September 26

Sébastien Leclerc was born in Rouen in 1637 and later moved to Paris, where he honed his skills under the royal patronage of Louis XIV. He became renowned for his precise engravings and paintings depicting religious, historical, and mythological scenes. Appointed Engraver to the King, Leclerc produced works for official publications and court decorations. His treatises on perspective and geometry influenced both artists and architects, blending artistic finesse with scientific rigor. He joined the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, contributing to its rise as a leading artistic institution. Leclerc's works were widely circulated across Europe, cementing his reputation as a master of Baroque art.

Wenzel Müller (1767–1835) was a prolific Austrian composer and conductor whose works dominated the Viennese stage. He composed over 200 operas, Singspiele, and incidental pieces for theater productions. As Kapellmeister at the Kärntnertortheater, Müller introduced innovative orchestration and melodic styles that influenced contemporaries. His collaborations with playwrights brought dramatic storytelling and musical flair to German-language opera. Revered for his energetic compositions and leadership, he remained a central figure in Vienna’s musical life during the transition from Classical to Romantic eras.

Théodore Géricault (1791–1824) was a pioneering French painter and lithographer whose dramatic style helped usher in Romanticism. His masterpiece, The Raft of the Medusa, captured the tragedy of shipwreck survivors with vivid emotion and realism. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts, Géricault traveled to Britain to study equestrian portraiture and anatomy. He produced dynamic portraits of soldiers, horses, and circus performers, exploring movement and light. Though his life was cut short by illness, Géricault’s bold brushwork and intense subjects left a lasting impact on the art world.

Anna Paaske (1856–1935) was a distinguished Norwegian soprano and music educator. Trained at the Conservatory in Oslo, she gained acclaim for her lyrical soprano voice and stage presence. Paaske performed leading roles at major Scandinavian opera houses, including the Royal Swedish Opera. After retiring from the stage, she devoted herself to teaching and mentored numerous young singers. Her contributions helped shape the development of opera performance and vocal training in Norway and Sweden.

Soghomon Gevorki Soghomonyan, known as Komitas (1869–1935), was an Armenian priest, composer, and ethnomusicologist. He collected and transcribed thousands of Armenian folk songs, safeguarding the nation's musical heritage. Komitas integrated folk themes into his original compositions, creating a unique blend of tradition and innovation. He studied music in Berlin and Paris, bringing European techniques to Armenian sacred and secular music. After surviving the Armenian Genocide but suffering mental trauma, he spent his later years in psychiatric care in France. Komitas is revered as a founding figure of Armenian national music and a symbol of cultural resilience.

Lewis Hine was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 1874 and became a pioneering documentary photographer. He served as a sociology teacher and used photography to document immigrant workers and child laborers. In 1908, he was hired by the National Child Labor Committee to capture stark images of children in factories, mines, and mills. His evocative photographs raised public awareness and influenced the passage of labor laws in the United States. Hine’s compassionate approach combined art and activism, making him a leading figure in social documentary photography. His work is now regarded as a cornerstone of photojournalism and social advocacy.

Alfred Cortot was born in 1877 in Nyon, Switzerland, and studied at the Paris Conservatoire. He gained fame for his expressive and nuanced performances of Chopin, Schumann, and Debussy. In 1901, he co-founded the Société des Concerts du Conservatoire, where he served as a conductor and pianist. Cortot also taught at the École Normale de Musique in Paris, mentoring generations of pianists. His recordings, though sometimes criticized for technical imperfections, are valued for their emotional depth and artistic insight. During World War II, he remained in occupied Paris, a decision that later drew controversy. He died in 1962, leaving a lasting influence on piano interpretation and pedagogy.

Gordon Brewster was born on 26 September 1889 in Ireland. He gained attention for his sharp wit and expressive cartooning style. Brewster’s illustrations appeared regularly in newspapers and magazines of his era. His work often provided humorous commentary on social and political issues. Though many original pieces have been lost, his cartoons influenced later Irish artists. He passed away in 1946, remembered for his contribution to visual satire.

Charles Münch was one of the 20th century's most influential conductors, celebrated for his expressive interpretations. Born in 1891 in Strasbourg, he began his career as a violinist before turning to conducting. He served as music director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1949 to 1962. Münch championed composers such as Debussy, Ravel, and Franck, introducing audiences to French repertoire. A passionate educator, he mentored generations of musicians and guest-conducted leading orchestras worldwide. His extensive discography remains a benchmark for orchestral performance.

Born in 1898 in Brooklyn, George Gershwin became one of America's most celebrated composers. He pioneered the integration of jazz elements into classical forms, creating a unique American sound. Gershwin's landmark works include Rhapsody in Blue, An American in Paris, and the opera Porgy and Bess. He also wrote popular songs such as "I Got Rhythm" and "Someone to Watch Over Me". Gershwin's musical innovations influenced generations of composers and musicians worldwide. Tragically, he died at age 38, leaving a legacy of timeless masterpieces.

Born in 1900 in Saint-Claude, France, Suzanne Belperron became a leading jewelry designer of the 20th century. She worked for renowned houses such as Boucheron before establishing her own studio. Belperron's bold, sculptural designs broke conventions, blending gemstones and precious metals in organic forms. She famously never signed her pieces, instead building a reputation with the motto "My style is my signature." Her work has been rediscovered and celebrated in exhibitions and auctions worldwide. Belperron's innovative aesthetic continues to inspire modern jewelry designers.

George 'Ted' Weems led a successful dance band for over three decades. He scored national hits like 'Heartaches' and 'See You Later, Alligator'. His musical arrangements blended jazz, swing, and novelty tunes. He helped launch the career of singer Perry Como. Weems was also known for his charismatic stage presence. His orchestra remained popular through radio broadcasts and recordings.