October 16

Born in Cortona around 1445, Signorelli became renowned for his groundbreaking fresco cycle in the Orvieto Cathedral’s San Brizio Chapel. His dynamic compositions, bold foreshortening, and expressive figures influenced contemporaries and later artists like Michelangelo. He traveled across central Italy, leaving works in Florence, Rome, and Tuscany. Signorelli’s deep study of human anatomy brought unprecedented realism to his figures. Today, his work is celebrated for its emotional power and technical mastery.

Born in Kronach in 1472, Cranach led a prolific workshop in Wittenberg for over six decades. As court painter to the Electors of Saxony, he produced portraits of Martin Luther and key Reformation figures. His mastery of woodcut and engraving helped disseminate Protestant ideas across Europe. He excelled in mythological and religious scenes, blending Northern detail with Italian influences. His finely detailed nudes and allegorical works remain celebrated for their elegance and technical skill. Cranach’s workshop continued his legacy, making his house one of the most important artistic centers of the time.

Born in Deventer in 1562, Sweelinck served as organist of Amsterdam’s Oude Kerk for over four decades. He was renowned for his improvisational skill and complex keyboard compositions blending Renaissance polyphony with innovative forms. Sweelinck taught students from across Europe, shaping the next generation of Baroque organists. His oeuvre includes toccatas, fantasias, and variation sets that remained influential for centuries. Often called the ‘maker of organists,’ his techniques bridged the gap between Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Born in Haarlem in 1621, Isaac van Ostade trained under his brother Adriaen before developing his own style. He created lively interior scenes of taverns and rural life, capturing everyday activities with warmth. Later in his career, he turned to winter landscapes, depicting snow-covered villages with nuanced light. His rich color palette and detailed brushwork made him a notable figure in the Dutch realist tradition. Though his career was brief, his works influenced subsequent generations of genre painters.

Born in 1687 in Grottkau, Weiss studied violin and lute before becoming court musician in Dresden. He composed over 100 lute sonatas and suites that showcased his virtuosity and inventive style. Weiss traveled to Italy, meeting Arcangelo Corelli and absorbing Italian musical influences. His works blended German counterpoint with Italian elegance, making him one of the most celebrated lutenists of his time. He died in 1750, leaving a rich legacy that would influence later generations of guitar and lute players.

Born in Sellers, Louisiana, Minor Hall emerged as a leading drummer in the early New Orleans jazz scene. He performed with Jelly Roll Morton and Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band, helping to shape the Dixieland style. As the younger brother of jazz drummer Tubby Hall, he shared stages in Chicago and New York, earning praise for his crisp cymbal accents and steady tempos. Hall recorded extensively throughout the 1920s and 1930s, leaving behind influential recordings that inspired future jazz percussionists. In his later years, he continued to perform with various ensembles, demonstrating the rhythmic vitality that marked his career. He died in Los Angeles in 1959, leaving a legacy as one of jazz’s pioneering drummers.

Born in Chicago in 1909, Gene Krupa became one of the first drummers to achieve fame as a bandleader. His work with Benny Goodman’s orchestra in the 1930s brought him national recognition. Krupa’s electrifying solos and showmanship transformed the role of drums in jazz. He formed his own big band that produced hits like 'Sing, Sing, Sing.' He appeared in films and influenced countless drummers with his innovative technique. Krupa’s legacy endures through drumming techniques still taught and celebrated today.

Born in Rome in 1885, Vittorio Gui trained as a composer before turning to conducting. He founded the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia and led it for many years. Gui was renowned for his interpretations of Mozart and Verdi operas. He also composed chamber works and ballet scores that reflected a refined musical language. As a conductor, he premiered works by modern composers and contributed to the revival of Baroque opera. Gui’s recordings remain reference points for their clarity, elegance, and attention to style.

Born in Florence in 1915, Mario Del Monaco rose to fame in the postwar era with performances at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. His robust, heroic tenor voice was ideally suited for Verdi and Puccini roles such as Otello and Radames. Del Monaco’s intense dramatic interpretations and thrilling vocal power made him a favorite of audiences and critics alike. He recorded extensively, leaving behind definitive versions of the Italian repertoire. Beyond opera, he taught masterclasses and mentored young singers. Del Monaco’s artistry influenced generations of tenors and secured his place among the 20th century’s great singers.

Born in Split in 1895, Jakov Gotovac studied composition and piano before embarking on a career in music. He served as music director of the Croatian National Theatre and conducted major orchestras throughout Europe. Gotovac’s compositions, including the popular opera 'Ero s onoga svijeta,' blend folk elements with classical forms. His vibrant orchestral suites and choral works are prized for their melodic richness and rhythmic vitality. Gotovac championed Croatian musical identity and inspired future generations of composers. His legacy endures in concert halls and music schools across the Balkans.

Arthur Grumiaux was born in Villers-Perwin in 1921 and became one of the 20th century’s foremost violinists. He won international competitions as a teenager and embarked on a distinguished performing career. Grumiaux’s elegant tone and impeccable technique earned him acclaim in solo recitals and chamber music collaborations. He also performed and recorded extensively as a pianist, demonstrating his versatility as a musician. A passionate teacher, Grumiaux influenced generations of string players through masterclasses and pedagogy. His recordings of Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven remain celebrated benchmarks of musical artistry.

Born in 1919 in Pittsburgh, Art Blakey began his career performing bebop alongside icons like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In 1954, he formed the Jazz Messengers, a group that became a proving ground for future jazz legends such as Wayne Shorter and Lee Morgan. Blakey's powerful drumming style and dynamic leadership made him a central figure in modern jazz. Over his five-decade career, he recorded dozens of albums and toured internationally. His commitment to mentorship and rhythmic innovation left an indelible mark on jazz history.