October 22

Louis Spohr was born in 1784 in Braunschweig, Germany. A child prodigy on the violin, he later served as concertmaster in Gotha and Vienna. Spohr composed symphonies, operas, concertos, and chamber works, showcasing his versatile talent. He pioneered the use of the conductor's baton to lead orchestras more effectively. His compositions and performance innovations influenced the development of Romantic music in Europe. In addition to his artistic achievements, Spohr authored instructional treatises on violin technique that remained influential for generations.

Paul Cézanne was born in 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, France, and initially studied law before fully committing to painting. He developed a unique style that emphasized geometric forms, color modulation, and structured brushstrokes. His works, including 'The Bathers' and 'Mont Sainte-Victoire', challenged traditional perspectives and influenced Cubism. During his lifetime, Cézanne exhibited with the Impressionists but often worked in relative isolation. Critics initially misunderstood his art, but he eventually gained recognition as a visionary. His persistence and experimentation bridged the gap between 19th-century Impressionism and early 20th-century avant-garde movements. He died in 1906, leaving a profound legacy that reshaped the course of Western art.

Born in Catalonia, Pablo Casals emerged as a cello prodigy, later achieving international fame for his expressive performances. His landmark recordings of the Bach Cello Suites brought renewed attention to these works. Casals was also a devoted conductor, founder of the Prades Festival, and an outspoken advocate for human rights, refusing to perform in protest of oppressive regimes. His influence shaped cello playing and classical music throughout the 20th century.

Born in Paris into a musical family, Nadia Boulanger excelled at the Conservatoire de Paris before pursuing composition and conducting. She taught at the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau and influenced composers such as Aaron Copland, Elliott Carter, and Philip Glass. Boulanger championed early music and new works, conducting at the BBC and festivals worldwide. Her pedagogical genius and musical insights left a lasting imprint on modern classical music.

Born in Suceava, Viorica Ursuleac studied in Vienna and debuted at the Berlin State Opera. She became a leading interpreter of Wagner roles such as Brünnhilde and Isolde, performing at Bayreuth under conductors like Bruno Walter. After World War II, Ursuleac taught at the Vienna Music Academy, shaping new talents. Her dramatic intensity and vocal strength earned her international acclaim.

Born in New York City, Jane Dornacker fronted bands such as Leila & the Snakes and contributed vocals for The Tubes. Moving to San Francisco, she became a beloved traffic reporter on KGO radio, injecting humor and energy into her broadcasts. Tragically, she died in a helicopter crash while reporting live, leaving a memorable legacy in radio and music.

Born in Narvik, Thorgeir Stubø became a central figure in Norwegian jazz from the 1960s onward. His albums fused bebop, hard bop, and Scandinavian folk influences, earning critical praise. Stubø collaborated with notable musicians like Jan Garbarek and Arild Andersen, led his own quintet, and received Norway's prestigious Buddy Award. His teaching and recordings inspired generations of jazz artists.

Born in 1915 as James Miller, MacColl began his career in theatre before turning to folk music in the 1950s. He became a leading figure in the folk revival, recording traditional ballads and writing original songs such as 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Dirty Old Town'. As a political activist and member of the Communist Party, he infused his work with social commentary. He co-founded the Ballad and Blues Club and later the Radio Ballads with Peggy Seeger, whom he married. MacColl's contributions extended to radio, television, and stage, where he worked as a producer and playwright. He passed away in 1989, leaving a lasting influence on folk music and cultural broadcasting.

Born Masao Sakamoto in 1924, he adopted the stage name Hachiro Kasuga and rose to fame in the early 1950s. His powerful voice and emotive delivery on hit recordings brought the enka genre to mainstream audiences. He also appeared in films and on television, showcasing his talents beyond music. A trailblazer of post-war Japanese popular song, Kasuga influenced many later performers. He released numerous albums and toured across Japan, solidifying his status as an icon. Kasuga died in 1991, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.

Leonid Amalrik was a key figure in Soviet animation from the 1930s through the 1960s. Working at the Soyuzmultfilm studio, he directed and wrote screenplays for beloved animated shorts that combined humor with technical artistry. His works, including adaptations of Russian folk tales and satirical sketches, showcased inventive hand-drawn techniques and compelling storytelling. Amalrik collaborated with leading animators of his time, helping to establish animation as an important art form in the USSR. His films influenced generations of Russian animators and remain celebrated for their creativity and cultural insight.

Armand Fernandez, known simply as Arman, was a pioneer of the Nouveau Réalisme movement and is best known for his 'accumulation' works created by assembling common items. Born in France in 1928, he moved to the United States and developed performances that involved destroying objects to transform them into art. His iconic pieces, such as piles of violins or deconstructed furniture, challenged traditional notions of creation and consumption. Exhibited worldwide, Arman's art explored themes of mass production, waste, and the relationship between art and life. He received numerous honors and left a lasting influence on contemporary sculpture and installation art.

Ève Curie (1904-2007) was a French pianist, journalist, and author who bridged the worlds of science and the arts. Born to pioneering physicists Marie and Pierre Curie, she pursued music at the Paris Conservatoire and performed across Europe. During World War II, she worked as a war correspondent for Time magazine, covering Allied operations and authoring frontline reports. Her biography "Madame Curie" (1937) became a bestseller and was adapted into a feature film. She later wrote "Journey Among Warriors," documenting her travels through wartime Asia. Curie received the U.S. Medal of Freedom for her journalistic contributions. She also served with UNESCO and UNICEF, continuing her family's legacy of public service.