How to pray
David Lang (b. 1957): ‘How to Pray’; Real Quiet ensemble; Gil Rose, conductor; Naxos 8.559615
John Birge
YourClassical MPR
Composers Datebook®
Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge
Composers Datebook - Nov. 3, 2026
2:00
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Mozart and 'Amadeus'
Wolfgang Mozart (1756-1791): ‘Requiem’; La Chapelle Royale and Orchestre des Champs Elysees; Philippe Herreweghe, conductor; Harmonia Mundi 901620
2:00
Three Parisian premieres
Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986): ‘Requiem’; Westminster Choir; Joseph Flummerfelt, conductor; Avie 46
2:00
Composer skulls
Kevin Puts (b. 1972): Marimba Concerto; Ji Su Jung, marimba; Baltimore Symphony; Marin Alsop, conductor; Naxos CD 8.559926
2:00
Heggie's 'Great Scott'
Jake Heggie (b. 1961): ‘Rosa Dolorosa’ Overture from ‘Great Scott’; Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano; Dallas Opera; Patrick Summers, conductor; Erato 9029594078
2:00
Handel advertises his wares
George Frederic Handel (1685-1757): Concerto Grosso No. 5; I Solisti Italiani; Denon 6305
2:00
A 'pathetic' symphony by Tchaikovsky
Peter Tchaikovsky (1840-1893): Symphony No. 6 (‘Pathétique’); Russian National Orchestra; Mikhail Pletnev, conductor; DG 449 967
2:00
'Eating Greens' with Mackey
Steven Mackey (b. 1956): ‘Eating Greens’; New World Symphony; Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor; RCA/BMG 63826
2:00
Robert Ward panned and prized
Robert Ward (1917-2013): ‘The Crucible’; New York City Opera; Emerson Buckley, conductor; Albany 25/26
2:00
About Composers Datebook®
Host John Birge presents a daily snapshot of composers past and present, with timely information, intriguing musical events and appropriate, accessible music related to each.
He has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.