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.
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 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 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.
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".
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".
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.
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 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 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".
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 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.
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.
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.
Today in 1558, Queen Elizabeth I ascended the throne of England. Nicknamed Oriana, the queen created a fostering environment for music during her 44-year reign. Who were the leading figures of this so-called Elizabethan era? Find out on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today in 1900 Philadelphia Orchestra performed its first concert at the Academy of Music. Today's "A Day in the Life" explores the music of this debut performance--including works by Goldmark, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky--and considers how the ensemble eventually found its signature "Philadelphia Sound."
Today in 1711, Soprano Catherine Rafter was was born in London, England to an Irish father and English mother. Ultimately known by her stage name, Kitty Clive, she would become a well-known interpreter of the music of both Henry Purcell and George Frederic Handel. Learn more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
On this day in 1994, the Second Symphony of American composer Stephen Albert had its world premiere - almost two years after Albert’s death in a car accident on Cape Cod, at age 51. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the music of Albert and learn how his unfinished Second Symphony came to life following his untimely death.
Today in 1901, the second piano concerto by Russian pianist, conductor, and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff had its premiere. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Rachmaninoff's career and triumph over depression.
On this day in 1602, Oxford University’s Bodleian Library opened. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" join us as we explore the library's music collection.
On this date in 1943, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm were in the midst of a week-long engagement at the Paradise Theater in Detroit. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the history of all-female jazz bands during World War II.
On this day in 1973, the space probe Mariner 10 was launched, sent on its way to the planets Venus and Mercury. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we consider the ways in which Mercury has been dealt with in the musical sphere.
Although not in the same year, Warren G. Harding was both born and elected president of the United States on this day. His surprising life in music and the surprising music inspired by his life are the subject of today's "A Day in the Life."