November 14

Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow was born in 1663 in Leipzig, Germany. As an accomplished organist and composer, he served at the Marktkirche, producing sacred music that blended Italian and German styles. Zachow's most enduring legacy is his tutelage of the young George Frideric Handel, imparting compositional techniques that shaped Handel's future masterpieces. His own works include church cantatas, keyboard suites, and motets, reflecting the rich textures of the Baroque. He died in 1712, revered as a significant figure in early German Baroque music and musical education.

Leopold Mozart was born in 1719 in Augsburg, Germany. A distinguished violinist and composer, he achieved fame with his 'Violinschule,' a comprehensive treatise on violin playing. In 1747, he entered the service of the Salzburg court, where he met his wife and raised his gifted children. Leopold's rigorous teaching and guidance shaped the early career of his son, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He composed symphonies, sacred works, and chamber music, reflecting the galant style of the time. He died in 1787, leaving a lasting impact on classical music education and performance.

Johann Nepomuk Hummel was an Austrian composer and virtuoso pianist celebrated for his elegant and technically demanding piano works. A student of Mozart and teacher to Beethoven, he became one of Europe’s most adored performers. Hummel toured extensively across Europe, dazzling audiences with his refined playing and improvisations. His compositions include piano concertos, chamber music, and the renowned Piano Sonata in F-sharp minor. He served as Kapellmeister at the court of Prince Esterházy, continuing the legacy of Haydn. Hummel influenced later Romantic composers such as Chopin and Mendelssohn. He authored piano method books that educated generations of pianists. Despite his fame, many of his works were overshadowed until a 20th-century revival. His blend of classical form and romantic expression secured his place in music history.

Fanny Mendelssohn was a German pianist and composer whose music epitomized the early Romantic era. As the elder sister of Felix Mendelssohn, she received rigorous musical training and collaborated closely with him. Despite facing gender norms that limited her public career, Fanny composed over 460 works, including piano pieces and songs. Her “Das Jahr” cycle for piano and the choral cantata “Die erste Walpurgisnacht” demonstrate her originality. Mendelssohn organized private concerts in Berlin, showcasing her compositions and piano virtuosity. She married artist Wilhelm Hensel and hosted one of Europe’s leading musical salons. Fanny’s correspondence reveals her deep artistic vision and struggles for recognition. Her posthumous publications have led to a resurgence of interest in her contributions. Today, she is celebrated as a pioneering female figure in classical music history.

Claude Monet was a central figure in the Impressionist art movement, which revolutionized painting in the late 19th century. Born in Paris and raised in Normandy, he studied under traditional academicians but soon broke conventions to capture light and atmosphere in quick brushstrokes. His iconic works, such as "Impression, Sunrise" and the "Water Lilies" series, exemplify his fascination with natural light and reflections. Monet's garden at Giverny provided endless inspiration and became a subject of his later masterpieces. His dedication to plein-air painting influenced generations of artists. Monet's legacy endures in museums worldwide and in the continued popularity of Impressionism.

Julie Manet was born in 1878 as the daughter of Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir and art collector Suzanne Valadon. She developed her own talent as a painter, creating delicate watercolors and intimate portraits. Manet married fellow artist Ernest Rouart, and together they curated one of the most significant collections of Impressionist art. Her private diaries provide invaluable insights into Parisian art circles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She continued to support artists throughout her life and helped preserve her family's artistic legacy. Manet died in 1966, remembered as both a creator and preserver of art.

John Steuart Curry was born in 1897 in Kansas and studied art at Yale University and the Kansas City Art Institute. He became a leading figure in the American Regionalist movement, which celebrated rural life and small-town America during the Great Depression. Curry is best known for his dynamic murals, including those in the Kansas State Capitol, which depict scenes of pioneer life. His bold use of color and dramatic composition brought attention to the struggles and resilience of Midwestern communities. He also taught at various institutions, influencing a generation of artists. Curry died in 1946, leaving a legacy as one of the defining painters of 20th-century American Regionalism.

Copland studied with Nadia Boulanger in Paris and developed a distinctively American style incorporating folk melodies. He composed iconic works such as Appalachian Spring, Rodeo, and Billy the Kid, capturing the spirit of the American West. His Fanfare for the Common Man has become a patriotic classic performed by orchestras worldwide. A dedicated educator, he taught at institutions like Tanglewood and popularized modern music through lectures and writing. He received numerous honors, including the Pulitzer Prize, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and multiple Grammy Awards.

Powell began his career starring in popular Warner Bros. musicals like 42nd Street and Gold Diggers of 1933. His boyish charm and singing talent made him a leading matinee idol of the era. In the 1940s, he reinvented himself as a tough private eye in film noir classics such as "Murder, My Sweet." He later directed and produced films and starred in the television series Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Powell’s versatility helped him sustain a diverse career in entertainment until his death in 1963.

Barbee emerged in the late 1930s Chicago blues scene with a raw, emotive vocal delivery. He recorded a series of tracks for Vocalion Records in 1939 and 1940, showcasing his slide guitar prowess. After disappearing from music for two decades, he resurfaced briefly in the 1960s blues revival. His turbulent life included periods of hardship and obscurity, reflecting the struggles of early blues musicians. Despite limited recordings, Barbee's work influenced later guitarists and remains valued by blues historians.

Steig began as a cartoonist for The New Yorker, developing a unique comedic and artistic style. In mid-life, he turned to children’s literature, writing and illustrating classics like Doctor De Soto. His book Sylvester and the Magic Pebble won the Caldecott Medal for its emotional depth and artistry. Steig’s 1990 book Shrek! inspired the popular DreamWorks animated film series decades later. His whimsical characters and inventive storytelling continue to delight readers of all ages.

Ken Carson rose to fame as a country and Western singer in the 1940s, recording hits that resonated with rural and urban audiences alike. He signed with prominent labels and his songs featured in Western films, enhancing his popularity. Carson's smooth vocals and storytelling lyrics earned him a devoted following. He toured extensively across the United States, performing in rodeos and on radio shows. His contributions to Western music paved the way for future generations of country artists.