November 21

Friedrich Wilhelm Marpurg was born in 1718 and became a leading figure in German music theory and criticism. He studied law but devoted his life to music, writing treatises on harmony, counterpoint, and keyboard technique. Marpurg edited and critiqued works by Bach and other composers, shaping the early discourse of musicology. His publications, such as Historisch-Kritische Beyträge zur Aufnahme der Musik, offered systematic analysis of musical aesthetics. An accomplished harpsichordist, he also composed works for keyboard and contributed to the burgeoning concert scene. Marpurg's theoretical insights laid the groundwork for later scholars and solidified his reputation as a pioneer in music criticism.

Tárrega developed innovative techniques such as rest stroke and left-hand pizzicato, reshaping guitar performance. He composed enduring pieces like "Recuerdos de la Alhambra" and "Capricho Árabe" which remain staples of the classical guitar repertoire. As a teacher, he mentored a generation of guitarists including Emilio Pujol and Miguel Llobet. Tárrega's salon concerts in Barcelona and Madrid elevated the guitar to a respected concert instrument. He arranged works by composers such as Chopin and Schumann for guitar, expanding its artistic possibilities. His legacy endures in modern classical guitar pedagogy and performance.

Sigfrid Karg-Elert was born in Leipzig in 1877 and studied at the Leipzig Conservatory.\nHe pioneered a unique compositional voice for organ and harmonium, blending Romantic and Impressionist elements.\nHis collection of chorale improvisations for organ remains a cornerstone of 20th-century repertoire.\nAs a professor at the Leipzig Conservatory, he mentored many aspiring musicians and composers.\nKarg-Elert toured Europe giving concerts and lectures, championing his distinctive harmonic language.\nHe passed away in Munich in 1933, but his works continue to inspire organists worldwide.

René Magritte was a pioneering Belgian surrealist artist who challenged perceptions with his enigmatic compositions. Born in Lessines in 1898, he developed a unique visual language that juxtaposed ordinary objects in unexpected contexts. His iconic works like "The Treachery of Images" and "The Son of Man" questioned reality and representation. Magritte's playful yet philosophical approach had a profound influence on modern art and popular culture. He remained active until his death in 1967, leaving a legacy of imagination and mystery.

Coleman Hawkins was a pioneering American jazz tenor saxophonist who popularized the instrument. Born in Missouri in 1904, he began his professional career on clarinet before switching to the saxophone. Hawkins's improvisational virtuosity and harmonic sophistication set new standards in jazz. His 1939 recording of "Body and Soul" is considered one of the greatest jazz solos ever recorded. He collaborated with bands led by Fletcher Henderson and Benny Goodman, influencing generations of musicians. Hawkins recorded extensively, exploring swing, bebop, and beyond until his death in 1969. His nickname "Bean" and his innovative style left a lasting imprint on jazz history.

Buck Ram was an influential American songwriter, arranger, and producer best known for his work with The Platters. Born in 1907 in Brooklyn, he formed the vocal group and wrote hits like "Only You" and "The Great Pretender." Ram's smooth harmonies and catchy arrangements defined the sound of 1950s doo-wop and early rock 'n' roll. He also managed artists, composed for films, and published music theory books. Under his guidance, The Platters became one of the first African American groups to achieve mainstream success. Ram continued writing and producing music until his death in 1991, leaving a legacy in pop history.

Leo Politi was a beloved Italian-American writer and artist known for his children's books set in Los Angeles. Born in Fresno, California, in 1908 to Italian immigrant parents, he immersed himself in Mexican and Chicano culture. Politi's vibrant illustrations and lyrical storytelling appear in works like "Pedro, A Lion in the Streets". He won the Caldecott Medal in 1950 for "Song of the Swallows", highlighting nature and community. Politi taught art, hosted storytelling sessions, and exhibited paintings reflecting multicultural neighborhoods. Until his death in 1996, he authored over twenty books, leaving an enduring influence on children's literature.

John Boulting (1913–1985) was an English film director, producer, and screenwriter who co-founded the Boulting Brothers production company with his twin brother Roy. He directed and produced satirical comedies that skewered British institutions, including Private's Progress and I'm All Right Jack. Boulting's sharp wit and social commentary resonated with post-war audiences. He played a key role in shaping British cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. His work influenced generations of filmmakers with its blend of humor and critique.

Roy Boulting (1913–2001) was an English film director, producer, and writer who worked with his twin brother John. Together they founded the Boulting Brothers production company and created satirical comedies that critiqued British society. Roy produced films like Brothers in Law and Lucky Jim, showcasing his talent for blending humor with social observation. He managed the company's creative direction and business affairs to great acclaim. His contributions helped define post-war British cinema and left a lasting comedic legacy.

Paul Bogart was an American television and film director and producer whose career spanned more than five decades. He began his work in the 1950s directing episodes of early television dramas. He gained acclaim for directing popular sitcoms, including The Dick Van Dyke Show, My Three Sons, and All in the Family. Bogart won multiple Emmy Awards for directing and writing, and he also directed feature films such as 211. His innovative style and sharp comedic timing helped shape American television comedy. In addition to his directing work, he served on the board of the Directors Guild of America. Bogart’s legacy endures through the classic television programs he helped bring to life.

Malcolm Williamson was born on November 21, 1931, in Sydney, Australia. A gifted pianist and composer, he moved to England in the 1950s to pursue his musical career. In 1975, he was appointed Master of the Queen's Music, becoming the first non-Briton to hold the title. Williamson composed a diverse body of work, including choral works, operas, and orchestral pieces. His notable compositions include 'Sonic Games,' 'Symphony for Small Orchestra,' and the opera 'Our Man in Havana.' He battled personal challenges throughout his life and died on March 13, 2003, leaving a rich musical legacy.

Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen was a leading figure in Danish contemporary music. Born in Copenhagen in 1932, he studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. He developed an avant-garde style often described as 'expansion minimalism', blending sparse textures with dramatic gestures. His notable works include 'Symfoni' (1970) and 'Maja's Song' (2005), earning him the Nordic Council Music Prize in 1980. He collaborated with the Copenhagen Philharmonic and influenced a generation of European composers. His music continues to be performed worldwide, celebrated for its originality and emotional depth.