Poster John Birge
John Birge
YourClassical MPR

Composers Datebook®

Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge

Composers Datebook - May 22, 2024

YourClassical

Alvin Singleton's "PraiseMaker"

Alvin Singleton (b. 1940): ‘PraiseMaker’; Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus; Robert Spano; Telarc 32630

2:00
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Adolphe's 'Tyrannosaurus Sue'

Bruce Adolphe (b. 1955): ‘Tyrannosaurus Sue: A Cretaceous Concerto’; Chicago Chamber Musicians; Pollyrhythm Productions 30001

2:00
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Beethoven in New York

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Symphony No. 9 (‘Choral’); Berlin Philharmonic; Claudio Abbado, conductor; DG 471 491

2:00
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Saint-Saens and 'Babe' at the organ

Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921): Symphony No. 3 (‘Organ’); Peter Hurford, organ; Montreal Symphony Orchestra; Charles Dutoit, conductor; London/Decca 410201

2:00
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Proust, Joyce, Stravinsky

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): ‘Renard’; Orchestre Du Domaine Musical; Pierre Boulez, conductor; Decca 481151

2:00
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Bernstein's Philharmonic stats

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990): Symphony No. 2 (‘The Age of Anxiety’); Marc-Andre Hamelin, piano; Ulster Orchestra; Dmitry Sitkovetsky, condcutor; Hyperion 67170

2:00
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Poldowski

Régine Wieniawski (aka Poldowski) (1879-1932): ‘Scherzo’ from Violin Sonata; Clare Howick, violin; Miroslaw Feldgebel, piano; Dux 1840

2:00
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Happy birthday, Brian Eno

Brian Eno (b. 1948): ‘Music for Airports’; Brian Eno, synthesizers; Polydor 2310 647

2:00
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Rautavaara's Fifth

Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016): Symphony No. 5; Leipzig Radio Symphony; Max Pommer, conductor; BMG 62671

2:00
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Beach at the opera

Amy Beach (1867-1944): ‘Cabildo’; ensemble; Ransom Wilson, conductor; Delos 3170

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.