December 18

Antonio Stradivari was born in Cremona, Italy, in 1644 and became the most celebrated luthier ever. His instruments, known as Stradivari violins, are prized for their unparalleled tone and craftsmanship. He established a workshop where he experimented with varnishes, wood treatments, and design innovations. Stradivari's creations include violins, cellos, and guitars that remain highly sought after by musicians and collectors. Few instruments from the 'Golden Period' (1700-1720) match the enduring quality of his work. His secrets have inspired centuries of violin makers and scientific studies. Stradivari's instruments continue to command record prices and symbolize the pinnacle of musical artistry.

Louis Moreau Gottschalk was born in New Orleans in 1829 and became a celebrated pianist and composer. His virtuosic performances toured the United States, Europe, and South America, drawing international acclaim. Gottschalk infused his compositions with Creole, African American, and Latin American musical motifs, creating a distinct Romantic style. Works like 'The Banjo' and 'Le Bananier' showcased his flair for melody and rhythmic innovation. He was one of the first American composers to gain widespread recognition abroad. Gottschalk's career was cut short when he died of cholera in 1869 during a tour in Brazil. His legacy endures in the blending of diverse cultural influences in American classical music.

Born in 1850, Hamo Thornycroft studied at the Royal Academy Schools and became a leader of the New Sculpture movement. His 1879 statue Teucer earned him early acclaim for its blend of classical form and naturalistic detail. Thornycroft's works, such as the Boadicea and Her Daughters fountain near Westminster Bridge, remain iconic. He served as President of the Royal Society of British Sculptors and influenced a generation of artists. His public monuments and intimate portrait busts showcased both narrative power and subtle realism. Thornycroft died in 1925, leaving a lasting impact on British sculpture.

Born in 1873 near London, Ontario, Ernest Lawson studied art in Paris and New York. He joined the Ten American Painters, a group of Impressionists who broke from the Society of American Artists in 1897. Lawson's impressionistic landscapes captured urban parks, coastal scenes, and rural vistas with vibrant color. He taught at the Art Students League of New York, mentoring younger artists in outdoor painting techniques. His work appeared in major exhibitions across North America and helped define early American Impressionism. Lawson died in 1939, remembered for his dedication to both teaching and plein air painting.

Born in 1897 in New York City, Leo Reisman studied violin at the New York Conservatory. In the early 1920s, he formed a dance orchestra that became a mainstay at hotels and on national radio. Reisman's blend of classical training and popular music yielded hits like Charmaine and The Very Thought of You. His orchestra was a fixture at the Hotel Biltmore and influenced the development of big band style. He collaborated with prominent songwriters and vocalists, shaping the soundscape of the 1920s and 1930s. Reisman died in 1961, leaving a legacy of refined arrangements and early swing music influence.

Born in 1940 near Düsseldorf, Germany. Started his career as a session keyboardist in the late 1960s. Established Conny's Studio, producing seminal Krautrock acts like Kraftwerk, Neu!, and Cluster. His innovative production techniques and use of electronic effects shaped the sound of 1970s experimental rock. Collaborated with artists such as Brian Eno and Ultravox, influencing new wave and ambient music. He continued to push sonic boundaries until his death in 1987, leaving a lasting impact on modern music production.

Born in Paris in 1914, Paul Tortelier studied at the Conservatoire de Paris. He won first prize in cello before embarking on an international solo career. Tortelier performed with major orchestras across Europe and the United States. He composed works including a cello concerto that showcased his deep musical insight. A dedicated teacher, he held positions at the Paris Conservatory and Juilliard School. He died in 1990, leaving recordings that continue to inspire cellists worldwide.

Born in London in 1926, Brockless studied at the Royal College of Music under Ralph Downes. He served as organist and choirmaster at Worcester College, Oxford, showcasing his virtuosity. As a conductor, he founded the Pauline Players chamber ensemble in 1952. Brockless composed works for organ, choir, and chamber groups, blending tradition with modernism. His recordings of Bach and contemporary English composers earned critical acclaim. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music and influenced a generation of musicians. Brockless passed away in 1995, leaving a legacy of performance and pedagogy.

Born in New York City in 1895, Caesar began writing songs as a teenager for Broadway revues. He collaborated with composers such as Vincent Youmans and George Gershwin in the 1920s. His lyrics for Tea for Two became one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century. Caesar penned hits like Swanee and Just a Gigolo that defined an era of popular music. He co-wrote the musical operetta Countess Maritza and wrote for radio and film. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he influenced generations of lyricists. Caesar passed away in 1996, leaving a legacy of melodies still celebrated today.

Robert Bresson was a French avant-garde film director and screenwriter known for his minimalist approach and profound spiritual themes. He often employed non-professional actors to strip away theatricality and focus on subtle gestures and ambient sound. His landmark films include "Pickpocket", "Au Hasard Balthazar", and "Un condamné à mort s'est échappé", which won the Grand Prix at Cannes. Bresson's unique cinematic language has influenced generations of filmmakers such as Jim Jarmusch and Michael Haneke. His work remains a cornerstone of art-house cinema, celebrated for its meditative pacing and emotional depth.

Kirsty MacColl was a British singer-songwriter celebrated for her eclectic pop tunes and emotive vocals. She first gained attention with the hit single "They Don't Know" before achieving further success with collaborations like "Fairytale of New York". Her songwriting blended humor and heartfelt emotion, earning her critical acclaim. Daughter of folk singer Ewan MacColl, she carved out her own artistic identity in the 1980s and 1990s. MacColl's life was tragically cut short in a boating accident, but her music continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Gilbert Bécaud was a French entertainer whose dynamic stage presence earned him the nickname "Monsieur 100,000 Volts". He composed and performed numerous hits such as "Et Maintenant (What Now My Love?)" that became standards worldwide. A talented pianist and charismatic actor, Bécaud starred in films and wrote scores for musicals. Over a career spanning five decades, he sold millions of records and toured extensively. His vibrant performances and heartfelt songwriting left a lasting legacy in French popular music.