The opera Tristan und Isolde premiered in Munich on this day in 1865. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we explore the power of an important chord composed by Richard Wagner and why some say it was the beginning of the end for traditional harmony.
On this day in 1840, the Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist Franz Liszt changed the history of concertgoing culture: he inaugurated the term "recital" for a concert he gave at the Hanover Square Rooms in London. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we learn more about Liszt's concept of recitals and what he played at his first one on this day in 1840.
Today in 1970 Bruce Springsteen began to record his first album: Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. Find out what songs he recorded, who he recorded with, and the critical response to this initial outing today on “A Day in the Life.”
The comedic film Trading Places premiered on this day in 1983. What music accompanied stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd through Prince and the Pauper experiences? Find out today on “A Day in the Life.”
On this day in 1810, the German composer Robert Schumann was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore one of the heavyweights of the 19th century romantic tradition.
Today in 1883, Theodore Thomas conducted his orchestra in the opening concert of the San Francisco Festival. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we take a look at the life and career of the most famous conductor in the United States during the 19th Century.
It was on this day in 1958 that the music icon Prince Rogers Nelson was born in Minneapolis, MN. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the life and career of Prince.
Today in 2015, The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) held an open audition call in midtown Manhattan to fill the leading role of Dorothy in their upcoming production of The Wiz Live! On today's "A Day in the Life" learn who won the role of Dorothy and who else rounded out the cast.
It was on this day in 1888 that the outlook wasn't too brilliant for the Mudville 9, as Ernest Lawrence Thayer's poem "Casey at the Bat" first appeared in the San Francisco Examiner. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we look at musical works that were inspired by the tale.
On this day in 1949 Pete Seeger performed "If I had a Hammer" for the first time in New York City. Find out the circumstances of its premiere and its eventual cover by Peter, Paul, and Mary on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1897 that the American writer Mark Twain didn't die. As Twain was quoted in the New York Journal "The report of my death was an exaggeration". On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore music inspired by Twain's works.
It was on this day in 1970 that American Rapper, Louis Freese, better known by his stage name B Real was born in Los Angeles. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the music of B Real and his group, Cyprus Hill.
One of the best selling female artists of the 1990s was born on this day in 1974: Alanis Morissette. Jagged Little Pills, Irony, and Alt-Rock Stardom all on today's "A Day in the Life."
On this day in 1600, English Renaissance composer, lutenist and singer John Dowland dedicated his "Second Booke of Songs or Airs" to Lucy Russell, Countess of Bedford. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we learn that Dowland was the Elizabethan version of Elliot Smith, what with all the melancholia and what have you.