant portraits defined the visual style of the Restoration court and high society. He managed a large studio, producing hundreds of works and mentoring future British artists. He died in 1723, leaving a prolific body of work that shaped the tradition of British portraiture.

Born in France in 1693, Belissen emerged as a composer during the height of the Baroque era. He contributed motets, masses, and instrumental suites that showcased rich harmonies and expressive melodies. His works reflected the influence of Louis XIV’s court style while adding his own melodic flair. Though many of his compositions have been lost, surviving manuscripts reveal his mastery of vocal and instrumental forms. Belissen's music remained popular in regional churches and salons until his death in 1762. His legacy endures among Baroque enthusiasts who appreciate his refined yet emotive compositions.

Born in Germany in 1709, Gelinek entered monastic life yet pursued his passion for music. He studied violin technique and composition, blending German discipline with Italian virtuosity. Gelinek performed in monastic chapels and private courts, earning acclaim for his expressive style. His surviving sonatas and concertos reflect a fusion of Baroque structure and melodic grace. As a monk, he balanced spiritual duties with artistic pursuits, inspiring fellow musicians. Gelinek's dual legacy endures in both ecclesiastical archives and the concert repertoire.

Born in Germany in 1758, Weitsch studied art under Johann Heinrich Tischbein. He gained recognition for elegant court portraits that captured the dignity of his subjects. His landscape paintings reflected the Neoclassical emphasis on harmonious composition. Weitsch served as a professor and later director at the Collegium Carolinum in Braunschweig. His students included several prominent artists of the late 18th century. Weitsch's work bridged the transition from Baroque exuberance to Neoclassical restraint.

Cécile Chaminade was one of the few prominent female composers in turn-of-the-century France. Trained at the Paris Conservatoire, she became renowned for her lyrical pianistic works and songs. Her 'Flute Concertino' and 'Symphony in G' were performed widely in Europe and the United States. Chaminade toured extensively as a concert pianist, premiering much of her own music. In 1913, she was awarded the Légion d'honneur for her contributions to French music. Her salon pieces and light orchestral works captured the spirit of the Belle Époque. Chaminade broke gender barriers and remains a pioneer among women composers.

Jean Leon Gerome Ferris created over 90 paintings in his famous 'The Pageant of a Nation' series, bringing historical events to life. Born in Philadelphia and trained under his sculptor father and later in Paris, he combined academic technique with American themes. His works include iconic scenes like Washington crossing the Delaware and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Ferris’s attention to detail and dramatic compositions helped popularize visual history in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He exhibited widely, and many of his paintings became familiar prints in American homes and schools. While some critics pointed out historical inaccuracies, his art shaped the nation’s visual memory. Ferris’s legacy endures in the cultural understanding of America’s foundational moments.

Born in 1882 in Moscow, Starevich began his career as an entomologist, using dead insects to create stop-motion animations. His early film, The Cameraman's Revenge (1912), showcased his groundbreaking use of puppetry and storytelling. He emigrated to France during World War I, where he continued to refine his techniques and produce acclaimed works like The Tale of the Fox. Starevich's films blended humor, fantasy, and social commentary, inspiring generations of animators. He wrote and directed over 30 films throughout his career, pushing the boundaries of early cinema. His influence can be seen in the development of stop-motion animation worldwide. Starevich died in 1965, leaving a legacy as one of the fathers of animated film.

Born in 1891 in Siegen, Busch studied violin at the Hochschule für Musik in Frankfurt under Adolf Rebner. He gained acclaim for his technical brilliance and expressive interpretations. In 1919, he co-founded the Busch Quartet, which became one of the preeminent chamber ensembles in Europe. Busch composed violin concertos, sonatas, and solo pieces, blending Romantic tradition with modern influences. As a vocal opponent of the Nazi regime, he emigrated to Switzerland and later to the United States, furthering his performing career. He remained active as a performer, composer, and educator, influencing a generation of string players. Busch died in 1952, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the 20th century’s greatest violinists and chamber musicians.

André Jolivet, born in Paris in 1905, was a leading figure in 20th-century French music. After studying under Edgard Varèse at the Schola Cantorum, he co-founded the group La Jeune France to promote a more humanistic approach to composition. His works, including 'Cinq Danses rituelles' and his Flute Concerto, reflect a fascination with mysticism and non-Western rhythms. Jolivet's music revived interest in early instruments and ritualistic sound. He remained influential until his death in 1974, leaving a diverse and expressive body of work.

Born in New York City in 1907, Bernard 'Benny' Carter became a towering figure in jazz. Excelling on alto saxophone, trumpet, and as an arranger, he contributed to big bands led by Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington. Carter penned hundreds of compositions that blended swing, bebop, and modern jazz influences. He led his own ensembles, broke racial barriers in Hollywood film scores, and served as president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, his smooth style and innovation influenced countless musicians until his death in 2003.

Born on August 8, 1919, Dino De Laurentiis began his career in Italy, producing iconic films like Federico Fellini’s 'La Strada' and 'Nights of Cabiria.' He moved to Hollywood in the 1960s and produced a string of successful and ambitious projects, including 'Serpico,' 'Flash Gordon,' and David Lynch’s 'Dune.' In 1975 he established the Dino De Laurentiis Company, followed by the De Laurentiis Entertainment Group in 1983. His productions were known for their grand scale and visual flair. De Laurentiis received an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2001. Over his seven-decade career, he produced more than 500 films, leaving an indelible mark on international cinema. He passed away in 2010.