October 24

Jocelin of Soissons was a French theologian and philosopher active in the 12th century. He contributed to scholastic debates on faith and reason within the medieval church. Jocelin also composed liturgical music, blending philosophical thought with devotional practice. His writings explored divine mysteries and the role of human intellect in theology. He is remembered for his interdisciplinary approach that bridged philosophy, theology, and music.

Jean Titelouze served as the principal organist at Rouen Cathedral in the early 17th century. He published 'Hymnes de l'Église,' the first known collection of organ music for liturgical use. His compositions combined intricate counterpoint with devotional texts he often penned himself. Titelouze's work established the foundations of the French classical organ school. He influenced generations of composers and elevated the role of the organ in worship.

Born in 1611, John Webb trained under and later married into the family of Inigo Jones, the father of English Palladianism. He completed and refined Jones's designs, including the Queen's House at Greenwich and Wilton House. Webb introduced innovations in urban planning and garden design during his tenure as Surveyor of the King's Works. His published lectures and plans helped codify architectural principles based on classical antiquity. Webb's work bridged the Jacobean and Restoration styles, influencing generations of British architects. He remained active until his death in 1672, leaving a legacy of elegant symmetry and proportion.

Born in 1660 in Palermo, Alessandro Scarlatti became a central figure of the Neapolitan school of opera. He composed over 600 works, including operas, oratorios, chamber cantatas, and sacred music. Scarlatti pioneered the da capo aria form, establishing a framework that dominated Baroque vocal music. He served at the courts of Naples and Rome, influencing pupils such as his son Domenico Scarlatti. His instrumental compositions, including sinfonias and concerti grossi, demonstrated mastery of orchestration. As a teacher and theoretician, he codified compositional techniques that shaped the next generation of composers. Scarlatti’s enduring innovation solidified his reputation as a key architect of the Italian Baroque.

Born in Vienna in 1739, Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf initially took holy orders before dedicating himself to music. Serving as Kapellmeister to the Prince-Bishop of Breslau, he produced numerous symphonies, sinfonias concertantes, and violin concertos. He was counted among the 'Four Viennese composers' alongside Haydn, Mozart, and Vanhal. Dittersdorf's orchestration displayed inventive use of wind and string textures, influencing the developing symphonic form. He also authored operas and chamber works, blending lyricism with structural clarity. His published diary provides insights into musical life across European courts. He died in 1799, leaving a rich catalog that bridged Baroque exuberance and Classical restraint.

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes was born in Lyon in 1824. He studied law before turning to art and training at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He became famous for his large-scale public murals, often featuring allegorical and pastoral themes. His simplified forms and muted colors created a serene atmosphere that contrasted with the dramatic styles of his time. Puvis de Chavannes received numerous public commissions, including works at the Panthéon and the Sorbonne. His approach inspired younger artists and foreshadowed Symbolism and modernism. He continued to exhibit his work internationally, earning acclaim at the Paris Salon. He died in Paris in 1898, remembered as a master of 19th-century mural painting.

James Carroll Beckwith was born in Burlington, Vermont in 1852. He studied art in New York before winning a scholarship to the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. There, he trained under renowned masters and exhibited at the Paris Salon. After returning to the United States, he became a founding instructor at the Art Students League of New York. Beckwith was celebrated for his portrait work, capturing the character of his subjects with delicate brushwork and refined color. He also produced notable landscape paintings reflecting Impressionist influences. He served as president of the Society of American Artists, advocating for progressive art education. Beckwith died in New York City in 1917, remembered as both a skilled artist and a dedicated teacher.

Ernst Barlach was born in Wedel, Germany in 1870. He studied art in Dresden and Paris before developing his distinctive Expressionist style. Barlach created sculptures, woodcarvings, and prints that captured the psychological depth and suffering of humanity, especially in response to World War I. He also wrote plays exploring metaphysical themes and social critique. During the Nazi era, many of his works were labeled "degenerate art" and removed from museums. Despite persecution, Barlach’s art survived and was later celebrated for its emotional intensity and spiritual insight. His legacy endures in the Ernst Barlach Museum in Hamburg, which houses his major works. Barlach died in 1938, leaving an indelible mark on modern German art and theater.

Hector de Saint-Denys Garneau was born in Quebec City in 1912. He studied both visual arts and literature, developing a dual career as a painter and writer. In 1937, he privately published his first poetry collection, which featured introspective and symbolic verses. His paintings displayed a lyrical modernism, exploring color and form in expressive compositions. Garneau’s work was largely unrecognized during his short life, but posthumous publications brought him critical acclaim. Today, he is regarded as a key figure in Quebec’s avant-garde movement, influencing later generations of artists and poets. Garneau died of illness in 1943, leaving a lasting legacy through his innovative blend of art and poetry.

Franz Lehár was one of the leading composers of operettas in the early 20th century. Born in 1870 in Komárom, he studied under prominent teachers at the Prague Conservatory. His most famous work, 'The Merry Widow', premiered in 1905 and became a worldwide sensation. Lehár’s music blended romantic melodies with refined orchestration, influencing musical theatre across Europe. Throughout his career he composed numerous operettas and songs, leaving a lasting legacy in light opera. He died in 1948, celebrated for bringing charm and wit to the stage.

Born in Marion, New York in 1876. He studied music and emerged as a leading figure in American modernist composition. His works, such as Five Pieces for Piano and Sun-Treader, are celebrated for their daring dissonance. He influenced a generation of students during his tenure at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Although his compositional output was relatively small, it had a profound impact on twentieth-century music. He largely ceased composing in the late 1930s but remained a respected teacher. He died in 1971 at the age of 95, leaving a distinctive legacy in American music.

Born in Odessa (now Ukraine) in 1908. He studied at the Odessa Conservatory and later joined the faculty of the Moscow Conservatory. Praised for his warm, singing tone, he became one of the Soviet Union's most celebrated violinists. He championed new concertos by Prokofiev and Khachaturian, premiering their works to critical acclaim. He frequently collaborated with pianist Sviatoslav Richter and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. His extensive recordings remain benchmarks of twentieth-century violin repertoire. He died in 1974 during an international concert tour.