November 23

Jean Baptiste Senaillé was born in Paris and studied violin in Italy under Arcangelo Corelli. He became one of the leading violinists of the French Baroque era, blending Italian virtuosity with French elegance. Senaillé’s compositions include sonatas and concertos admired for their expressive melodies and technical brilliance. He served at the French court and influenced a generation of violinists with his teaching and performances. His work helped establish the violin’s prominence in French chamber music, and his legacy endures in the Baroque repertoire.

Mary Brewster Hazelton was born in 1868 in Boston, Massachusetts. She studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and in Paris at the Académie Julian. Hazelton gained acclaim for her sensitive and realistic portraits, capturing the character of her subjects. She exhibited widely in American and European galleries and won awards for her work. Hazelton was also active in art societies, promoting opportunities for women artists. She died in 1953, leaving a body of work celebrated for its technical skill and emotional depth.

Born in 1876 in Cádiz, Spain, Manuel de Falla demonstrated exceptional talent as a pianist from a young age. He studied at the Madrid Royal Conservatory and emerged as a leading figure in Spanish musical nationalism. Falla’s major works include the ballet-pantomime 'El amor brujo', the orchestral suite 'The Three-Cornered Hat', and 'Nights in the Gardens of Spain'. His compositions blended Andalusian folk elements with modern orchestration, earning international acclaim. Forced into exile during the Spanish Civil War, he spent his later years in Argentina, where he continued composing and teaching. Falla’s music remains a cornerstone of Iberian classical music.

Born in 1883 in Jalisco, José Clemente Orozco became a leading figure of the Mexican muralist movement. His murals, characterized by dramatic chiaroscuro and poignant social commentary, addressed themes of revolution, oppression, and human struggle. Notable works include the murals at the Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara and the 'Epic of American Civilization' series at Dartmouth College. Orozco’s style contrasted with his contemporaries through its darker tone and emotional intensity. He inspired artists across Latin America and the United States with his bold techniques and narrative depth. Orozco passed away in 1949, leaving a legacy as one of Mexico’s greatest artists.

El Lissitzky (1890–1941) was a pioneering Russian artist, architect, and designer central to the development of Suprematism. Trained as an architect, he embraced Kazimir Malevich's geometric abstraction and expanded it through innovative graphic and typography experiments. Lissitzky's iconic Proun series bridged painting and architecture, influencing modernist design across Europe. He worked as a designer and photographer, creating propaganda posters that combined bold shapes with dynamic typography. During his career, he collaborated with avant-garde circles in Germany and the Netherlands, shaping the Bauhaus and Constructivist movements. Lissitzky's multidisciplinary approach left a profound legacy in art, architecture, and graphic design.

Émile-Antoine “Erté” de Roussy de Rive (1892–1990) was a Russian-born French illustrator and designer who epitomized the Art Deco era. His elegant fashion illustrations for Harper’s Bazaar captured the glamour of the 1920s and ’30s, influencing couture and set design. Erté expanded his talents to create theatrical costumes and stage designs for the Folies Bergère and the Ziegfeld Follies. In the 1930s, he ventured into sculpture, jewelry, and graphic art, each reflecting his signature stylized figures and rich ornamentation. His work enjoyed a renaissance in the 1960s and ’70s, solidifying his reputation as a master of decorative art. Erté’s timeless designs continue to inspire fashion and visual artists around the world.

Born in 1915 in Paris, Marc Simont moved to the United States in his youth. He illustrated over 100 children's books, including the Caldecott Medal-winning A Tree Is Nice. His expressive line work and warm characters made him a favorite among young readers. Simont collaborated with authors such as James Thurber and Ruth Krauss. He won the Caldecott Honor twice and received the Regina Medal for his contributions. He continued drawing well into his later years, influencing generations of illustrators. He died in 2013 at the age of 97, leaving a lasting legacy in picture book art.

Born in 1921, Fred Buscaglione rose to fame with his jazz-influenced songs like Che Bambola and Whistle While You Work. He cultivated a charming gangster image with a signature tuxedo and cigar. Buscaglione appeared in several Italian films, showcasing his talents both as a singer and actor. His energetic performances and witty lyrics made him a star of Italy's postwar music scene. He tragically died in a car accident in 1960 at the height of his popularity. His legacy endures in Italian pop culture as an icon of style and swing.

Johnny Mandel was born in New York City in 1925 and began his career as a jazz arranger. He composed the haunting theme "Suicide Is Painless" for the film and television series M*A*S*H. Mandel won an Academy Award for Best Original Song with "The Shadow of Your Smile". He worked with legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. As a conductor, he led orchestras on numerous film and television soundtracks. He received multiple Grammy Awards and was celebrated for blending jazz with orchestral music. He passed away in 2020, leaving a body of work that spans genres and generations.

Born in Mississippi, he blended traditional hill country blues with electric instrumentation. He began recording in the 1960s but gained international attention in the 1990s through Fat Possum Records. His raw voice, percussive guitar style, and improvisational approach became hallmarks of his sound. Albums like 'Too Bad Jim' and 'A Ass Pocket of Whiskey' earned critical acclaim. He collaborated with younger artists, bridging generations of blues musicians. His work appeared in films and video games, introducing his music to new audiences. He remained active into his seventies, solidifying his status as a blues legend.

Jerry Bock was a celebrated Broadway composer who won two Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. His collaboration with lyricist Sheldon Harnick produced classics like 'If I Were a Rich Man' and 'Sunrise, Sunset'. He studied music at Harvard University and began his career writing for off-Broadway shows. His landmark work 'Fiddler on the Roof' debuted in 1964 and became a global hit. He later lectured on musical theatre and continued composing throughout his life. His melodies remain staples in theatre repertoires worldwide.

Born in 1930 in Faridpur, Geeta Dutt began her career at All India Radio and rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. Her collaborations with composers like O.P. Nayyar produced timeless songs that remain popular today. She lent her voice to over 500 songs across multiple languages, displaying remarkable versatility. Married to filmmaker Guru Dutt, she balanced her personal and professional life in the golden era of Bollywood. Despite her success, she faced personal struggles and passed away at the age of 41. Her legacy endures through her emotive performances and pioneering contributions to Indian cinema music.