November 04

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy was born in Hamburg in 1809 into a cultured family. A child prodigy, he composed his first symphony at 15 and became renowned for his melodic gift. In 1829, he revived J.S. Bach's St Matthew Passion, playing a key role in the Bach revival. His notable works include the Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream, his Violin Concerto in E minor, and the oratorio Elijah. He founded the Leipzig Conservatory in 1843 and served as its director, shaping future musicians. Mendelssohn's conductorship and compositions bridged classical form with romantic emotion. He died in Leipzig in 1847 at age 38, leaving a lasting legacy in Western music.

Paul Delaroche was born in Paris in 1797 and studied under the painter Antoine-Jean Gros. He gained fame for his meticulously detailed and emotionally charged depictions of historical events, such as The Execution of Lady Jane Grey. Delaroche became a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts and later director of its historical painting department. He played a key role in shaping the French academic style and mentoring future generations of artists. His work bridged Neoclassicism and Romanticism, emphasizing realism and dramatic narrative in painting. Delaroche's legacy endures in the continued study of 19th-century French art and pedagogy.

He was one of the leading composers of the late Romantic era and a key figure in the transition to modern French music. Fauré's works, including his Requiem, Pavane, and nocturnes for piano, are admired for their subtlety and profound emotional depth. As director of the Paris Conservatoire, he influenced a generation of composers such as Maurice Ravel and Nadia Boulanger. His compositional style is marked by refined melodic lines, innovative chord progressions, and a delicate balance between clarity and expression. Fauré's music laid the groundwork for impressionism in music while retaining a distinct personal voice. Despite personal hardships, including progressive deafness later in life, he continued to teach and compose influential works. His legacy endures through his timeless melodies and the many students he inspired worldwide.

Charles 'Buddy' Bolden is celebrated as a trailblazer of early jazz, leading vibrant brass bands in New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century. His powerful cornet style and improvisational skill laid the foundations for what would become known as jazz. Though no recordings of his playing survive, Bolden's reputation spread through anecdotes and the music of those he influenced. His bold, improvisational approach challenged musical conventions and inspired generations of jazz musicians. Bolden's career was cut short by mental illness, but his impact on American music history is undeniable. Today, he is honored as a cultural icon whose innovative spirit helped birth a new musical genre.

Born in 1892 in Smarhon, Belarus, Michel Kikoine studied art in Vilnius before moving to Paris in 1912. He became a founding member of the Jewish painter group at La Ruche, part of the School of Paris. Kikoine's work is characterized by rich color palettes and expressive brushwork, often depicting Eastern European landscapes and Jewish life. During World War I, he served in the French army, an experience that influenced his later art. After the war, he exhibited regularly at Salon d'Automne and other major Parisian salons. In the interwar years, Kikoine's reputation grew among collectors in France and abroad. He continued to paint until his death in 1968, leaving a legacy celebrated in retrospectives across Europe.

Born in 1935, Tom Reamy emerged as a vibrant voice in 1960s and 1970s science fiction, balancing writing with his talent for illustration. He contributed memorable cover art to leading genre magazines, bringing futuristic visions to life with vivid detail. Reamy's fiction often explored the boundaries of imagination and human experience, earning critical acclaim. Although his career was cut short by his untimely death in 1977, his collected works continue to inspire readers and artists. He posthumously gained recognition for blending narrative depth with visual creativity, leaving a lasting mark on speculative fiction.

Born in 1923, Sam Francis served briefly in the U.S. Army before pursuing art studies that led him to abstract expressionism. He studied in California and Paris, developing a distinctive style characterized by bold colors and fluid forms. Francis exhibited internationally, gaining acclaim for his energetic paintings that bridged Eastern and Western techniques. His work influenced generations of artists and remains celebrated in major galleries and museums worldwide. He continued to evolve artistically until his death in 1994, leaving a rich body of work that exemplifies postwar American art.

David Resnick was a Brazilian-Israeli architect whose innovative designs blended modernism with the Israeli landscape. Born in Brazil in 1924, he emigrated to Israel and became a leading figure in the nation's architectural scene. Resnick's most famous work, the Yad Kennedy memorial, was dedicated in 1966 to honor President John F. Kennedy and features a striking tent-like structure set among olive trees. Beyond Yad Kennedy, he contributed to numerous public and residential projects, and his work was noted for its harmony with nature. Resnick also served as an educator, mentoring a generation of architects and influencing the development of Israeli architectural identity.

Károly Horváth was born in Romania in 1950 and trained as a classical cellist before expanding his talents to flute performance and composition. He moved to Hungary and collaborated with folk ensembles, enriching traditional melodies with contemporary arrangements. Horváth composed scores for film and theater, and his chamber works were celebrated for their emotional depth and technical skill. As a performer, he toured extensively across Europe, captivating audiences with his expressive musicianship. His fusion of classical and regional influences left a unique mark on Central European music.

Ken Hensley was born in London in 1945 and rose to fame as the keyboardist and primary songwriter for Uriah Heep. He penned classic rock hits such as "Lady in Black", "Easy Livin'", and "July Morning", helping to define the band’s signature sound. After departing Uriah Heep in 1980, Hensley pursued a solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with other artists. His melodic sensibility and lyrical depth influenced generations of rock musicians. He continued to tour and record until his passing in 2020, leaving a lasting legacy in hard rock music.

Akbar Golpayegani (1934–2023) was an Iranian vocalist whose career spanned over six decades. He was recognized for his distinctive vocal style and dedication to Persian singing traditions. His performances became a testament to the richness of Iranian musical heritage. He remained an active figure in Iran's music scene until his passing, leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans of Persian music.