August 12

Giovanni Legrenzi (1626–1690) was a prominent Italian composer of the Baroque era, known for his liturgical works, operas, and instrumental sonatas. Born in Clusone, he studied violin and composition before moving to Venice, where he served at St. Mark's Basilica. Legrenzi published numerous collections of sonatas, concertos, and cantatas that influenced the development of the concerto genre. His sacred compositions, including motets and psalm settings, were celebrated for their expressive depth and ornate counterpoint. As maestro di cappella at various Venetian churches, he trained a generation of musicians and shaped Venetian musical style. His legacy is recognized as a bridge between the prima pratica and the emerging concerto forms.

Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber (1644–1704) was one of the most virtuoso violinists of the Baroque era, serving at the court of the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg. He introduced advanced violin techniques, including extensive use of scordatura, in his Mystery Sonatas, which depict the life of Christ through musical symbolism. Biber composed sacred vocal works, instrumental sonatas, and ensemble pieces that pushed the boundaries of harmony and virtuosity. His Sonata representativa and Rosary Sonatas remain cornerstones of the violin repertoire. Through his innovative writing and performances, Biber influenced generations of composers and helped shape the violin's role as a solo instrument. His music is regarded as a high point of 17th-century Germanic Baroque style.

Maurice Greene was a leading English composer and organist of the early 18th century. He honed his musical talents in London and quickly gained acclaim for his organ performances. Greene served as organist of St. Paul's Cathedral and later became Master of the King's Music. His prolific output includes over 300 anthems, service settings, and instrumental works. His compositions helped shape English Baroque church music and remained in the repertoire long after his death in 1755.

Ernestine von Kirchsberg was an Austrian artist celebrated for her delicate floral compositions and tranquil landscape scenes. She studied at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts during a time of growing opportunities for women in art. As an educator, she taught at the Vienna Women's Academy, mentoring the next generation of female painters. Her works were exhibited in European salons, earning recognition for their luminosity and precision. Von Kirchsberg's legacy lives on through her paintings and her pioneering role in art education.

Henry Reuterdahl was born in Sweden in 1870 and immigrated to the United States to pursue a career in art. He gained prominence for his dynamic naval illustrations commissioned by the U.S. Navy during the Spanish-American War. Reuterdahl contributed detailed paintings and drawings to leading publications like Collier's Weekly. His realistic style captured the drama of sea battles and naval technology at the turn of the century. Reuterdahl's work helped shape the visual history of modern naval operations and remains prized by collectors.

Cecil B. DeMille was born in 1881 and became a towering figure in early Hollywood filmmaking. He directed and produced over 70 films spanning silent and sound eras, popularizing the epic genre. DeMille's works include classics like 'The Ten Commandments' and 'Cleopatra', showcasing grand scale and spectacle. He co-founded Paramount Pictures and set new standards for production design and marketing. DeMille's visionary approach helped shape the development of American cinema and enduring Hollywood myths.

Juhan Simm was born in Estonia in 1885 and became a central figure in his country's musical life. He composed choral works that are still performed today and championed Estonian national identity through music. As a conductor, Simm led selections at the Laulupidu, the Estonian Song Festival, bringing together thousands of singers. He taught composition and conducting at the Tallinn Conservatory, influencing generations of musicians. His works blended romantic and national themes, helping to shape Estonia's cultural heritage. Simm passed away in 1959, remembered as a pioneer of Estonian choral tradition.

Born on August 12, 1904, in Budapest, Hungary. Lossonczy became associated with modernist and abstract art movements in mid-20th-century Europe. He experimented with bold color palettes, dynamic forms, and layered textures to create expressive compositions. His paintings were exhibited in galleries across Hungary and attracted attention from contemporary art circles. Working through the challenges of post-war political upheaval, he continued to explore abstraction and mentored younger artists. Lossonczy passed away in 2009, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its originality and emotional depth.

Born on August 12, 1906, in Manhattan, New York. Pierce joined Warner Bros. in the 1930s, writing gags and scripts for Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies. He collaborated with legendary directors like Friz Freleng and Bob Clampett on characters such as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. In addition to writing, he served as an associate producer on many animated shorts. His sharp wit and comedic timing helped define the golden age of American animation. After leaving Warner Bros., he continued writing for television and advertising until his death in 1972.

Born on August 12, 1907, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bentley rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s, performing in Harlem cabarets such as the Ubangi Club. Known for her deep bluesy contralto and skilled piano playing, she challenged gender norms by wearing tuxedos and openly courting women. Her bold stage presence and suggestive lyrics made her a queer icon during the Harlem Renaissance. In later years, she toured clubs across the United States and Europe, though personal struggles affected her career. Bentley died in 1960, but her legacy endures as a trailblazing performer and LGBTQ pioneer.

Ruth Lowe (1914–1981) was a Canadian pianist and songwriter whose poignant composition 'I'll Never Smile Again' became a major hit for Tommy Dorsey's orchestra featuring Frank Sinatra in 1940. Inspired by personal loss, the song marked one of the first pop ballads to achieve widespread success, helping to launch Sinatra’s career. Lowe wrote for radio programs and collaborated with leading bandleaders of the era. Her songwriting blended heartfelt lyricism with memorable melodies, influencing popular music in the mid-20th century. She continued to write and perform into the 1950s, leaving an enduring mark on the Great American Songbook.

Born in 1915, Michael Kidd began his career on Broadway and went on to revolutionize dance in both theater and cinema. He choreographed iconic musicals such as "Guys and Dolls" and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," for which he won an Academy Award. Kidd's work earned him five Tony Awards and set new standards for integrating storytelling with movement. He served as a director and mentor to countless dancers, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of performing arts. Throughout his career, Kidd embraced experimentation, blending classical techniques with modern dynamics. He passed away in 2007, remembered as one of the 20th century's most influential choreographers.