August 10

Born in 1560 in Hamburg, Hieronymus Praetorius became one of the leading organists of his time. He composed numerous motets and instrumental pieces that blended traditional polyphony with early Baroque sensibilities. As a prominent figure in the North German organ school, he influenced later musicians through his teaching and publications. His works were performed widely across Protestant churches, and his family lineage continued his musical legacy. Praetorius’s music remains a testament to the rich polyphonic tradition of the Renaissance.

Born in 1737 in Hlukhiv (modern Ukraine), Anton Losenko studied under the Imperial Academy of Arts and later in Paris with Jean II Restout. His paintings, such as ‘The Death of Camilla’ and ‘Achilles Lamenting Patroclus,’ exemplify neoclassical ideals of harmony and virtue. Appointed as the Academy’s first professor and rector, he shaped Russian art education and mentored a generation of artists. Losenko’s emphasis on classical themes and rigorous training methods laid the foundations for academic art in Russia. His untimely death in 1773 curtailed a promising career but his influence endured through his students and writings.

Born in 1740 in Arundel, Samuel Arnold held posts as organist at Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral. He composed numerous stage works, including ‘The Maid of the Mill,’ and oratorios like ‘The Prodigal Son.’ Arnold collaborated with leading poets of his day and helped revive London’s theatrical music scene. His compilation ‘A Select Collection of English Songs’ preserved folk and popular melodies. Renowned for his tuneful style, Arnold influenced the development of English choral and stage music, leaving a lasting repertoire when he died in 1802.

Abai Qunanbaiuli (1845–1904) was a leading figure in Kazakh literature and thought. He introduced European and Russian philosophical ideas to Kazakh society and advocated for educational reform. His collection of poems and prose, known as the 'Book of Words', is considered a masterpiece of moral and social philosophy. Abai also composed melodies for traditional folk lyrics that remain popular today. His efforts helped codify the modern Kazakh language and cultural identity. He founded schools and translated works by poets like Pushkin and Shakespeare to enrich Kazakh literary heritage. Abai's legacy endures in Kazakhstan, where he is celebrated as a national hero and spiritual guide.

William Michael Harnett (1848–1892) was an influential 19th-century painter whose still life compositions captivated audiences with deceptive realism. Born in Ireland and raised in the United States, he perfected trompe-l'œil techniques, rendering everyday objects like musical instruments and leather accessories with uncanny detail. His notable works include 'After the Hunt' and 'Violin and Music', which challenged viewers to distinguish art from reality. Harnett exhibited widely and taught at the National Academy of Design, influencing a generation of American artists. His innovative approach elevated still life painting to new artistic heights in America. Today, his works are held in major museums around the world, where they continue to astonish and inspire.

Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande (1860–1936) was a seminal musicologist and vocalist of the Hindustani classical tradition. Troubled by the lack of standardized notation, he traveled across India to study diverse gharanas and collected rare compositions. He authored the influential five-volume 'Hindustani Sangeet Paddhati', establishing a uniform grammar for ragas and talas. Bhatkhande founded music colleges in Lucknow and Baroda, founding institutions that nurtured future generations of performers and scholars. His systematic approach laid the foundation for modern academic study and preservation of Indian classical music. He is revered as the father of Hindustani musicology for his pioneering scholarship and teaching.

Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov (1865–1936) was a leading composer of Russia's late Romantic era, mentored by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. He composed eight symphonies, the ballet 'Raymonda', and numerous orchestral and chamber works celebrated for their lyrical melodies and masterful orchestration. In 1905, Glazunov became director of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, guiding it through turbulent times and teaching students like Dmitri Shostakovich. His leadership helped sustain Russian musical education after the revolution. Glazunov's works bridged 19th-century traditions and 20th-century innovations, leaving a lasting influence on Soviet music. His compositions continue to be performed worldwide, admired for their elegance and craftsmanship.

William Manuel 'Bill' Johnson (1872–1972) was an American bassist and founding member of the Original Dixieland Jass Band, whose 1917 recordings are considered the first jazz records. Born in New Orleans, he brought the vitality of Creole musical traditions to the ensemble, laying down solid rhythmic foundations on the double bass. Johnson's work helped define the early sound of jazz and popularize it in New York and Europe. After the band's success, he continued performing and promoting jazz internationally. His century-long life witnessed jazz's evolution from its infancy to a global phenomenon. Johnson's contributions remain integral to the history and development of jazz music.

Al Alberts was an American singer, composer, and television personality who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of The Four Aces. The group’s hits, including “Love is a Many-Splendored Thing” and “Three Coins in the Fountain,” topped charts in the 1950s. Alberts later pursued a solo career and composed music for stage productions. He hosted The Al Alberts Show, one of the first national music television programs, showcasing emerging talent. His warm voice and charismatic presence made him a beloved figure in postwar American pop culture. Throughout his career, he wrote and produced songs that resonated with audiences nationwide. Alberts’ contributions to music and early television programming secured his place in entertainment history.

SM Sultan, born Sheikh Mohammad Sultan, became one of Bangladesh’s most influential modern artists, known for his robust portrayals of peasants and rural landscapes. Educated at Santiniketan under Rabindranath Tagore’s vision, he developed a unique style characterized by bold forms and vibrant colors. Sultan’s canvases often feature heroic figures symbolizing the dignity and resilience of ordinary people. Over his career, he held numerous exhibitions both locally and internationally, earning prestigious awards such as the Independence Day Award. His work profoundly impacted South Asian art and continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Marie-Claire Alain was one of the most recorded organists of the 20th century, with over 260 albums, including three complete recordings of Johann Sebastian Bach’s organ works. She studied at the Paris Conservatoire, winning top prizes in organ, piano, and harpsichord. A dedicated teacher, she led the organ department at the Rueil-Malmaison Conservatory and mentored generations of musicians. Alain received the Grand Prix du Disque and was named Chevalier of the Legion of Honour for her contributions to music. She also championed the works of her brother, composer Jehan Alain, through performances and recordings. She passed away in 2013, leaving a profound legacy in classical music.

Jimmy Martin was a seminal figure in bluegrass music, joining Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys at age 22 and earning praise for his powerful tenor vocals and dynamic guitar work. He formed his own band, Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys, producing hits like “Tennessee” and “Woman from Liberia.” Known for his energetic performances and showmanship, Martin toured extensively across the United States and Europe. In 1991, he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. His influence endures in the sound and style of countless bluegrass musicians. Martin passed away in 2005, leaving a rich musical legacy.