An important discipline in the classical tradition is to be "true" to the notes written by the composer. That said, it's simply stunning when classical musicians can improvise. On this episode of Performance Today, pianist Gabriela Montero improvises an encore, from a concert in Houston. With guest-host Elena See.
Episode Playlist
Hour 1
Johann Sebastian Bach (arr. Gabriela Montero): Improvisation on Prelude in C from the Well-Tempred Clavier Book I, BWV 846
Gabriela Montero, piano
Bach And Beyond
EMI 64647
Johann Sebastian Bach: Concerto in D Minor for Two Violins and Orchestra, BWV 1043
Francisco Fullana and Nina Tso-Ning Fan, violins; Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra; Jeannette Sorrell, conductor
St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Saint Paul, MN
Consuelo Velazquez (arr. Gabriela Montero): Improvisation on "Besame Mucho"
Gabriela Montero, piano
from a concert with the Houston Symphony, Jones Hall, Houston, TX
Howard Hanson: Symphony No. 4, "Requiem"
Oregon Symphony; Carlos Kalmar, conductor
Oregon Symphony, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, OR
Hour 2
Miklos Rozsa: El Cid: Love Theme
Daniel Hope, violin; Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra; Alexander Shelley, conductor
Escape to Paradise: The Hollywood Album
DG 4792954
Alberto Favero (arr. Lilianna Cangiano): Te quiero
Chicago a cappella; John William Trotter, Principal Music Director
Chicago a cappella, Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville, IL
Jose Monge Cruz (arr. Jonathan Miller): Rosa Maria
Chicago a cappella; John William Trotter, Principal Music Director
Chicago a cappella, Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville, IL
John Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Louis Langree, conductor
Music Hall, Cincinnati, OH
Peter Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C Major, Opus 48
D Hope & B Kim, violins; P Dukes & CM Rodrigues, viola; E Kim & K Robinson, cellos; J Conyers & E Meyer, double basses; Dover Quartet; S Crawford-Phillips, conductor
Savannah Music Festival, Congregation Mickve Israel on Monterey Square, Savannah, GA
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.
