December 01

Born in 1709 in Holleschau, Bohemia, Franz Xaver Richter became a leading figure in the Mannheim School of orchestral music. He served as vice-kapellmeister at the Mannheim court before becoming Kapellmeister at Strasbourg Cathedral in 1769. Richter composed innovative symphonies that blended Italian melody with German orchestral color and dynamic contrasts. His sacred works, including masses and motets, were admired for their expressive depth and solemn beauty. Influencing contemporaries such as Haydn and Mozart, Richter’s musical language helped shape the Classical style.

Born in Paris in 1716, Étienne Maurice Falconet trained under the esteemed sculptor Edmé Bouchardon. He became the court sculptor for Madame de Pompadour, creating elegant allegorical and mythological figures. His most celebrated work, the Bronze Horseman (1782), is a monumental equestrian statue in St. Petersburg that symbolizes Russian power. Falconet’s graceful forms and dynamic compositions embodied the Rococo style and influenced European sculpture. Through public monuments and intimate works, he left a lasting legacy on the transition to Neoclassicism.

Born Anna Maria Grosholtz in 1761, she learned wax modeling under Philippe Curtius in Paris. During the French Revolution, she crafted death masks of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, capturing historical moments. In 1802, she moved to England and toured her waxworks before establishing a permanent museum in London in 1835. Her lifelike figures of royalty, celebrities, and public figures revolutionized museum exhibits and popular entertainment. Madame Tussauds grew into a global brand, making her an enduring figure in both art and entrepreneurship.

Eligiusz Niewiadomski (1869–1923) was a Polish painter and influential art critic active during the Young Poland cultural movement. Educated in Warsaw and Munich, he became known for his historical and portrait paintings. As an editor and critic, he supported modernist trends while advocating for Polish national identity in art. His fervent nationalist beliefs culminated in the assassination of Poland's first president, Gabriel Narutowicz, in 1922, a deed for which he was executed. His life and actions highlight the intersection of art, politics, and ideology in interwar Poland. Niewiadomski remains a controversial figure whose work and legacy continue to provoke debate among historians and art scholars.

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff (1884–1976) was a German Expressionist painter and printmaker who co-founded the influential Die Brücke group in 1905. His dynamic compositions and vivid, non-naturalistic colors challenged artistic conventions and shaped modern art in the 20th century. He experimented with woodcuts and etching techniques, producing powerful graphic works that conveyed emotional intensity. Despite persecution under the Nazi regime, which labeled his art 'degenerate,' he continued to create and teach in post-war Germany. Schmidt-Rottluff's legacy endures in his pioneering spirit, innovative approach to form and color, and significant contribution to Expressionism. His works are widely exhibited and celebrated for their raw energy and expressiveness.

Karna Maria Birmingham (1900-1987) was an Australian artist, illustrator, and printmaker who studied at the National Gallery School in Melbourne. She developed expertise in woodcut and linocut techniques, producing works that often featured botanical subjects and landscapes rendered with meticulous precision. Birmingham exhibited widely across Australia, earning acclaim for her delicate yet expressive style. Her illustrations appeared in publications and art societies, influencing mid-20th-century Australian printmaking. She remains recognized for her contributions to botanical art and her mastery of printmaking processes.

Ilona Fehér (1901-1988) was a Hungarian-born violinist and influential pedagogue who studied under Jenő Hubay at the Budapest Academy of Music. Fleeing Europe in 1938, she settled in Palestine and later taught at the Israel Academy of Music and the Rubin Academy in Tel Aviv. Her students included some of the 20th century's most celebrated violinists, known for their technical prowess and musical sensitivity. Fehér remained active as a concert soloist and chamber musician, performing across Europe and Israel. Her teaching philosophy emphasized expressive musicianship and rigorous technique, leaving a profound impact on violin pedagogy.

Minoru Yamasaki was a pivotal American architect whose work blended modernist principles with humanistic design. Born to Japanese immigrant parents, he rose to prominence in the mid-20th century with projects such as the Pruitt–Igoe housing complex and the Rainier Tower. His most famous commission was the twin towers of the World Trade Center, completed in 1973, which became icons of the New York skyline. Yamasaki’s style favored slender supports, geometric patterns, and an emphasis on creating peaceful spaces. Throughout his career, he designed airports, skyscrapers, and cultural centers worldwide. His legacy endures in his contributions to post-war architecture and the enduring admiration for his iconic structures.

Thomas Hayward was a distinguished American tenor celebrated for his lyrical voice and dynamic stage presence. He debuted at the New York City Opera in the 1940s before joining the Metropolitan Opera, where he performed leading roles in ‘La Traviata,’ ‘Carmen,’ and ‘La Bohème.’ Hayward also appeared in Broadway musicals and was featured on popular television programs such as ‘The Ed Sullivan Show.’ His versatility extended to recording opera arias and light classics for major record labels. Colleagues admired his professionalism, vocal warmth, and ability to connect with audiences. After retiring from performance, Hayward taught master classes and served as an inspiration to a new generation of singers until his death in 1995.

Jimmy Lyons was an American alto saxophonist who became a leading voice in the free jazz movement. He began his career in the 1950s and soon became a close collaborator with pianist Cecil Taylor. Lyons contributed to over two dozen of Taylor's recordings, helping to define a new approach to improvisation. His agile, bebop-influenced style brought melodic clarity to avant-garde compositions. He also led his own groups, recording albums such as Other Afternoons and Jump Up. Lyons toured extensively in Europe and the United States, earning acclaim for his energetic performances. His work continues to influence contemporary jazz musicians seeking to blend structure with freedom.

Jim Nesbitt was an American country singer-songwriter and guitarist who gained popularity in the early 1960s. He recorded humorous and upbeat novelty songs that charted on the Billboard country list. His best-known singles include A Tiger in My Tank and Please Mr. Kennedy. Nesbitt's playful lyrics and twangy guitar style endeared him to audiences. He appeared on country music television programs and toured regional venues across the United States. Throughout his career he wrote songs for other artists and collaborated with notable producers. Nesbitt's lighthearted approach left a lasting imprint on the country novelty genre.

Lou Rawls was an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor celebrated for his rich smooth baritone. He won three Grammy Awards, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine". Rawls' career began in gospel music before he transitioned to jazz and soul in the 1960s. He recorded over 60 albums and charted numerous hits that blended R&B, jazz, and pop. As an actor, he appeared in films such as The Man with Bogart's Face and on television variety shows. He also hosted the PBS series American Photography and engaged in philanthropic work, notably with the United Negro College Fund. Rawls's versatility and warmth made him a beloved figure in American music and entertainment.