Today in 1065, Westminster Abbey was consecrated. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we visit upon those luminaries who are buried or otherwise memorialized in the Abbey from Henry Purcell to Noel Coward.
It was on this day in 1974 that Barry Manilow scored his first number one hit with "Mandy." Is the song really about Manilow's dog? Is Mandy any relation to Brandy? On this installment of "A Day in the Life," we get to the bottom of the origin of the song.
Today in 1906 American pianist, composer, and actor, Oscar Levant was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the career of Levant and his notable interpretations of Gershwin.
It was on this day in 1904 that Peter Pan--a play by the Scottish writer JM Barrie--premiered at the Duke of York Theater in London. On today's "A Day in the Life", we examine the music inspired by the boy who wouldn't grow up.
On this day in 1620, the Mayflower arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after a long transatlantic journey and an initial landing on Cape Cod more than a month before. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the music of pilgrims.
It’s St. Stephen’s Day, the feast of Stephen, the same day when good King Wenceslas looked out and saw the snow laying deep and crisp and even. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the music of St Stephen.
It was on this day in 1814 that Andrew Jackson led a group of soldiers in the Night Attack of December 23rd, a prelude to the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. Nearly 150 years later, a high school history teacher commemorated the events of the battle in a song that would eventually become a worldwide hit.
On this day in 1938, music impresario John Hammond hosted the first of two concerts at Carnegie Hall titled "From Spirituals to Swing." On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we hop from the holy roller hymns of Mitchell's Christian Singers to Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the Count Basie Orchestra.
Today in 1789 the Viennese Society of Musicians premiered Mozart's Clarinet Quintet in A major. Tour the four movements of the piece and learn more about Anton Stadler, the clarinetist who played the premiere and for whom Mozart originally composed the work on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
It was on this day in the year 2000 that Joel and Ethan Coen's "O Brother Where Art Thou" opened in theaters across North America. In today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the role that the distinctive soundtrack played in the film.
Today in 1937, Walt Disney's first feature length film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" premiered at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles. Explore the music and the people behind the music in today's "Day in the Life."
Today, in 1915, vocalist and actress Édith Giovanna Gassion was born in Belleville, Paris - she would eventually become known to the world as Edith Piaf - or the little sparrow. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the life and career of Edith Piaf through rose colored glasses.
On this day in 1893, the New York Philharmonic debuted the 9th Symphony by composer Antonín Dvořák at Carnegie Hall. Why is it known as the "New World Symphony" and what inspired the Czech composer living in the United States to create it? Find out the answers to these questions and more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today in 1977, the film, Saturday Night Fever opened in theaters. The movie that made everyone want to dance like John Travolta, except perhaps John Lydon. The soundtrack featured several tunes by the Bee Gees in addition to other staples of the 70's including KC and the Sunshine Band, The Trammps, and Kool and the Gang. Jump back to those tribal rites of old Saturday nights on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1970 that the Venera 7 spacecraft landed on Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to reach the surface of another planet. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the musical side of Venus; from Frankie Avalon to Richard Wagner, and Gustav Holst to Bjork.
It was on this day in 1828 that the 6th Symphony of Austrian composer Franz Schubert had its first performance. Not to be confused with Schubert's other C Major symphony, the 9th, in today's "A Classical Day in the Life" find out what makes one "great" and the other "little".
On this day in 1979, English punk band, The Clash released their third album. The album and its lead single were titled "London Calling." On today's "A Day in the Life" find out the inspiration for the title and learn more about the social and cultural currents in the music.
On this day in 1895, Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony had its world premiere in Berlin, with the composer at the podium. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the movements of the work and listen to a rehearsal recording of the piece conducted by Leonard Bernstein where we hear the Maestro, himself, singing snippets of the contralto solo in the fourth movement.
It was on this day, in 1989, in Reading Pennsylvania, that Taylor Alison Swift was born. On today's "A Day in the Life" learn which Canadian singer inspired the young Taylor Swift.
On this day in 1787, Pennsylvania ratified the U.S. Constitution. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the musical contributions of those who call the Keystone state home.
It was on this day in 1901 that an Italian physicist named Guglielmo Marconi succeeded in sending the first radio transmission across the Atlantic. On today's "A Day in the Life" we consider the medium of radio and the songs it has inspired.
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.
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.
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."
Today in 1892, English contralto Clara Butt made her professional debut in London at the Royal Albert Hall. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Butt's career from her debut in Arthur Sullivan’s cantata The Golden Legend to her association with Edward Elgar.