November 26

Philippe Quinault (1635–1688) was a French dramatist and librettist whose works defined French Baroque theatre. He created the comédie-ballet by blending drama, music, and dance in innovative productions for Louis XIV’s court. Quinault wrote over thirty plays and supplied librettos for many of Jean-Baptiste Lully’s operas, including the famous 'Armide'. His poetic style and dramatic structure influenced the development of French opera and theatre. A gifted composer of incidental music, he advanced the integration of artistic forms on stage. His collaborations with Lully left a lasting legacy in European performing arts.

Daniel Purcell (c.1664–1717) was an English organist and composer of the Baroque era, and cousin of the famous Henry Purcell. He held positions at St. Anne’s and St. Andrew’s Churches in London, composing anthems and services for Anglican worship. Purcell also wrote incidental music for theatre and chamber works, showing versatility in both sacred and secular genres. His contributions include odes, trio sonatas, and masque music that enriched early 18th-century English musical life. Though overshadowed by his cousin, his works demonstrate skilled craftsmanship and melodic charm. His music bridged the Restoration and Georgian periods, influencing English composers who followed.

Tommy Dorsey (1905–1956) was an influential American jazz trombonist, trumpeter, and bandleader during the Swing Era. Nicknamed 'The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing,' he gained fame for his impeccable technique and warm, expressive sound. Dorsey formed the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1935, launching the careers of stars like Frank Sinatra and Buddy Rich. His recording of 'I'm Getting Sentimental Over You' became his signature song. Dorsey's band was known for its polished performances, innovative arrangements, and crossover appeal between jazz and popular music. He continued to record and tour until his untimely death, leaving a rich musical legacy that shaped American music.

Albert Ketèlbey (1875–1959) was an English composer, pianist, and conductor celebrated for his light orchestra compositions. He gained international fame with works like In a Monastery Garden, In a Persian Market, and Bells Across the Meadows, which became staples of early 20th-century repertoire. Ketèlbey's music featured picturesque melodies and atmospheric orchestration that evoked exotic locales and nostalgic scenes. He led orchestras on recording tours and served as director of music at a London cinema, pioneering film music accompaniment. His pieces sold millions of sheet music copies, making him one of the most commercially successful composers of his time. Ketèlbey's contributions helped popularize light music as a genre.

Born near Milan in 1882, Galli-Curci rose to international fame in the early 20th century with her luminous tone and impeccable technique. She charmed audiences at the Metropolitan Opera and toured extensively across Europe, creating legendary interpretations of bel canto roles like Gilda in Rigoletto. Her pioneering recordings set new standards for vocal artistry, influencing generations of singers. After retiring from the stage, she devoted herself to teaching, nurturing the next wave of operatic talent worldwide.

John Rostill joined The Shadows in 1963 and quickly became a driving force behind their signature sound, contributing memorable bass lines and composing hits like "The Day I Met Marie". His work helped define the British rock and roll scene of the 1960s. Known for his technical skill and melodic approach, Rostill toured internationally before his sudden passing in 1973. His influence endures among bassists and fans of early rock music.

Ford Beebe began his career in the silent era and went on to direct over 100 films and serials, including the celebrated Universal Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers chapters. Born in 1888, he balanced low budgets with high adventure, delivering action-packed storytelling that captivated audiences from the 1930s through the 1950s. His work laid the groundwork for modern adventure cinema and left an enduring legacy in genre filmmaking.

Born in 1926 in Detroit, Frank Rosolino became one of the most influential trombonists of the bebop era. He played with the Stan Kenton Orchestra, recorded acclaimed albums as a bandleader, and collaborated with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie. Rosolino's fluid technique and inventive solos set him apart, earning him widespread acclaim. Despite personal struggles, his recordings continue to inspire jazz musicians worldwide.

Juhan Aavik was born in 1884 and studied music in Leipzig and Moscow before returning to Estonia. He conducted choral societies and taught composition, creating works that blended folk melodies with modern harmonies. His symphonies, organ pieces, and choral songs have become cornerstones of Estonian concert repertoire. After relocating to Sweden during World War II, he continued teaching and composing, helping to bring Estonian music to international audiences.

Peter Hujar became known for his stark, evocative portraits that captured the raw energy of New York’s art world and LGBTQ community. Born in 1934, he moved to the city in the 1960s and worked closely with prominent figures like Andy Warhol and Candy Darling. Hujar’s compassionate lens revealed vulnerability and strength, from tortured souls to vibrant performers. He also documented graffiti artists and urban subcultures, leaving an indelible mark on documentary photography. His work gained widespread recognition posthumously. Hujar died of complications from AIDS in 1987, and his images continue to influence contemporary photographers.

César Guerra-Peixe, born in 1914, was a driving force behind modern Brazilian classical music. Trained as a violinist and conductor, he infused his compositions with rhythms and motifs from Northeastern Brazil, creating a unique national sound. Notable works include the chamber piece 'Maracatu' and the orchestral suite 'Suites Nordestinas'. Guerra-Peixe also served as a professor and led the Orquestra Escola do Theatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro. His advocacy for integrating folk elements into academic music reshaped Brazil’s cultural landscape. He died in 1993, leaving a rich catalog of music that continues to be performed and studied.

Born in Brooklyn in 1914, Paul Rand became one of the most influential figures in modern graphic design. He pioneered a clean, modernist aesthetic and created enduring logos for IBM, ABC, UPS, and Westinghouse. Rand also authored the seminal design book Thoughts on Design, shaping generations of designers with his theories. He taught design at Yale University for many years, influencing countless students and professionals. Paul Rand died on November 26, 1996, leaving a bold visual legacy imprinted on the modern corporate world.