November 27

Franz Krommer studied violin and composition in the Austrian Empire, eventually becoming Kapellmeister to the Esterházy family. He composed over 300 works, including symphonies, string quartets, and wind ensembles, blending Classical clarity with Romantic expressiveness. His music enjoyed widespread popularity across Europe in the early 19th century. Krommer’s mastery of melody and form influenced students and contemporaries alike. He taught at prestigious music institutions, passing on his techniques to the next generation of musicians. Today, his works are rediscovered as exemplars of transition between Classical and Romantic styles.

Born in Stuttgart in 1804, he studied under Rossini in Italy. After moving to London in 1835, he became conductor at Covent Garden and later at the Royal Opera. His best-known works include the opera 'The Lily of Killarney' and numerous orchestral overtures. He was a mentor to many British musicians and helped shape the English orchestral tradition. His fusion of German rigor and Italian lyricism left a lasting mark on 19th-century musical life. He continued to compose and conduct until his death in 1885, leaving a rich legacy of dramatic and orchestral music.

Born in 1845, Crowninshield studied at the Royal Academy in Munich and in Florence, Italy. He specialized in mural painting and decorative arts, creating works for public buildings and churches. In 1880, he was appointed curator of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, shaping its early collection. He authored influential books on Renaissance and medieval art, sharing his passion for design. As a founding member of the American Federation of Arts, he promoted public appreciation of the fine arts. Crowninshield's dual talents as painter and writer left a lasting impact on America's cultural institutions.

Born in London in 1853, Dicksee trained at the Royal Academy Schools. He gained acclaim for his richly detailed romantic paintings, including 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'La Belle Dame sans Merci'. His work combined historical themes with vivid character studies, captivating Victorian audiences. Dicksee served as President of the Royal Academy from 1924 to 1928, guiding its exhibitions and policies. He also illustrated literary classics and designed stained glass windows, showcasing his versatility. He died in 1928, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's leading academic painters.

William Bliss Baker was an American painter best known for his luminous landscape scenes of rural New York. Despite his short life, he produced over a hundred works that captured the serene beauty of forests, rivers, and open skies. Trained at the National Academy of Design, he exhibited widely in New York and Philadelphia. His use of light and color reflected the influence of the Hudson River School tradition. Baker's paintings were praised for their detailed realism and poetic atmosphere. He died tragically at the age of 26, leaving a legacy of work that continues to be admired in American art circles. Today, his pieces are held in major museums and private collections across the United States.

Charles Koechlin was a prolific French composer whose works spanned chamber music, orchestral compositions, and film scores. A student of Vincent d'Indy, he later taught at the Schola Cantorum in Paris, mentoring future luminaries like Olivier Messiaen. His music is noted for its rich harmonic language, imaginative textures, and incorporation of exotic scales. Koechlin also wrote extensively on music theory and criticism, contributing important texts such as 'Technique de mon langage musical'. He was an early supporter of modernist movements and championed fellow composers including Debussy, Ravel, and Satie. Throughout his life, he composed over 200 works and remained active as a conductor and lecturer. Koechlin's legacy endures through his compositions and his impact on 20th-century French musical pedagogy.

Tsuguharu Foujita, also known as Léonard Foujita, was a pioneering Japanese–French artist born in 1886. A central figure in the Montparnasse art scene of 1920s Paris, he became famous for his distinctive blend of Eastern ink techniques and Western oil painting. Foujita’s works, celebrated for their delicate lines and creamy whites, often featured cats, women, and religious themes. He studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and was a founding member of the Salon d’Automne. After World War II, Foujita returned to Japan, where he continued creating art and converted to Catholicism. He was elected to the Académie des Beaux-Arts before his death in 1968.

Katherine Milhous was a renowned American author and illustrator born in 1894. Educated at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, she worked on the WPA Federal Art Project, creating posters that showcased rural American life. Milhous published over thirty children’s books, blending vivid watercolors with folk art motifs inspired by her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage. Her book 'The Egg Tree' won the Caldecott Medal in 1951, recognizing her distinctive artistic style. Milhous’s work bridged fine art and children’s literature, influencing generations of young readers and artists. She continued creating art and writing until her death in 1977.

Born in 1911 in Brooklyn, David Merrick became one of Broadway's most prolific producers. Over his career, he produced more than 60 shows and won 16 Tony Awards. Nicknamed the 'Abominable Showman,' he was known for his flamboyant publicity stunts and marketing genius. His hits include Hello, Dolly!, Gypsy, and Funny Girl, which redefined modern musical theatre. Merrick revolutionized theatre promotion and nurtured countless stars. He continued producing into the 1990s, leaving an indelible mark on American stagecraft before his death in 2000.

Derroll Adams was an American folk singer-songwriter and banjo virtuoso who played a key role in the 1960s folk revival. Partnering with Ramblin' Jack Elliott, he toured coffeehouses and clubs across the United States, later moving to Europe where he became a cult figure. His laid-back style, rich singing voice, and intricate guitar and banjo work influenced a generation of folk artists. Adams recorded several albums under labels like Transatlantic and helped establish the folk festival circuit in Continental Europe. Known for his warmth and storytelling on stage, he inspired musicians such as Donovan and Stefan Grossman. His career spanned over five decades, bridging American folk traditions with international audiences.

Josh Kirby was born in Worcestershire and studied at the Birmingham College of Art, developing a distinctive, whimsical style. He began his illustration career in the 1960s, working for publishers and advertising agencies. In the 1980s, he was commissioned to illustrate book covers for fantasy and role-playing games, earning his reputation. Kirby's most famous work includes more than forty covers for Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels, celebrated for their intricate detail and humor. His art has been exhibited widely and continues to influence artists in the fantasy genre. He died in 2001, leaving a legacy as one of the most imaginative illustrators of his generation.

Al Jackson Jr. was a founding member and drummer of the legendary Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s. His understated yet soulful grooves defined the sound of countless soul and R&B hits in the 1960s. In addition to drumming, he co-wrote songs for artists across the Memphis soul scene. He also worked as a producer, shaping the careers of other musicians. His tragic murder in 1975 cut short a storied career but his rhythmic innovations continue to influence drummers worldwide.