Poster John Birge
John Birge
YourClassical MPR

Composers Datebook®

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

Composers Datebook - Nov. 2, 2024

YourClassical

Verdi and Bach on wine

Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901): ‘Libiamo (Brindisi)’, from ‘La Traviata’; Frank Chacksfield Orchestra; London 436 849

2:00
YourClassical

Handel and the Bible

George Frederic Handel (1685-1759): ‘Israel in Egypt’; King’s College Choir; Brandenburg Consort; Stephen Cleobury, conductor; London 452 295

2:00
YourClassical

The Devil’s Sentry Box

Dan Román (b. 1974): ‘La Garita del Diabolo’ from ‘Fabulas’; Katalin Viszmeg, violin; Pi-Hsun Shih, piano; Innova 904

2:00
YourClassical

Rorem's 'Nantucket Songs'

Ned Rorem (1923-2022): ‘Nantucket Songs’; Phyllis Bryn-Julson, soprano; Ned Rorem, piano; CRI 670

2:00
YourClassical
2:00
YourClassical

Ince's 'Flight Box'

Kamran Ince (b. 1960): ‘Flight Box’; Present Music Ensemble; Kevin Stalheim, conductor; Present Music 6509

2:00
YourClassical

Daniel Asia's Fourth

Daniel Asia (b. 1953): Symphony No. 4; New Zealand Symphony; James Sedares, conductor; Summit 256

2:00
YourClassical

Shostakovich goes for the 'Gold'

Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975): ‘Polka,’ from ‘The Age of Gold’; Moscow Chamber Orchestra; Constantine Orbelian, conductor; Delos 3257

2:00
YourClassical
2:00
YourClassical

William Grant Still's 'Africa'

William Grant Still (1895-1978): ‘Land of Romance’ and ‘Land of Superstition,’ from ‘Africa’; Fort Smith ASym; John Jeter, conductor; Naxos 8.559174

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.