Handel's Testament
George Frederic Handel (1685-1759): ‘Air,’ from ‘Water Music’; St. Martin’s Academy; Neville Marriner, conductor; EMI 66646
John Birge
YourClassical MPR
Composers Datebook®
Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge
Composers Datebook - June 1, 2025
2:00
Peter Sellars and John Adams
John Adams (b. 1949): ‘Chorus,’ from ‘The Gospel According to the Other Mary’; Los Angeles Master Chorale & Los Angeles Philharmonic; Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; DG 0289 479 2243 8
2:00
Britten's 'War Requiem'
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976): ‘War Requiem’; soloists; choirs; BBC Scottish Symphony; Martyn Brabbins, conductor; Naxos 8.553558
2:00
Stravinsky's 'Rite' at 100+
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): ‘The Rite of Spring’; Cleveland Orchestra; Pierre Boulez, conductor; DG 435 769
2:00
John Williams and Alfred Hitchcock
John Williams (b. 1932): ‘Closing Credits music,’ from ‘Family Plot’; Utah Symphony Varese-Sarabande VCD-47225
2:00
Higdon's 'Rhythm Stand'
Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962): ‘Rhythm Stand’; University of Minnesota Symphonic Band; Craig Kirchoff, conductor; Hal Leonard (full score, parts and CD) HL-04002285
2:00
Edward Collins premieres
Edward Collins (1889-1951): ‘Mardi Gras’ and ‘Tragic Overture’; Concordia Orchestra; Marin Alsop, conductor; Albany 267
2:00
Verdi, Wagner and Sousa for the Red Cross
Richard Wagner (1813-1883): ‘Ride of the Valkyries,’ from ‘Die Walküre’; New York Philharmonic and NBC Orchestra; Arturo Toscanini, conductor; Radio Years 71/72 John Philip Sousa (arr. Toscanini): ‘Stars and Stripes Forever’; New York Philharmonic and NBC Orchestra; Arturo Toscanini, conductor; Radio Years 71/72
2:00
Carter and Copland in dancing shoes
Elliott Carter (1908-2012): ‘Pocahontas Ballet’; American Composers Orchestra; Paul Dunkel, conductor; CRI 610 Aaron Copland (1900-1990): ‘Billy the Kid Ballet’; St. Louis Symphony; Leonard Slatkin, conductor; EMI 73653
2:00
Daniel Pinkham's 'Nocturnes'
Daniel Pinkham (1923-2006): ‘Nocturnes’; Fenwick Smith, flute; David Leisner, guitar; Koch 7423
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.