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Performance Today®

Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare's play about two young, star-crossed lovers has provided the inspiration for some great music. On today's show, we'll hear the lush romanticism of Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet" overture, and Prokofiev's ballet suites, with their combination of power and intimacy. Vladimir Spivakov leads the National Philharmonic of Russia, in concert at the Worcester Music Festival.

Episode Playlist

Hour 1

Franz Schubert: Minuet No. 5 in C, D. 89
Moscow Virtuosi with conductor Vladimir Spivakov

Johann Michael Haydn: Finale from Divertimento for Flute, Horn, Violin, Viola, and Cello in G, Perger 94
Members of the Lyric Chamber Music Society of New York
Kosciuszko Foundation, New York City

Robert Schumann: "Traumerei"
Guitarist Ian Watt
Parkening International Guitar Competition, Malibu, California

Robert Schumann: "Nachtstucke," Op. 23
Pianist Shai Wosner
Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center, St. Paul, Minnesota

Peter Tchaikovsky: "Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture"
The National Philharmonic of Russia with conductor Vladimir Spivakov
Worcester Music Festival, Worcester, Massachusetts

Sergei Prokofiev: Excerpts from "Romeo and Juliet" Suites, Op. 64b and 64c
The National Philharmonic of Russia with conductor Vladimir Spivakov
Worcester Music Festival, Worcester, Massachusetts

Hour 2

Ludwig van Beethoven: Allegro from Violin Sonata No. 1, Op. 12
Violinist Jorja Fleezanis and pianist Cyril Huve

Anton Arensky: "Chant Triste"
Cellist Jamie Walton and pianist Daniel Greenwood
Wigmore Hall, London, England

Johannes Brahms: String Quartet No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 51
Members of the American String Project
Benaroya Hall, Seattle

Traditional (Arranged by Andrew Smith): "I Mine Kate Ungdomsdagar"
Trio Mediaeval
Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, Minnesota

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Performance Today® features live concert recordings that can’t be heard anywhere else, highlights from new album releases, and in-studio performances and interviews. Performance Today® is based at the APM studios in St. Paul, Minnesota, but is frequently on the road, with special programs broadcast from festivals and public radio stations around the country. Also, each Wednesday, composer Bruce Adolphe joins host Fred Child for a classical musical game and listener favorite: the Piano Puzzler.

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