Composers Datebook®

Diamond arrives, Thompson departs

Synopsis

Music Played in Today's Program

David Diamond (b. 1915) Rounds Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra; Gerard Schwarz, cond. Nonesuch 79002

Randall Thompson (1899 - 1984) Alleluia Dale Warland Singers; Dale Warland, cond. MPR 201

On This Day

Births

  • 1879 - Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, in Bologna

  • 1915 - American composer David Diamond, in Rochester, N.Y.

  • 1938 - Japanese-American composer Paul Chihara, in Seattle

Deaths

  • 1747 - Italian opera composer, Giovanni Bonocini, age 76, in Vienna; He was the famous (and unsuccessful) rival of Handel's for the favor of the opera-loving public in London

  • 1960 - American composer Edward Burlington Hill, age 87, in Francesrtown, New Hampshire

  • 1984 - American composer and teacher Randall Thompson, age 85, in Boston

Premieres

  • 1957 - Hartmann: opera "Simplicius Simplicissimus" (revised version), in Mannheim at the Nationaltheater; This opera was premiered in a concert version in Munich by the Bavarian Radio on April 2, 1948

  • 1969 - Lennox Berkeley: Symphony No. 3, in Cheltenham, England

  • 2001 - Steven Stucky: "Three Little Pieces for David," for piano (written for the 65th birthday of conductor David Zinman), by Yefim Bronfman at the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Composers Datebook® Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Composers Datebook® Episodes

YourClassical
2:00
Get Composers Datebook in your inbox
YourClassical

Dahl's 'Sinfonietta'

Ingolf Dahl (1912-1970): ‘Sinfonietta’; DePaul University Wind Ensemble; Donald DeRoche, conductor; Albany 435

2:00
YourClassical
2:00
YourClassical

The singular Mr. Berwald

Franz Berwald (1796-1868): Symphony No. 3 (‘Singulière’); Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra; Okko Kamu, conductor; Naxos 8.553052

2:00
YourClassical

Opposite-coast bouquets and brickbats for Weill and Sessions

Roger Sessions (1896-1985): Symphony No. 2; San Francisco Symphony; Herbert Blomstedt, conductor; London 443 376 Kurt Weill (1900-1950): ‘Act 1 Intro’ from ‘Street Scene’; Scottish Opera Orchestra; John Mauceri, conductor; London 433 371

2:00
YourClassical

A fateful anniversary for Lully

Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632-1687): ‘Galliarde’ from ‘Trios pour le Coucher du Roi’; Chicago Baroque Ensemble; Cedille 043

2:00
YourClassical

Pop music by Rimsky-Korsakov and Michael Daugherty

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908): ‘Song of India’ from ‘Sadko’ (arr Kreisler); Gil Shaham, violin; Akira Eguchi, piano; DG 447 640 Michael Daugherty (b. 1954): ‘Candelabra Rhumba’ from ‘Le Tombeau de Liberace’; Paul Crossley, piano; London Sinfonietta; Markus Stenz, conductor; Argo 458 145

2:00
YourClassical

Bach at Starbucks?

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Harpsichord Concerto; Gustav Leonhardt, Herbert Tachezi, harpsichord; Leonhardt Consort; Teldec 35778 ‘Coffee Cantata’; Christine Schaefer, soprano; Stuttgart Bach-Collegium; Helmuth Rilling, conductor; Hanssler 98.161

2:00
YourClassical

Milhaud at West Point

Darius Milhaud (1892-1974): West Point Suite; Liszt Academy Symphonic Band; Laszlo Marosi, conductor; Hungaroton 32066

2:00
VIEW ALL EPISODES

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.

About Composers Datebook®

We can help you find classical music you'll love

  • Take a 2 minute quiz to share your taste
  • We'll recommend YourClassical programming just for you
  • Discover the power and joy of classical music
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00