September 08

Born in 1566 in Venosa, Gesualdo inherited the title Prince of Venosa and devoted himself to music. He composed intensely expressive madrigals that were ahead of their time, using daring chromaticism. In 1590, he discovered his wife’s affair and murdered her and her lover, a crime that shocked Europe. Despite personal turmoil, Gesualdo continued to compose, leaving a body of work admired for its emotional intensity. His unconventional harmonies puzzled contemporaries but influenced later composers. Today, Gesualdo remains one of the most enigmatic figures of the late Renaissance.

Born in 1686 into a family of sculptors, Brokoff trained under his father Jan Brokoff in Prague. He specialized in dynamic Baroque sculpture, producing altar pieces and public statues noted for expressive drapery. His saints on the Charles Bridge in Prague exemplify emotional intensity and masterful craftsmanship. Brokoff collaborated with leading architects to shape Bohemian Baroque architectural ensembles. He also created monuments celebrating local nobility and civic identity. Though his career was cut short by his death in 1721, his works remain highlights of Czech Baroque art.

Friedrich Baumfelder was a German pianist, composer, and conductor active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1836, he studied under prominent teachers and became known for his salon-style piano compositions and choral works. He composed numerous character pieces, waltzes, and vocal parts that were widely performed in his lifetime. Baumfelder also served as a conductor and music educator, influencing a generation of emerging musicians. Though many of his works have faded from the modern repertoire, a selection of his piano pieces continues to be performed today, reflecting the elegance of German Romanticism.

Born in Amsterdam in 1881, Jan van Gilse studied at the Leipzig Conservatory and Munich Academy before returning to the Netherlands. He became a prominent conductor and led ensembles such as the Utrecht Municipal Orchestra and the Concertgebouw Orchestra. Van Gilse composed two symphonies, numerous chamber works, choral pieces, and the opera 'Thijl'. He was a co-founder of the Association of Dutch Composers in 1918 and a passionate advocate for contemporary Dutch music. His style balances Romantic influences with modern harmonies and expressive orchestration. During World War II, he resisted the Nazi occupation and continued to support fellow Dutch musicians. His dedication to composition, conducting, and education left a lasting impact on the development of 20th-century Dutch music.

Born in Munich in 1864, Richard Strauss became one of the leading composers of the late Romantic and early modern eras. He composed celebrated tone poems such as 'Also sprach Zarathustra' and 'Ein Heldenleben' and groundbreaking operas including 'Salome' and 'Elektra'. His rich orchestration and innovative harmonies pushed the boundaries of tonality and influenced generations of composers. In the 1920s and 1930s, Strauss took on leadership roles, serving as director of the Berlin State Opera and president of the Reich Chamber of Music. His administrative work aimed to protect artistic freedom, though it was complicated by the political climate of Nazi Germany. Despite controversies, he remained dedicated to musical excellence until his death in 1949 at age 85. Strauss's legacy endures through his enduring masterworks and contributions to orchestral technique.

Born in Chatou near Paris in 1880, André Derain studied under Albert Maignan and began exhibiting at the Salon d'Automne. Together with Henri Matisse, he propelled the Fauvist movement with his bold use of color and painterly freedom. Derain's works from this period, such as 'Charing Cross Bridge' and 'London Bridge', showcase vivid palettes and dynamic brushwork. Around 1908, he turned to classical composition and later explored sculpture and stage design. His style evolved through Cubism and Expressionism, reflecting his restless creativity. Derain influenced modern art and mentored younger artists, leaving a lasting imprint on 20th-century painting. He died in 1954, remembered as a versatile and innovative force in European art.

Born in Annemasse, France in 1914, Wolfgang Windgassen became one of the foremost interpreters of Wagner's works. He debuted at the Bayreuth Festival in 1943 and starred in leading roles such as Siegfried and Tristan. His stamina, dramatic intensity, and musicality won him international acclaim. He recorded the complete Ring Cycle under conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler. He was honored with the title of Kammersänger by the Bavarian State Opera. Windgassen passed away in 1974, leaving a legacy as one of the 20th century's great heldentenors.

Born in 1905 in Thurleston, Denys Watkins-Pitchford wrote and illustrated over thirty books for young readers. Publishing under the pen name 'BB', he gained acclaim for The Little Grey Men, a classic tale of gnomes in the English countryside. His evocative watercolor illustrations and lyrical prose captured the beauty of nature. Watkins-Pitchford won the inaugural Carnegie Medal in 1936 for his contributions to children's literature. Beyond writing, he was an avid naturalist and angler, advocating for conservation of wildlife. He died in 1990, remembered as a cherished figure in British children's books.

Alex North was a pioneering American composer and conductor whose career spanned over five decades. He is best known for composing the scores to landmark films such as A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), Spartacus (1960), and Cleopatra (1963). North introduced jazz elements into orchestral film music, helping to shape the sound of modern cinema. He was nominated for five Academy Awards and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute. North's music is celebrated for its emotional depth and innovative orchestration. He influenced generations of film composers and left a lasting legacy on movie soundtracks.

Born Louis Thomas Hardin, Moondog was a blind musician whose unconventional attire and unique compositions earned him the nickname 'The Viking of 6th Avenue' in New York City. He blended elements of jazz, classical, and Native American rhythms to create hypnotic minimalistic music. Moondog performed on street corners, captivating passersby with his homemade percussion instruments and chant-like vocals. He recorded over a dozen albums, influencing composers such as Philip Glass and Steve Reich. Moondog's poetry often explored themes of nature and spirituality, complementing his musical innovation. Later in life, he lived in Germany, where he continued to compose and publish his work until his death. Today, Moondog's legacy endures as a pioneer of minimalist and experimental music.

Frank Thomas was a legendary American animator and one of Walt Disney Animation Studios' famed 'Nine Old Men.' He contributed to the creation of iconic characters such as Snow White, Cinderella, and The Jungle Book. Thomas was renowned for his skill in drawing expressive characters and timing comedic sequences, elevating animation to a sophisticated art form. Beyond animation, he lent his voice to various Disney projects and co-authored the influential book Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life. His work earned him multiple awards and inspired animators worldwide. Thomas later documented his experiences and insights, preserving the history of Disney's creative golden age. His teachings continue to guide new generations of animators in understanding the principles of movement and emotion.

Bill Moggridge studied design at Manchester and brought a human-centered approach to technology and product development. In 1991, he co-founded IDEO, transforming the field of industrial and interaction design with multidisciplinary teams. He authored the influential book 'Designing Interactions', documenting the evolution of user-focused design practices. Moggridge taught at institutions like the California College of the Arts and served on various design boards. His work bridged creativity, business strategy, and education, shaping the modern design industry until his death in 2012.