Cowell in Paris
On today’s date in 1931, the Russian-born American conductor, and composer Nicolas Slonimsky was in Paris conducting the first of two concerts of ultra-modern music from the New World.
John Birge
YourClassical MPR
Composers Datebook®
Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge
Composer's Datebook - 20220606
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Corigliano Dances
The concert band version of John Corigliano’s “Gazebo Dances” was first performed in Indiana on today’s date in 1973.
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Brahms rediscovered
On today’s date in 1853, Johannes Brahms and Hungarian violinist Ede Reményi arrived in Gottingen, where they were hosted by Arnold Wehner, the Music Director of that city’s University.
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Dvorak's "The Water Goblin"
On today’s date in 1896, at a concert of the Prague Conservatory Orchestra, three tone poems by Dvorak premiered: “The Golden Spinning Wheel,” “The Water Goblin,” and “The Noonday Witch.”
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Walton and the Royals
On today’s date in 1953, thousands crowded the route to and from London’s Westminster Abbey for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II – an event for which composer William Walton was asked to write two new pieces.
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Handel's Testament
When most people hit 65, they’re anticipating their first social security check, but on today’s date in 1750, when George Frederick Handel turned 65, he was making out his will.
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Peter Sellars and John Adams
On today’s date 2012, a new oratorio by John Adams and Peter Sellars titled “The Gospel According to the Other Mary” received its world premiere at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles with Gustavo Dudamel conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
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Britten's "War Requiem"
On today’s date in 1962, Benjamin Britten’s “War Requiem” for soprano, tenor, baritone, chorus, and orchestra, had its premiere performance at Coventry Cathedral in England.
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Stravinsky's "Rite" at 100+
It was on today’s date in 1913 that Igor Stravinsky’s ballet “The Rite of Spring” premiered at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris.
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John Williams and Alfred Hitchcock
In 1975, Alfred Hitchcock asked John Williams to write music for what would turn out to be the last film completed by the famous Master of Suspense.
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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.