On this day in 1942, the actress Hedy Lamarr and the composer George Antheil were granted a patent for a frequency hopping torpedo. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", find out more about this seemingly improbable reality.
Today in 1793, The Louvre Museum opened in Paris. The structure itself was built some 250 years earlier for King Francis the First, who was an avid art collector. Following the relocation of the royal family to Versailles during the enlightenment period, a movement got underway to place the courtly collections on public display. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the music of the Louvre.
Today in 1854, author Henry David Thoreau published Walden. This famous transcendentalist text emerged from his time living on Walden Pond, in a cabin in the woods near Concord, Massachusetts. He was there for two years, two months, and two days. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" learn how Walden inspired the work of composer Charles Ives.
On this day in 1885, the funeral procession of Ulysses S. Grant took place New York City. The New York Times reported a million and a half people in the streets before 8 a.m. to remember the president and Civil War general who had died about two weeks before. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", find out what the 18th president really thought about music.
Today in 1962, American actress and model Marilyn Monroe passed away from a barbiturate overdose in Los Angeles, California. Although she was only thirty-six years old at the time of her passing, she had achieved the status of a Hollywood icon due in large part to her highly provocative persona on screen. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the music of one of her most iconic films, The Seven Year Itch.
On this day in 1730, at age 18 Frederick the crown prince of Prussia and later to be known as Frederick the Great — took a chance at escape to England from Prussia and from the high-handed, tyrannical behavior of his father Frederick William I. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we explore the musical legacy of the King of Prussia.
Today in 1778, La Scala Opera House opened in Milan, Italy. This famous venue replaced the Royal Ducal Theatre which had been destroyed by a fire two years earlier. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the luminaries who are most associated with La Scala, from Verdi to Toscanini.
Today in 1939, a letter was dated from the physicist Albert Einstein to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Einstein told Roosevelt that physicists had figured out how to make nuclear chain reactions. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the music inspired by the nuke.
Today in 1969, an opera titled Help, Help, the Globolinks! had its United States premiere at the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico. In the opera, creatures from another planet - called Globolinks - are invading earth. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we discover the power of music over marauding space invaders.
Today in 1900, Don Redman was born in Piedmont, West Virginia. As a composer, arranger, bandleader, and woodwind player, Redman shaped the sound of jazz as we know it today. Learn more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life".
On this day in 1750, Johann Sebastian Bach died in Leipzig, where he spent the last 27 years of his life. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Bach's role as a central figure of the Baroque.
Today in 1940 a certain rascally rabbit made his official debut. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Bugs Bunny's life in music from Leopold Stokoski to Wagner.
On this day in 1788, the state of New York ratified the U.S. Constitution, becoming the 11th state to make its official entrance into the United States of America. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we celebrate New York's contributions to the world of music.
On this day in 1930, the Canadian singer Maureen Forrester was born. A contralto with an arrestingly rich voice, Forrester was one of the 20th century's leading vocalists. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", have a listen to her contributions to opera and the concert stage.
Today in 1938, Caterina Jarboro became the first African-American to perform with an all-white opera company in the United States. Find out the special significance of the role that she played on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today in 1821 German composer, conductor, pianist, and critic, Carl Maria von Weber finalized his last will and testament. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the influence von Weber had on his contemporaries, including Wagner, Berlioz, and Chopin.
On this day in 1304, Petrarch — the Italian humanist, poet, and all-around VIP — was born. As a noted speaker, historian, classicist, diplomat, jet-setter, friend to royals, and Rome's poet laureate, Petrarch was one of the cultural bigshots 14th century Italy. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Petrarch's influence in the realm of music.
Today in 1834, the painter Edgar Degas was born in Paris, France. From an early age he maintained an interest in art, eventually becoming one of the major figures of the so-called impressionist school of painting. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Degas' world of ballet, the movement and costumes of which inspired more than 1500 paintings by the artist.
Today in 1904 arts entrepreneur and critic Lawrence Morton was born in Duluth, Minnesota. How did he shape the course of ancient and modern music on the west coast of the United States? And what piece of music did Igor Stravinsky dedicate to Morton in 1962? Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today in 1922, American operatic soprano Maude Fay got married. Prior to that point in time she had established an international reputation. What was the effect of her wedding on her performance career? And what is her legacy today? Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today in 1946, Spanish composer Manuel De Falla wrote the last completed page of his opera Atlantis, a work that remained unfinished at the time of his death the following November. What inspired this epic of Spanish history and legend? And who later completed the work? Find out on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today in 1928 the first loaf of sliced bread was sold. This brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life" explores the long history of music and bread, from Gregorian Chant to Stephen Sondheim. We hope you enjoy this musical feast.
Today in 1898 Clorindy, or The Origin of The Cake Walk had its premiere on Broadway--it was the first musical written and performed by African Americans. What were its important contributions to the history of music and theatre in the United States? Have a quick listen to this episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."
Today in 1997 NASA's Pathfinder landed on Mars. This segment of "A Classical Day in the Life" explores the otherworldly music and Mars as encountered in the movies and the concert hall.
Today in 1762, the Bon Family arrived at the Esterházy court in Eisenstadt. Their musical presence would shape the output of a thirty-year-old Joseph Haydn. Find out how on this brief episode of "A Classical Day in the Life."