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.
Today in 1967, the musical You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown opened off-Broadway at Theatre 80 in the East Village. On today's "A Day in the Life", we hear our favorite Peanuts characters come to life in the world of musical theatre.
Today in 1866 a 650-ton, iron-hulled ship named the Libelle ran aground on a reef off the coast of Wake Island, an atoll some 2300 miles west of Hawaii, one of the most isolated land masses on the planet. One of the only reasons we even know about the wreck of the Libelle is because among its passengers was English soprano Anna Bishop, perhaps the most travelled vocalist of the 19th century. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we explore the globe-trotting life and career of Anna Bishop.
It was on this day in 1966 that London's "The Evening Standard" published an article titled "How does a Beatle Live? John Lennon Lives Like This". In it, John Lennon is quoted as saying he believes The Beatles are more popular than Jesus. On today's "A Day in the Life," we dive into the fallout that followed.
Today in 1956, Carl Perkins’s recording of “Blue Suede Shoes” entered the Billboard Hot 100 charts. On today's "A Day in the Life," we learn what Johnny Cash has to do with the song and we discover that another song entered the charts on this day in 1956 whose singer would go on to record his own, even more popular, version of "Blue Suede Shoes".
On this day in 1933, Fiorello Henry La Guardia's term as a U.S. Congressman for New York's 20th district came to an end. That end marked a new beginning; later that year, La Guardia won election as mayor of New York — a role in which he served until 1945. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we learn about La Guardia's advocacy for music and we discover which tunes he conducted for the New York Philharmonic.
Today in 1973 jazz bassist Jimmy DeBrest, also known as “Spanky”, passed away at the age of 36. Though he wasn't tremendously well-known, he played a foundational role as a sideman in the post-bop era of jazz. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore DeBrest's work alongside Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, and John Coltrane.
It was on this day in 1692 that Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba were arrested for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. The arrests heralded the beginning of the famed Salem Witch Trials which, when all was said and done, resulted in the execution of 20 people accused of practicing the devil's magic. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we listen to the 1962 Pulitzer Prize winning opera, "The Crucible" adapted from Arthur Miller's play by American composer Robert Ward.
It was on this day in 1969 that "Everyday People" by Sly and the Family Stone entered its third consecutive week at number one on the US Billboard charts. On today's "A Day in the Life," we talk about the family that made up the band and the band's philosophy of equality and racial solidarity.