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
On this day in 1913, Karl Haas — one of the most recognizable voices in classical music, was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Haas' contributions to the understanding of music on his long-running radio program "Adventures in Good Music".
It was on this day in 1902 that a twenty year old James Joyce wrote to his parents describing how the famous poet WB Yeats had spent the day making introductions for him around London. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the musical world of James Joyce.
Today in 1912, actress, singer, dancer, and author, Fuji Ko died in Montreal, Canada. Learn more about the life and career of the Japanese entertainer on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
It was on this day in 1945 that five Avenger Torpedo Bombers and the fourteen airmen piloting them--the collective designation for the mission was Flight 19--disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the music inspired by the mystery of the "Devil's Triangle".
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 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 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."
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 1949, Charlie "Bird" Parker recorded the album Charlie Parker With Strings. What jazz standards did he perform and which pre-fame cult figure was also in the studio? Find out on this "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1947 that Gustav Mahler’s monumental Third Symphony had its first performance in England, marking a significant moment in the canonization of Mahler’s works after World War II. Learn more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
It was on this day in 2001 that English singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist of The Beatles, George Harrison died. On today's "A Day in the Life" learn about the rather unconventional audition that John Lennon imposed upon Harrison to become a member of The Beatles.
It was on this day in 1909 that Sergei Rachmaninoff presented the world premiere of his Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, with Walter Damroch leading the Symphony Society of New York as his backing band. How did Rachmaninoff handle the playing of this notoriously difficult piece? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
Today is the day that Donald Trump urged his supporters to go out and vote when speaking at a rally in Panama City, FL on October 11, 2016 - notwithstanding the fact that the election was to be held on the first Tuesday of the month, November 8th. On today's "A Day in the Life" we use Trump's mistake as an excuse to explore mistakes made in popular music.
It was on this day in 1984 that Band Aid, a supergroup made up of anyone who was anyone in the early 1980's Brit Pop scene, recorded "Do they Know it's Christmas." Find out who was behind it and why on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1882 that Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera Iolanthe debuted in London and New York. Was it merely a tale of fairy love or was it a political satire? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
On this day in 1974, Elton John and John Lennon rehearsed for an upcoming Thanksgiving Day concert at Madison Square Garden. Why did John Lennon agree to do a special appearance at an Elton John show and which Paul McCartney tune did Lennon cover at the end of the concert? All will be revealed on today's "A Day in the Life."
On this day, in 1960, American bassist and composer, Edgar Meyer was born. His work ranges from bluegrass to jazz and brings forth the often overlooked soloistic capacity of the double bass. What do renowned artists Béla Fleck, Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, and Jerry Douglas have in common? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
It was on this day in 1954 that pop star and pianist extraordinaire Bruce Hornsby was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the classical music influences in Hornsby's work - from Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern to Elliott Carter.
On this day in 2004, Nova Scotia native and sometime Broken Social Scene member, Feist released her single, "Mushaboom." What does the name reference and what are the origins of the word? Find out all this and more on today's "A Day in the Life."
It was on this day, almost at noon, while riding in a motorcade through downtown Dallas that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the musical references to that fateful day.
It was on this day in 1928 that Maurice Ravel’s Bolero had its premiere, at the Paris Opera. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we examine the composition and the various rates at which it has been performed in popular recordings.
Today in 1631, the Great Plague of Milan came to a ceremonial end. This particular outbreak of the centuries-old Bubonic Plague, an epidemic that began with the so-called Black Death in the mid-fourteenth century, claimed the lives of approximately 25% of northern Italy’s population. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the Thanksgiving Mass Claudio Monteverdi composed for the occasion of the construction of the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.
It was on this day in 1965 that the Icelandic singer, songwriter, and actress Björk Guðmundsdóttir was born. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the beginnings of her career as an eleven-year-old pop sensation and later with the Sugarcubes.
Today's "A Classical Day in the Life" explores the sprawling musical world of author Margaret Atwood, born on this day in 1939. We journey from high school musicals, to Elvis, to her "Letter to America," to the operatic stage.