October 07

Born around 1500 in Seville, Cristóbal de Morales became one of the foremost composers of the Spanish Renaissance. He served in the papal choir of Rome, composing polyphonic masses, motets, and hymns. His works were admired for their expressive harmonies and intricate counterpoint. Printed collections of his music circulated widely across Europe, influencing contemporaries and successors. His compositions remain central to the repertoire of Renaissance sacred music.

Born in Venice in 1681 into an artistic family. Giulia Lama studied under Giuseppe Angeli and mastered dramatic chiaroscuro techniques. She created religious altarpieces and mythological canvases characterized by emotional intensity. Lama exhibited her works in Venice and earned acclaim for her bold, expressive style. Her career highlights the contributions of women artists during the Baroque period.

Born Alfredo Arnold Cocozza in 1921 in Philadelphia, Lanza displayed musical talent from a young age. He won a singing contest in 1944, earning a contract with the Metropolitan Opera that he could not fulfill due to health issues. Transitioning to film, he debuted in "That Midnight Kiss" (1949) and gained fame in "The Great Caruso" (1951). His recordings sold millions worldwide, making opera accessible to a mass audience. Despite personal struggles with health and studio conflicts, his charisma and vocal prowess left a lasting impact. Lanza died in 1959, but his legacy endures through recordings and inspired performers.

Born in Istanbul in 1890, Asikis moved to Athens where he became a central figure in the burgeoning rebetiko scene. He composed and performed songs that blended traditional Greek melodies with contemporary urban themes. His collaborations with prominent musicians of the 1930s produced recordings that remain classics today. Asikis’s lyrical style was noted for its poetic depth and emotional resonance, often reflecting the hardships and hopes of everyday life. He recorded extensively and performed in popular tavernas, helping to popularize the genre across Greece. Asikis died in 1966, leaving a rich musical legacy that influenced future generations of Greek artists.

Born in Istanbul in 1904 into a musically inclined family, Rey studied piano and composition in Turkey and abroad. A member of the 'Turkish Five,' he blended Western classical traditions with Turkish folk motifs in his compositions. His major works include symphonies, concertos, operettas, and ballet music that showcased national identity. He served as chief conductor of the Ankara State Opera and Ballet and taught at the Ankara Conservatory. Rey also penned essays and articles promoting music education and cultural development in Turkey. He remained active as a performer and composer until his death in 1985, leaving a rich musical legacy.

Born in Wisconsin in 1890, Natwick graduated from the Chicago Art Institute and began his animation career in the 1920s. While at Fleischer Studios, he designed and animated the iconic Betty Boop character, defining his playful style. In the 1930s, he joined Walt Disney Studios and worked as a lead animator on 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.' Over his seven-decade career, Natwick collaborated with major studios including Walter Lantz and UPA. He mentored generations of animators, sharing his expertise in character movement and design. Natwick's innovative work helped lay the foundation for modern animation before his death in 1990.

Herbert L. Block, known as Herblock, was a towering figure in American journalism whose cartoons graced The Washington Post for over seven decades. Born in 1909, he was famous for coining the term 'McCarthyism' to critique Senator Joseph McCarthy’s tactics. Herblock won three Pulitzer Prizes for his incisive commentary on civil rights, political corruption, and social issues. He published numerous collections of his work, influencing public opinion and championing freedom of the press. His art blended humor with powerful critique, making complex issues accessible to readers. He passed away in 2001, leaving a lasting legacy as one of America’s greatest cartoonists.

Pierangelo Bertoli was an Italian singer-songwriter and guitarist born in 1942. He emerged in the 1970s with songs that combined melodic folk and rock influences with pointed social and political themes. Bertoli's honest lyrics and distinctive voice resonated with audiences across Italy, earning him a reputation as a voice of conscience. He collaborated with many notable Italian artists and released a string of successful albums over three decades. Bertoli's work continues to inspire musicians and listeners who appreciate his blend of artistry and activism.

Arthur Berger was an American composer and educator born in 1912. He studied under Roger Sessions and made notable contributions to mid-20th century modernist music, often blending neoclassical elements with contemporary techniques. As a founding member of the Brandeis University music faculty, Berger influenced generations of composers through his teaching and writings on musical theory. His compositions ranged from chamber pieces to orchestral works, characterized by clarity of form and harmonic innovation. Berger remained active in composition and scholarship until his death in 2003, leaving a lasting mark on American classical music.

Miki Matsubara was a Japanese composer, lyricist, and singer born in 1959. She burst onto the music scene with her debut single 'Mayonaka no Door (Stay With Me)' in 1979, which became an enduring city pop classic. Matsubara's work combined elements of pop, jazz, and R&B, showcasing her sultry vocals and sophisticated songwriting. Throughout her career, she released multiple albums and collaborated with prominent artists, contributing to television and film soundtracks. Her influence on J-pop and city pop has been rediscovered by new generations of listeners since her untimely death in 2004.

Irving Penn was an American photographer born in 1917, celebrated for his minimalist style and refined compositions. He began his career at Vogue magazine in the 1940s, producing iconic fashion imagery that redefined the genre. Penn's work extended to studio portraiture, where he captured luminaries such as Picasso, Coco Chanel, and Charlie Chaplin. He also created renowned still-life photographs and series on social typologies and world cultures. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Penn held numerous exhibitions and published influential monographs. He died on October 7, 2009, leaving a lasting impact on the art of photography.

T Lavitz was an American keyboard player, composer, and producer born in 1956. He gained prominence as the keyboardist for the instrumental band The Dixie Dregs, contributing to groundbreaking albums in the 1970s and 1980s. Lavitz collaborated with artists such as Jazz Is Dead, Jefferson Starship, and Widespread Panic, showcasing his versatile style. He released solo projects that blended jazz, rock, and classical influences, demonstrating his compositional skill. A respected educator, Lavitz conducted masterclasses and workshops for aspiring musicians. He passed away on October 7, 2010, leaving behind a rich catalog of innovative keyboard work.