American figure skater Rachael Flatt says "it's one of my all-time favorite pieces of music. It's very heartfelt, very emotional, which is great for the Olympics." She's talking about the 18th variation in Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini." Tonight at the Olympics, Rachael Flatt will skate to that excerpt in her long program. Today on PT, we'll hear the entire piece. The Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic and pianist Enrico Pace in concert at the Concertgebouw, in Amsterdam.
Episode Playlist
Hour 1
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Prelude in G Minor, Op. 23, No. 5
The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra with conductor Sergiu Comissiona
Carl Maria von Weber: Overture to Der Freischutz, Op. 77
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra with conductor Manfred Honeck
Beethoven Hall, Bonn, Germany
Nicolo Paganini: Violin Sonata in C (Duo Merveille)
Violinist Feng Ning
Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand
Giuseppe Tartini: Two movements from Violin Concerto in A, D. 96
Violinist Giuliano Carmignola with the Venice Baroque Orchestra and conductor Andrea Marcon
Victoria Hall, Geneva, Switzerland
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43
The Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic with pianist Enrico Pace and conductor Jaap van Zweden
The Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Hour 2
Johann Sebastian Bach: Fantasia in C Minor, BWV 906
Pianist Angela Hewitt
Emile Waldteufel: The Skaters' Waltz
The Buffalo Philharmonic with conductor JoAnn Falletta
Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, New York
Georges Bizet: Excerpts from Carmen
The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
92nd Street Y, New York City
Johann Sebastian Bach: Concerto for Keyboard and Strings No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 1052
Pianist Angela Hewitt with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Carnegie Hall, New York City
Johann Sebastian Bach: Gigue from Partita No. 1 in B-flat, BWV 825
Pianist Angela Hewitt
Carnegie Hall, New York City
Johannes Brahms: Adagio from Sonata for Violin and Piano in D Minor, Op. 108 (arranged for cello)
Cellist Bion Tsang and pianist Anton Nel
Jordan Hall, Boston
Love the music?
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.
Your Donation
About Performance Today®
To find a station near you on our Stations Listings page, click here.
American Public Media’s Performance Today® is America’s most popular classical music radio program and a winner of the 2014 Gabriel Award for artistic achievement. The show is broadcast on hundreds of public radio stations across the country, including at 1 p.m. central weekdays on Minnesota Public Radio. More information about our stations can be found at APM Distribution.
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.
How do I leave a comment?
Send us a comment here.
