This exemplar of the Baroque languished in obscurity for nearly a century after its composition… And in 1977 it was shot into space! Find out how, exactly, Bach ended up voyaging through space on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
Today in 1956, Billboard debuted its weekly “Best Selling Popular Albums” chart. On today's "A Day in the Life", we take a look at some fun facts associated with the chart from the The Kingston Trio to the Beatles and even some Paula Abdul.
It was on this day in 1953 that American singer-songwriter Chaka Khan was born in Chicago. On today's "A Day in the Life" we follow the trajectory of Khan's career and explore her association with Stevie Wonder and Prince.
On this day in 2001, the Russian Space Station Mir - or whatever pieces were left of it after it re-entered the atmosphere - fell into the Pacific Ocean. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we take a Mir-eyed view of the music and culture of our planet.
It was on this day in 1920 that Fanny Waterman, founder of the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition, was born. Waterman, an accomplished pianist and teacher, was inspired by the many great pianists that performed in her home town of Leeds during her childhood. Learn more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
It was on this day in 1956 that the musical "Mr. Wonderful" opened on Broadway starring Sammy Davis Jr. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the early career of Sammy Davis Jr.
Today in 1948 American jazz critic and historian Gary Giddins was born in Brooklyn, New York. On today's "A Day in the Life", we take a listen to a little-known 1956 composition that Giddins sited as an example of why he is inspired to write about jazz.
Today in 1967, composer Philip Glass attended a concert at the Park Place Gallery in New York City featuring the works of fellow composer, Steve Reich. Both together and separate, these men would become two of the most influential creators of new music in the second half of the 20th century. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we go all in, in a minimalist sort of way.
It was on this day in 1997 that the post-punk pop trio, Ben Folds Five released their second album, titled "Whatever and Ever Amen". On today's "A Day in the Life" we listen to the hits and track the rise and fall of the band.
On this day in 1733, Handel's opera "Deborah" made its debut at the King's Theatre in London. On today's "A Classical day in the Life", we learn about Handel's upbringing and the opera that very nearly ruined him.
It was on this day in 461 that St. Patrick is thought to have died. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the life of the Saint and the music of Shamrock.
On this day in 1928, Christa Ludwig, the great German mezzo-soprano, was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", listen to Ludwig perform everything from Bach to Mahler and Beethoven to Brahms.
It was on this day in 1959 that William Jonathan Drayton Jr., better known as Flavor Flav, was born in Roosevelt, New York. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the career of the hip hop hype man.
Today in 1900, composer and ethnomusicologist Colin McPhee was born in Montreal, Canada. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore McPhee's pioneering work on the music of Bali, a culture with which he first came into contact through recordings of the Balinese gamelan in the late 1920s.
It was on this day in 1929 that the piano player Clarence Smith, better known as Pine Top Smith, died in Chicago from a bullet wound. On today's "A Day in the Life", learn more about the influential Boogie Woogie blues pianist.
It was on this day in 1885 that Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera "The Mikado" made its debut at the Savoy Theatre in London. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the genesis of the play, replete with lozenges and a certain "short, sharp, shock."
It was on this day in 1966 that James Brown and the Famous Flames made an appearance on the UK variety show, "Ready, Steady, Go!" On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the history of the program and its first host, Dusty Springfield.
Today in 1791, Franz Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 96 in D major, also known as the "Miracle Symphony", had its premiere at the Hanover Square Rooms in London. Find out what's so miraculous about it on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
Today in 1906, Maurice Ravel's "Sonatine" received its first performance. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we learn of the composition's beginnings as a a piece Ravel entered in a contest to win a prize of 100 Francs.
It was on this day in 1972 that #3 and #4 on the Billboard charts were "Heart of Gold" and "Horse with no Name", respectively. Many thought both songs were sung by Neil Young, which wasn't the case. On today's "A Day in the Life", we tease the reality out of the songs and the nationalities of those who sang them.
It was on this day in 1822 that Charles Graham of New York was granted the first US patent for artificial teeth. We seize the momentous anniversary and use it as an excuse to finally explore the world of dentistry via music!
Today in 1963 the Beatles began their first tour of the UK. Who else was on the bill with the soon-to-be bigger than life band? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1922 that American actor and dancer, Cyd Charisse was born in Amarillo, Texas. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we examine the early career of Charisse and we answer the question, "Is that really her singing?"
It was on this day in 1971 that boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier met in the ring for the first time at Madison Square Garden. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the music inspired by the rivalry and also uncover a rather stunning interpretation of Sinatra's "My Way" by Frazier himself.
On this day in 1915, the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev — then in his mid-20s — made his foreign debut. The concert was in Rome, and Prokofiev performed his Second Piano Concerto. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the influence that the man behind the concert, Sergei Diaghilev, had on Prokofiev.