On this day in 1854, the oratorio L’Enfance du Christ, or the Childhood of Christ, by the French composer Hector Berlioz, had its first performance in Paris. Find out why Berlioz's countrymen liked the fake alter ego he created more than him in today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1969 that folk singer James Taylor was in a Los Angeles recording studio creating his second album, Sweet Baby James. Journey with us as we learn more, won't you? For example, which member of the Eagles played on the album? Also, what was the budget to make the album, in US dollars? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 2002, United Airlines filed for bankruptcy. This "A Day in the Life" explores the company's long-standing musical relationship with George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
Today in 1967, Jim Morrison, lead singer of the Doors, turned 24 years old. The next day he became the first ever rock singer to be arrested on stage. Transport yourself back to that night in New Haven on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1865 that Finnish composer Jean Sibelius was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" find out what Sibelius' Seventh Symphony has in common with Samuel Barber’s First Symphony and the Doctor Atomic Symphony by John Adams.
As FDR declared in 1941, December 7th is a day that will live in infamy. Today's "A Day in the Life" explores some of the musical responses to the attack on Pearl Harbor, including some of its more infamous popular songs.
It was on this day in 1983 that Nena's 99 Luftballons entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart. On today's "A Day in the Life" discover the origins of the song and what, exactly, is going on with the lyrics.
When 1875's version of December 4th occurred, Bohemian-Austrian poet Ranier Maria Rilke was born unto this world. Known for works such as Duino Elegies, Letters to a Young Poet, and The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge, he also had something to say about music. Find out which composer Rilke was especially interested in on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1991 that pioneering rock and roll DJ, Alan Freed, posthumously received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Freed has become well-known as a result of his involvement in the Payola Scandal, but on today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the contributions he made to the genre he named.
It was on this day in 1883 that Austrian composer Anton Webern was born. Webern was a member of the so-called Second Viennese School: a group of composers known for their forays into atonality. Learn more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1983 that Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video debuted on MTV. Get the play-by-play commentary on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1804, at Notre Dame in Paris, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned emperor of the French. Come along with us on a musical voyage of discovery as we visit the likes of Jean Francois Lesueur, Ludwig van Beethoven and, of course, ABBA.
It was on this day in 1997 that everyone's favorite saxophonist, Kenny G was officially recognized by the folks at Guinness World Records for doing something notable. But what exactly was it? Find out on today's "A Day in the Life."
Today in 1944, the Hungarian composer Béla Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra had its first performance with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. How do Shostakovich's Seventh Symphony and an operetta loved by Adolf Hitler figure into Bartok's concerto? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."