December 07

Born in Naples in 1598, Bernini was a child prodigy who revolutionized sculpture with dynamic realism. He designed the iconic Baldacchino of St. Peter’s Basilica and the dramatic bronze fountains of Rome. Bernini’s statues, like Apollo and Daphne, capture intense emotion and movement in marble. He served as chief architect for multiple popes, reshaping Rome’s urban and religious spaces. His work influenced generations of artists and architects across Europe. Bernini died in 1680, leaving a lasting legacy as the master of Baroque art and design.

Born in 1643 near Bergamo, Falda became a leading printmaker in Rome under Pope Alexander VII. He published comprehensive volumes of engravings depicting Roman churches, palaces, and fountains. Falda’s precise etchings provided one of the first topographical records of the Eternal City. His works were popular among tourists and scholars of the Grand Tour. They remain valuable historical documents of 17th-century Rome’s urban landscape. Falda died in 1678, but his engravings continue to influence architectural visualization.

Bernardo Pasquini was a leading figure of the Italian Baroque period renowned for his virtuosity at the organ and harpsichord. He served as organist at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome and tutored members of the nobility in music. His compositions include toccatas, canzonas, and operatic intermezzi that showcase his inventive style. He was a respected teacher, instructing future composers and performers across Italy. Pasquini's keyboard works are celebrated for their technical demands and expressive depth. His legacy influenced the development of Baroque keyboard music throughout Europe.

Pietro Mascagni was born in 1863 in Livorno, Italy. He studied at the Milan Conservatory under Amilcare Ponchielli. Mascagni gained fame with his one-act opera Cavalleria rusticana in 1890. He wrote numerous operas and orchestral works, blending verismo and lyricism. Mascagni conducted extensively across Europe and America. His compositions remain staples of the operatic repertoire.

Born in Prague in 1879, Friml studied at the Vienna Conservatory before emigrating to the United States. He became a leading figure in Broadway music, composing hit operettas such as 'Rose-Marie' and 'The Vagabond King'. His melodies and orchestrations helped define the American musical theatre of the 1920s and 1930s. In addition to stage works, he wrote popular songs for films and concert performances. Friml was also a respected teacher at prestigious music schools. His legacy lives on in the enduring popularity of his songs.

Born in Minneapolis in 1885, Sturholdt first gained attention as a lightweight boxer. He competed in national boxing tournaments and showcased a dynamic fighting style. Beyond the ring, he pursued visual arts, studying painting and exhibiting works locally. Sturholdt's paintings often reflected themes of athleticism and human form. His dual career bridged the worlds of sports and art until his untimely death in 1919.

Born in Vienna in 1887, Toch rose to prominence with his avant-garde chamber music. He emigrated to the United States in 1938, fleeing the Nazi regime. In Hollywood, he composed film scores, earning Academy Award nominations. Toch's scholarly writings advanced music theory and analysis. He taught at the University of Southern California, influencing future composers. His blending of European techniques with American styles left a lasting mark on 20th-century music.

Born in Philadelphia in 1892, Davis studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He became a leading figure in American modernism, blending Cubism and jazz rhythms. Davis traveled extensively in Europe, absorbing avant-garde trends. His vibrant canvases often featured urban scenes and commercial motifs. He taught at the Art Students League of New York, mentoring emerging artists. Davis's innovative style influenced generations of abstract painters.

Freddie Adkins (1894–1986) was an English author and illustrator known for blending engaging narratives with complementary illustrations. Throughout his career, he wrote and illustrated numerous books, captivating readers of all ages with his imaginative tales and expressive artwork. His unique ability to harmonize text and image left a lasting mark on both English literature and visual art.

Kateryna Vasylivna Bilokur (1900–1961) was a self-taught Ukrainian folk artist who overcame rural hardship to develop a unique painting style. Her meticulously detailed floral compositions and depictions of village life captured the spirit of Ukraine's countryside. Her work gained recognition in Soviet art circles during the mid-20th century, leading to exhibitions in Kyiv and Moscow. Critics praised her use of bold colors and intricate patterns, and today she is regarded as one of the most important Ukrainian folk artists of her time.

Louis Prima was an influential American singer, trumpeter, and bandleader who brought swing and jazz to mainstream audiences. He gained fame in the 1930s and 1940s with his charismatic stage presence and lively musical arrangements. Prima recorded hits such as his rendition of Sing, Sing, Sing and revitalized traditional jazz with his unique mix of upbeat rhythms. He also ventured into film and television, showcasing his acting talent. His dynamic style inspired generations of musicians and left a lasting legacy in American popular music.

Daniel Jones was a Welsh composer whose work blended rich orchestration with modernist techniques. He studied at Aberystwyth and the Royal Academy of Music, honing his craft under leading contemporaries. His symphonies and chamber works were characterized by intricate harmonies and structural innovation. Jones also served as a conductor and led ensembles in premiering new compositions. His legacy includes a significant body of work that influenced the revival of classical music in Wales.