August 18

Giovanni Artusi (c.1540–1613) was an Italian composer and music theorist best known for his rigorous critique of emerging Baroque styles. His 1600 treatise 'L'Artusi overo Delle imperfettioni della moderna musica' challenged the works of Claudio Monteverdi, sparking widespread controversy. Artusi defended the conservative rules of counterpoint established during the Renaissance. He authored several influential writings that influenced music pedagogy across Europe. While his compositions are less performed today, his theoretical contributions remain a pivotal part of music history.

Guido Reni (1575–1642) was an Italian Baroque master whose work epitomized grace, classical beauty, and vibrant color. Trained under the Carracci in Bologna, Reni developed a refined style that blended idealized figures with dramatic lighting. He completed major commissions for churches across Italy, including the ‘Aurora’ ceiling in Rome’s Casino dell’Aurora and numerous altarpieces. As an educator, he led a large workshop in Naples, mentoring artists who would spread his aesthetic throughout Europe. Reni’s legacy endures in his delicate portrayals of religious and mythological subjects.

Born in Prague in 1894, Erwin Schulhoff studied piano and composition under prominent teachers including Ferruccio Busoni. His early works embraced Dadaism and the avant-garde, while later compositions incorporated jazz rhythms and dance forms. Schulhoff composed chamber music, piano solos, and orchestral works, notable for their bold harmonies and rhythmic vitality. A committed anti-fascist, he joined the Communist Party and used music as a form of political expression. Arrested by the Gestapo for his Jewish heritage, Schulhoff was interned in the Wülzburg camp where he continued to compose despite harsh conditions. He died of tuberculosis in 1942, and his work has since been rediscovered and celebrated by modern performers.

Paul Mares (1900–1949) led the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, one of the first influential jazz bands. His trumpet style blended New Orleans syncopation with emerging Chicago jazz elements. Mares recorded extensively in the early 1920s, helping popularize jazz nationwide. He also managed recording sessions that featured future jazz legends. His contributions laid groundwork for the Swing Era that followed.

Arthur Marshall (1881–1968) collaborated with ragtime legends like James Scott and Scott Joplin’s circle. He composed and performed pieces that blended syncopated rhythms with melodic charm. Marshall toured extensively in the 1910s and recorded for early phonograph labels. He later taught piano and mentored younger musicians. His work contributed to the golden age of ragtime and the foundation of American popular music.

Tony Jackson was an influential figure in the Merseybeat movement of the early 1960s. He served as the lead singer and bassist for The Searchers, contributing to their chart-topping hits. Born in 1938 in England, he helped define the sound of the British Invasion. After leaving The Searchers in 1964, he continued to perform with various bands. His passionate vocal style and melodic bass lines left a lasting legacy in rock music. Jackson passed away in 2003, remembered as a pioneer of his era.

Elmer Bernstein was one of Hollywood’s most prolific film composers, crafting over 150 scores during his career. He studied at UCLA and began his career in radio before moving into film composition. Bernstein’s memorable themes include The Magnificent Seven, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Ghostbusters. He received multiple Academy Award nominations and won an Oscar for his score to Thoroughly Modern Millie. Known for his versatility, he worked across genres from westerns to comedies and dramas. His influence continues to resonate in film music, inspiring composers worldwide. Bernstein died in 2004, leaving behind a vast musical legacy.

Harrison Begay (1917–2012) was a Navajo painter celebrated for his luminous watercolors depicting landscapes and traditional Indigenous life. He studied art under the Works Progress Administration and later served in World War II as a code talker before returning to his artistic pursuits. Begay became a leading figure in the 'Studio Style' of Native American painting, emphasizing flat composition and vibrant color. Over his lifetime, he produced thousands of images that captured the beauty and resilience of Navajo culture. His work was widely reproduced as prints, gaining popularity in homes and museums across America. Begay's artistic legacy helped elevate Native American art in the broader art world.

Scott McKenzie (1939–2012) was an American singer-songwriter best known for his 1967 counterculture anthem 'San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)'. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he began his career performing with the folk duo McGuinn & Hillman before embarking on a solo path. His song became a defining soundtrack of the Summer of Love and remains an emblem of 1960s peace and unity. McKenzie collaborated with notable musicians of the era and continued to write and record music throughout his life. He also worked as a backing vocalist and guitarist for various artists, showcasing his musical versatility. McKenzie's gentle voice and optimistic lyrics left an enduring mark on popular music.

Roger Smalley was a distinguished composer, pianist, and conductor known for his contributions to contemporary classical music. Born in 1943 in England, he later moved to Australia, where he became a leading figure in the country's musical scene. Smalley composed orchestral, chamber, and solo works characterized by rich textures and inventive structures. He performed internationally as a pianist and collaborated with major ensembles. As a conductor, he championed new music, premiering works by emerging composers. Smalley received the Don Banks Music Award and left a lasting influence through his recordings and mentorship. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 71.