November 15

Born in 1620 in Dordrecht, Aelbert Cuyp became famous for serene landscapes bathed in golden light. His paintings feature tranquil rivers, expansive skies, and cattle grazing in idyllic countryside settings. Influenced by the Italianate style, he merged Dutch realism with warm Mediterranean color tones. Cuyp’s work attracted patrons in both England and the Netherlands, securing his reputation across Europe. He died on November 15, 1691, and is remembered as one of the master landscape artists of the Dutch Golden Age.

Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) was a pioneering composer who led the opera reform movement in Europe. Rejecting convoluted plots and vocal excess, he focused on dramatic integrity and musical simplicity. His landmark operas, including "Orfeo ed Euridice" and "Alceste", premiered in Vienna and Paris to critical acclaim. Gluck's innovations influenced composers such as Mozart and Wagner, setting new standards for lyrical writing and orchestration. He held court positions in Prague and Mannheim before settling in Vienna, where he continued to refine his style. Gluck's legacy endures in his championing of music's expressive power over decorative virtuosity.

Charles-Amédée-Philippe van Loo (1719-1795) was a member of the renowned Van Loo family of artists, celebrated for his contributions to the Rococo style. Trained in Rome and Paris, he produced refined portraits and delicate mythological compositions for aristocratic patrons. Van Loo's work was characterized by graceful figures, soft color palettes, and meticulous detail. He held academic positions at the French Royal Academy and influenced a generation of artists. His paintings adorn private collections and public galleries, capturing the elegance of 18th-century French society. Van Loo's refined aesthetic remains a touchstone of Rococo art.

Annemarie Schwarzenbach was born in Zurich in 1908 into a wealthy Swiss family. She studied history and sociology before embarking on a career in journalism, literature, and photography. Between 1930 and 1934, she traveled extensively through Persia and Afghanistan, documenting her experiences in vivid prose and striking images. Her works explore themes of identity, exile, and social change in pre-war Europe and the Middle East. As a photographer, she developed a candid, documentary style that influenced later photojournalists. Schwarzenbach struggled with addiction and complex personal relationships, which permeated her writing. She died in a car accident in Switzerland in 1942, leaving behind a body of work that has gained renewed recognition for its literary and visual depth.

Frank M. Chapman was born in 1864 in West Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. He joined the American Museum of Natural History in 1887 and later became its Curator of Birds. In 1900, Chapman initiated the Christmas Bird Count, a citizen science project that continues today. He authored influential field guides and popularized bird watching as a scientific discipline. As one of the earliest wildlife photographers, he captured rare bird species in their natural habitats. Chapman advocated for migratory bird protection, contributing to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. His research and conservation efforts laid the groundwork for modern ornithology.

Frank Weston Benson was born in 1862 in Salem, Massachusetts, USA. He studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston under Edmund Tarbell. As a founding member of the Ten American Painters, he helped introduce Impressionism to American audiences. Benson gained acclaim for his beach scenes, portraits, and masterful use of light and color. He also excelled in etching and watercolor, demonstrating his versatility across media. For many years, he taught painting and engraving at his alma mater, influencing a generation of artists. His works are held in major museums nationwide and continue to inspire admirers of American Impressionism.

Born on December 19, 1888, in Budapest, Fritz Reiner studied at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music before embarking on a conducting career in Europe. He led opera houses in Dresden, Cologne, and Chicago, earning acclaim for clarity and discipline in performances. Reiner served as music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony and later the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1953 to 1963. He championed composers such as Béla Bartók and Richard Strauss, making definitive recordings with top orchestras. Known for demanding exactitude from musicians, he influenced a generation of conductors through his teachings at the Curtis Institute. Reiner became a U.S. citizen in 1943 and continued to record until his death on November 15, 1963.

Born on February 13, 1887, in Jurbarkas, Lithuania, William Zorach emigrated to the United States with his family as a child. He studied at the Art Students League in New York and later in Paris, where he embraced direct carving and Cubist influences. Zorach’s sculptures in wood, stone, and bronze were celebrated for their simplified forms and organic vitality. He exhibited at the 1913 Armory Show, helping to shape the course of American modern art. In later years, Zorach also gained recognition for his watercolor paintings and writings on art technique. He taught at various institutions, influencing generations of artists. Zorach passed away on November 15, 1966, leaving a rich artistic legacy.

John Grimaldi became known for his work in the British progressive rock scene of the 1970s, showcasing his skills as a keyboardist and composer. His songwriting featured intricate melodies and dynamic arrangements that blended rock, jazz, and classical influences. Grimaldi collaborated with fellow musicians on live performances and studio sessions, earning a dedicated following. Although his life was cut short, his innovative approach to keyboards influenced a generation of musicians. His recordings continue to be appreciated by progressive rock enthusiasts. Grimaldi died in 1983 at the age of 28, leaving an imprint on the genre with his creative spirit.

Méret Oppenheim was a pioneering German-Swiss Surrealist artist whose work challenged conventions of art and femininity. Born in Berlin in 1913, she moved to Paris as a teenager and quickly became part of the Surrealist circle led by André Breton. Her most famous creation, Object (Le Déjeuner en fourrure), is a teacup, saucer, and spoon covered in gazelle fur that stunned the art world in 1936. Beyond this iconic piece, Oppenheim produced paintings, drawings, and poetry that explored themes of desire, mythology, and identity. After returning to Switzerland during World War II, she experimented with performance and installation art that merged the everyday with the uncanny. Despite periods of relative obscurity, her work was rediscovered in major retrospectives at institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Centre Pompidou. Oppenheim died on November 15, 1985, leaving a legacy as one of Surrealism’s most daring innovators.

Billo Frómeta was a Dominican-born conductor and composer who became a central figure in Venezuelan popular music. Born in 1915 in Santo Domingo, he moved to Caracas in the 1940s and founded Billo’s Caracas Boys. Under his leadership, the orchestra became renowned for its lively carnival tunes and dance hits that swept Latin America. Frómeta’s arrangements blended Caribbean rhythms with big-band jazz influences, creating a unique sound that defined an era. Despite facing political upheaval and exile during Venezuela’s 1945–1948 revolution, he maintained the group’s popularity across decades. He composed hundreds of songs that remain staples at festivals and parties throughout the region. Frómeta’s charisma on stage and dedication to his musicians solidified his reputation as “El Maestro Billo.” He passed away on November 15, 1988, but his music continues to inspire new generations.

Saul Chaplin was a prolific American composer, arranger, and film music producer whose work left an indelible mark on Hollywood musicals. Born in Brooklyn in 1912, he began his career writing songs for Tin Pan Alley before moving to Los Angeles. Chaplin collaborated with famous composers such as Johnny Green and Adolph Green, contributing to classics like An American in Paris and West Side Story. He won three Academy Awards for his contributions to film scores, including roles as music supervisor and arranger. His innovative orchestrations and keen sense of musical storytelling helped define the golden age of movie musicals. Beyond cinema, Chaplin also worked in Broadway and television, showcasing his versatility across mediums. His influence extended through mentoring younger composers and championing new musical talents. Chaplin passed away on November 15, 1997, leaving a rich legacy in American entertainment.