November 09

Born in 1664, Speth spent much of his career in Augsburg, serving as an organist at local churches. In 1693 he published 'Ars Magna Consoni et Dissoni', a seminal work that showcased the stylistic innovations of German organ composition. His music blends intricate counterpoint with expressive harmonies characteristic of the late Baroque. Though only one collection of his works survives, its impact was felt by subsequent generations of organists. Speth’s compositions remain valued for their technical brilliance and musical depth. He died in 1719, leaving a concise yet enduring musical legacy.

Born in 1697, Casciolini developed his musical career in Italian churches and court chapels. He composed a number of motets, masses, and other liturgical works blending Italian and early Baroque styles. His clear melodic lines and balanced polyphony made his church music popular in Roman and regional services. Though less widely known today, his compositions contributed to the development of sacred vocal repertoire. Casciolini’s work reflects the transition toward classical clarity while retaining Baroque expressiveness. He died in 1760, leaving behind a catalog of works valued by performers of early music.

Born in 1723 to the ducal family of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Anna Amalia became Princess-Abbess of Quedlinburg in 1764. As a sovereign ruler, she balanced political duties with a passionate support of literature and music. She founded a renowned music library and salon in her residence, attracting composers and writers of the period. Anna Amalia composed symphonies, keyboard pieces, and chamber music reflecting early Classical styles. Her library later formed the core of the Duchess Anna Amalia Library, a UNESCO World Heritage institution. She died in 1787, leaving a legacy as both a political leader and cultural visionary.

Stanford White was an American architect and one of the founding partners of the prestigious firm McKim, Mead & White. Born in Richmond, Rhode Island, in 1853, he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Under his direction, the firm designed landmark Beaux-Arts buildings such as the Washington Square Arch and New York's second Pennsylvania Station. White's elegant classical style defined the American Renaissance architectural movement of the late 19th century. He was also renowned for his luxurious private residences and public monuments. White's life ended tragically in 1906 when he was murdered at Madison Square Garden's Rooftop Theatre. His enduring designs continue to influence urban architecture and historic preservation.

Gigo Gabashvili was a Georgian painter and influential art educator active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Tbilisi in 1862, he studied art in Moscow and later in Munich under realist masters. Gabashvili's work combined academic realism with vibrant depictions of Georgian life and landscapes. He returned to Georgia to teach at the Tbilisi Art School, mentoring a generation of young artists. His paintings display meticulous detail and a deep appreciation for local traditions and costumes. Through exhibitions across Europe, he introduced Georgian art to a wider audience. Gabashvili died in 1936, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of modern Georgian painting.

Jenő Bory was a multifaceted artist who combined architecture and sculpture into a singular vision. Over decades, he built the romantic Bory Castle in Székesfehérvár as a personal project, featuring intricate stone carvings. He sculpted many of the decorative elements himself, alongside his wife, turning the site into a living artwork. Bory also taught at the Budapest University of Technology and wrote on architectural theory. His legacy is immortalized in the castle, which remains a popular cultural landmark in Hungary.

Giles Gilbert Scott blended traditional Gothic and modern design in projects across the UK. He designed the red K2 telephone kiosk, which became a British cultural icon. His architectural portfolio includes the Anglican Liverpool Cathedral and the Battersea Power Station. Scott's work balanced functionality with aesthetic grandeur, earning him knighthood. His enduring designs continue to shape Britain's architectural heritage long after his death.

Aureliano Pertile was one of the foremost Italian tenors of the early 20th century. He gained acclaim for his intense vocal timbre and expressive phrasing. He performed leading roles at La Scala in Milan, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and Covent Garden. His signature parts included Otello, Radamès, and Canio in 'Pagliacci'. Pertile's artistry influenced generations of opera singers. After retiring from the stage, he taught voice at the Milan Conservatory. He died in 1952, leaving a lasting impact on the world of opera.

Anthony Asquith was a prominent English film director and screenwriter born in 1902. He directed over 40 films from the silent era through the 1960s. Known for his elegant storytelling, his works include adaptations like Pygmalion and The Browning Version. He often collaborated with leading actors and brought theatrical works to the screen. Asquith's influence shaped the golden age of British filmmaking. His legacy endures in film history as a versatile and distinguished director.

André François was a Romanian-born French artist and illustrator born in 1915. He gained fame for his humorous and inventive drawings in magazines such as The New Yorker and Punch. François also worked as a painter and sculptor, creating playful public artworks. His visual style combined wit, simplicity, and a keen sense of observation. Throughout his career, he exhibited across Europe and influenced generations of graphic artists. André François passed away in 2005, leaving a legacy of imagination and creativity in the world of visual arts.

Pierrette Alarie was a celebrated Canadian coloratura soprano known for her crystal-clear tone and agile vocal technique. She made her professional debut in the 1940s, quickly gaining international recognition at major opera houses. Alarie graced the stage of the Paris Opera and later sang leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her repertoire spanned Mozart, Donizetti, and Gounod, earning praise for her dramatic interpretation and vocal purity. Beyond her stage performances, she taught voice masterclasses and nurtured young talent in Canada. Alarie recorded several operas and recitals, preserving her artistry for future generations. Married to fellow opera star Léopold Simoneau, she formed one of the most celebrated vocal duos of the 20th century. She passed away in 2011, remembered as one of Canada's finest operatic exports.

Born in 1924 in Zürich, Switzerland, Robert Frank moved to the United States in 1947 to pursue photography. His groundbreaking book The Americans captured candid images of post-war American life and deeply influenced documentary photography. Frank's work was notable for its raw, unvarnished portrayal of society and its empathy for marginalized communities. In addition to photography, he experimented with film, directing experimental features such as Pull My Daisy in 1959. His photographic career spanned over six decades, during which he held numerous exhibitions worldwide. Frank received retrospectives at prestigious institutions and influenced generations of photographers and filmmakers. He died in 2019, leaving a profound impact on visual arts.