November 19

Nicolas Poussin (1594–1665) was a French painter who spent much of his career in Rome, pioneering the classical French Baroque style. His meticulously composed works drew inspiration from ancient history, mythology, and the Bible. Poussin emphasized clarity, logic, and order, believing that painting should be guided by reason. Works such as 'Et in Arcadia ego' and 'The Shepherds of Arcadia' exemplify his balanced compositions and subdued palette. His approach laid the foundation for academic art in France, shaping the curriculum of the French Academy for centuries.

Born in 1720 in Versailles, de Bury was trained in music at the royal court of Louis XV. He served as a harpsichordist to the king and composed numerous works for the keyboard. His collections include suites that blend elegance with the ornate style characteristic of the French Baroque. De Bury’s music was performed in royal salons and influenced subsequent generations of French composers. Despite changing musical tastes in the Classical era, his works remain valued for their craftsmanship and charm. He died on November 19, 1785, leaving behind a legacy as one of the last great Baroque keyboard composers.

Born in 1728 in Naples, Guglielmi studied music and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He composed over 150 operas, including both serious and comic works that were performed across Italy and Europe. His operas were known for their lyrical melodies and clear orchestration, bridging the Baroque and Classical styles. Guglielmi held posts in major musical centers such as Milan, Venice, and London. An influential figure of his time, he trained a generation of composers and performers. He died on November 19, 1804, leaving a rich legacy in the operatic repertoire.

Born in 1797 in Vienna, Schubert showed prodigious musical talent from a young age. He composed over 600 art songs (lieder), chamber music, piano works, and symphonies in his short life. His famous works include the Unfinished Symphony, the song cycle Winterreise, and the Trout Quintet. Schubert blended classical forms with deeply expressive melodies, influencing Romantic composers. Despite struggles with illness and limited recognition during his lifetime, his music gained acclaim posthumously. He died on November 19, 1828, leaving a profound legacy that shaped Western classical music.

Bruno Schulz was born in 1892 in Drohobych, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and became known for his hauntingly poetic paintings and drawings. His visual art, infused with mythic and symbolic elements, bridged narrative and imagery in a distinctive surreal style. Schulz also wrote essays on art criticism, reflecting a deep engagement with symbolism and expressionism. Despite his prolific talent, much of his work was destroyed during World War II. In 1942, he was tragically killed by a Nazi officer, cutting short a promising career. Posthumously, Schulz has been celebrated as a visionary artist whose works continue to inspire galleries and collectors worldwide.

James Ensor was born in 1860 in Ostend, Belgium, and became a central figure in the pioneering group of Belgian avant-garde artists. His bold, imaginative paintings often depicted grotesque masks, skeletons, and carnival imagery, offering biting social satire and a unique visual language. Though initially met with criticism, Ensor's work later influenced Expressionism and Surrealism, earning him acclaim among peers and art historians. He struggled for much of his career but gained recognition in the early 20th century, exhibiting across Europe. Ensor's legacy endures through major retrospectives and ongoing scholarly interest. He died in 1949, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences.

Maria Yudina was a Soviet pianist admired for her intellectual depth and fearless musical interpretations. Born in 1899, she studied at the Saint Petersburg Conservatory under renowned teachers. Yudina’s performances of Bach, Beethoven, and modern composers earned international acclaim. Her candid views on artistic freedom often put her at odds with Soviet authorities. She continued teaching and performing until her death in 1970, leaving a lasting impact on Soviet musical culture.

George Brunies was an influential American trombonist and a key figure in the development of New Orleans jazz. Born in 1902, he began his career with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings in the 1920s. Brunies’s distinctive sliding, expressive "tailgate" technique set a standard for jazz trombone. He later recorded and performed in Chicago and California, spreading the New Orleans sound nationwide. His contributions helped shape the swing era before his passing in 1974.

Louise Fitzhugh was an American author and illustrator whose work transformed children’s literature. Born in 1928, she studied art and began publishing in the 1950s. Her novel Harriet the Spy (1964) is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of a young girl’s adventures and inner thoughts. Fitzhugh complemented her storytelling with expressive illustrations that captured her characters’ personalities. Despite her untimely death in 1974, her groundbreaking work continues to inspire readers and writers.

Basil Spence was born in 1907 in Bombay to Scottish parents before moving to the United Kingdom. He studied architecture at the University of Edinburgh and became one of Britain's leading architects. Spence's most famous work is the new Coventry Cathedral, completed in 1962, which blended modern design with spiritual symbolism to replace the Second World War–bombed original. He also designed numerous public buildings, universities, and religious structures across the UK. Spence served as a professor of architecture, influencing future generations of architects. His innovative use of materials and forms left a lasting impact on post-war British architecture. He passed away on November 19, 1976.

Tom Evans was born in 1947 in Liverpool, England. As a founding member of Badfinger, he co-wrote and performed on hits such as No Matter What and Day After Day. His melodic bass lines and vocals contributed to the band's signature sound in the early 1970s. After Badfinger disbanded, Evans continued to perform and record music, collaborating with fellow bandmate Joey Molland. Despite his creative talents, Evans faced personal struggles and financial issues in later life. He died on November 19, 1983, leaving behind a legacy of influential power-pop songs.

Juan Arvizu was born in 1900 in Chiapas, Mexico. His rich lyric tenor voice made him one of the most popular opera singers in Latin America during the 1920s and 1930s. Arvizu earned the nickname 'El Tenor de las Américas' through his successful radio broadcasts across the continent. He recorded numerous boleros and songs with major orchestras, helping to popularize the genre worldwide. Alongside his concert performances, he toured extensively in Europe and the United States. Arvizu's legacy endures through his recordings and influence on later generations of Latin American vocalists. He died on November 19, 1985.