October 22

Franz Liszt was born in the Kingdom of Hungary and displayed prodigious musical talent as a child. He rose to fame across Europe for his dazzling piano performances and unprecedented technical command of the instrument. Liszt composed a vast repertoire including Hungarian Rhapsodies, piano études, and symphonic poems that expanded musical form and expression. He pioneered the solo recital and influenced generations of composers such as Wagner and Chopin. Later in life, he took holy orders as an abbé and focused on teaching and his religious compositions. His legacy endures in the virtuosic traditions and expressive depth of Romantic music.

August Labitzky was born into a musical family and carried on his father’s legacy as a composer and conductor in Vienna and Prague. He specialized in composing polkas, waltzes, and other dance pieces that captured the spirit of 19th-century Bohemian and Viennese salons. Labitzky’s works, including his celebrated 'Deux Polkas brillantes,' remain examples of the period’s popular light music. As a conductor, he led orchestras in private salons and public concerts, promoting regional musical styles. His compositions continue to be performed by chamber ensembles and maintain a place in the Romantic repertoire.

Borghild Holmsen was born in 1865 in Norway and became a celebrated pianist known for her expressive performances. She composed piano works and songs that reflected Romantic traditions and Norwegian folk influences. As one of the first female music critics in Norway, Holmsen wrote reviews and essays championing contemporary composers and musicians. She taught piano and theory, shaping a generation of Norwegian artists through her pedagogy. Holmsen’s writings appeared in leading music journals of her time, where she advocated for artistic innovation. She continued performing and composing until her death in 1938. Holmsen’s legacy endures through her contributions to Norwegian music and criticism.

Kristjan Raud was born in 1865 in Estonia and became a pioneering figure in Estonian art. He co-founded the Estonian National Museum and dedicated his career to capturing folk traditions and national history through painting and illustration. Raud traveled extensively to collect folklore motifs, which he incorporated into his artwork to inspire a sense of cultural pride. His distinctive style combined realism with symbolic elements, influencing generations of Estonian artists. Beyond his art, he lectured on art history and folklore, contributing to the country’s cultural education. Raud’s work played a key role in the Estonian national awakening of the early 20th century. He died in 1943, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.

Edmund Dulac was born in Toulouse, France, in 1882 and moved to London in 1904, where he became a leading figure in book illustration. His work appeared in deluxe editions of classics like The Arabian Nights, Shakespeare’s songs, and poems by Longfellow, characterized by delicate watercolor techniques and exotic motifs. Dulac also illustrated magazines and designed theater costumes, showcasing his versatility. During World War I, he served as a war artist, documenting the conflict’s human impact. After the war, he taught at art schools and exhibited widely. Dulac’s elegant style influenced generations of illustrators. He died in 1953, leaving a legacy of visual poetry.

Newell Convers Wyeth was born in Needham, Massachusetts, in 1882 and studied under renowned illustrator Howard Pyle. He gained fame for his dramatic illustrations in works such as Treasure Island, Robin Hood, and The Yearling, combining strong composition with vibrant color. Wyeth’s commercial art for magazines and advertisements shaped early twentieth-century American visual culture. He founded an art school in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, mentoring students who would become prominent artists. As the patriarch of the Wyeth family, he fathered three acclaimed artists: Andrew, Jamie, and Henriette. Tragically, he died in a train accident in 1945, but his influence endures in illustration and fine art.

Giovanni Martinelli was born in Montagnana, Italy, in 1885 and trained at the Milan Conservatory. He debuted at La Scala in 1908 and quickly became celebrated for his lyric-dramatic tenor voice. In 1924, he joined the Metropolitan Opera in New York, starring in roles such as Don José, Radamès, and Cavaradossi with great acclaim. Martinelli’s rich tone and dramatic intensity endeared him to audiences worldwide. He made numerous recordings and radio broadcasts, helping bring opera to a broader public. After retiring from the stage, he taught voice and mentored young singers. He died in 1969, remembered as one of the great tenors of his era.

Mei Lanfang was one of the most celebrated Peking opera artists of the 20th century. Born in Beijing, he mastered the art of dan (female) roles, captivating audiences with his elegant movements and refined vocal technique. He toured internationally in the 1930s, introducing traditional Chinese opera to Western audiences and influencing global theater practices. Mei integrated select Western dramatic elements into his performances, innovating costume design and staging. During turbulent times, he used his art to preserve Chinese cultural heritage and inspire national pride. His teachings gave rise to the Mei School of Peking Opera, which continues to train performers worldwide. Mei Lanfang remains a lasting icon of Chinese performing arts.

José Leitão de Barros was a pioneering Portuguese film director and playwright known for merging theatrical storytelling with cinematic innovation. He directed 'A Severa' (1931), the first Portuguese feature-length sound film, setting a milestone in the nation's film history. His works often explored Portuguese folklore, history, and cultural identity through expressive visuals and narratives. As a playwright, he challenged conventional theater forms, contributing thought-provoking scripts to the stage. Leitão de Barros mentored emerging filmmakers and advocated for a distinct national cinema. His legacy endures in Portugal's cultural heritage and continues to inspire filmmakers today.

Marjorie Flack was a prolific American children's author and illustrator whose gentle stories and watercolor artwork charmed generations of readers. Her 1933 book 'The Story about Ping' introduced audiences to a lovable duck's adventure along the Yangtze River. Collaborating with illustrators and designers, she created vivid characters and engaging narratives that stood the test of time. Flack wrote and illustrated more than twenty books, earning critical acclaim for her storytelling and artistry. Her illustrations combined simplicity with expressive detail, captivating young imaginations. Decades after her death, her works remain in print and continue to influence children's literature and illustration.

Salvador Salazar Arrué, known by his pseudonym Salarrué, was a pioneering Salvadoran writer and painter who captured the essence of Central American culture. His short story collections, such as 'Cuentos de barro,' blended folklore and lyrical prose to depict peasant life and indigenous traditions. As a painter, he produced vibrant watercolors that reflected the landscapes and people of his homeland. Salarrué also worked as a journalist and co-founded cultural magazines that promoted Salvadoran arts. His mentorship of young writers and artists helped foster a national literary movement. His interdisciplinary legacy continues to influence literature and visual arts across Latin America.

Constance Bennett was one of the highest-paid and most glamorous actresses of the 1930s, starring in films like Topper and Merrily We Live. She began her career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood, where her charm and sophistication made her a leading lady. Bennett expanded her talents to singing and took on producing roles, becoming one of the first female producers in Hollywood. Her elegant screen presence and fashion sense influenced style trends during the Golden Age of cinema. Despite personal and financial challenges later in life, she remained an enduring figure in entertainment. Her contributions paved the way for women taking creative control in the film industry.