Beethoven unveiled
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): ‘Congratulations Minuet’; Berlin Philharmonic; Herbert von Karajan, conductor; DG 453 713
John Birge
YourClassical MPR
Composers Datebook®
Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge
Composers Datebook - Aug. 12, 2024
2:00
Rachmaninoff's 'Monna Vanna'
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) arr. Igor Buketoff: ‘Monna Vanna’; soloists; Iceland Symphony; Igor Buketoff, conductor; Chandos 8987
2:00
MacMillan at the Proms
James MacMillan (b. 1959): ‘Veni, Veni, Emmanuel’; Evelyn Glennie, percussion; Scottish Chamber Orchestra; Jukka-Pekka Saraste, conductor; BMG/Catalyst 61916
2:00
Let's say 'Jean Francaix'
Jean Francaix (1912-1997): Symphony in G Major; Ulster Orchestra; Thierry Fischer, conductor; Hyperion CDA-67323
2:00
Del Tredici through the looking glass
David Del Tredici (b. 1937): ‘Acrostic Song’; Carol Wincenc, flute; David Del Tredici, piano; Nonesuch 79114
2:00
Hanson and Thomas at summer camp
Howard Hanson (1896-1981): Symphony No. 7 (‘A Sea Symphony’); Seattle Symphony and Chorale; Gerard Schwarz, conductor; Delos 3130 Augusta Read Thomas (b. 1964): ‘Wind Dances’; Louisville Orchestra; Lawrence Leighton Smith, conductor; Albany/Louisville First Edition 010
2:00
A dream situation for Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847): ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture’; Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra; Kurt Masur, conductor; Teldec 46323
2:00
Mozart's first (and fashions)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Symphony No. 1; Prague Chamber Orchestra; Charles Mackerras, conductor; Telarc 80256
2:00
Golijov's 'Azul'
Osvaldo Golijov (b. 1960): ‘Azul’; Yo-Yo Ma, cello; The Knights, Eric Jacobsen, conductor; Warner Classics 9029587521
2:00
Bennett and Sousa at bat
John Philip Sousa (1854-1932): ‘The National Game’; Royal Artillery Band; Keith Brion, conductor; Naxos 8.559092
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.