On this day in 1706, Benjamin Franklin was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we examine the confluence of the founding father's inventiveness and the world of music.
It was on this day in 1994 that Danny Bonaduce stepped into the ring with Donny Osmond in Chicago, IL for a boxing match. On today's "A Day in the Life", find out whose trash-talking led to the match and who came out on top.
Today in 1980, composer, actor, and hip-hop artist, Lin-Manuel Miranda was born in Manhattan, in Washington heights. On today's "A Day in the Life" we track Manuel's career from his first musical "In the Heights" to the rise of "Hamilton".
Today in 1987, Joan Tower premiered her composition Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman. The work, by one of the foremost American composers at the end of the twentieth century--male or female--is a direct response to Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Tower's work and the uncommon woman to whom it's dedicated.
It was on this day in 1839 that the first bulk shipment of tea from India arrived in England. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the role of tea for two music luminaries, Doris Day and Dmitri Shostakovich.
On this day in 1879, the British premiere of Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique took place - almost 50 years after its premiere in Paris in 1830. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we consider the reasons for the delayed premiere in England and explore Berlioz's affinity for Shakespeare.
It was on this day in 1493, while sailing near the Dominican Republic, that Christopher Columbus claimed to have seen three mermaids. On today's "A Day in the Life" we uncover what Columbus actually saw while considering songs inspired by the sea.
On this day in 1909, Bela Bartok conducted a performance of the scherzo from his second orchestral suite, marking the only time he ever conducted any orchestra in concert. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the composer's orchestral maneuvers.
It’s the day after New Year’s Day, a national holiday in Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine and Scotland, where it’s known as the New Year Holiday. As widely observed as it is, the Day after New Years day is unusual for a holiday in that it’s not connected to any national or religious event. It’s just an extra day off at the beginning of year to kick the year off right. On today's "A Day in the Life", we consider the music of the number 2.