Composers Datebook®

Johann Strauss, right and left

Composers Datebook - Aug. 31, 2024
DOWNLOAD

Synopsis

The Radetzky March is undoubtedly Johann Strauss, Sr.’s most famous work. Its performance has become obligatory at the New Year’s concerts of the Vienna Philharmonic — it’s that piece that involves audience participation in the form of a “clap along.”

The premiere of this familiar music took place on today’s date in 1848 with a distinct political subtext — back then, not everyone back then was clapping along.

Field Marshall Radetzky was the commander of the Austrian forces that rather brutally put down “insurgent democrats” in Italy during the liberal revolutions of 1848, and, as such, became a counter-revolutionary hero in Europe. The premiere of Radetzky March occurred at a concert attended chiefly by monarchists and the Austrian military, and the tune quickly became the unofficial anthem of the Austrian military and ultra-conservatives — the “far right” of that time.

Curiously enough, Johann Strauss, Jr. held diametrically opposite, and considerably liberal, political sympathies from his father.

By the end of the 19th century, however, the bloody political troubles of 1848 were diplomatically swept under the collective Austrian carpet, and Johann Strauss, Jr.’s Blue Danube Waltz became the unofficial anthem for all Austrians, right, left and center.

Music Played in Today's Program

Johann Strauss, Sr. (1804-1849): Radetzky March; Vienna Philharmonic; Willi Boskovsky, conductor; London/Decca 460250

On This Day

Births

  • 1834 - Italian opera composer Amilcare Ponchielli, in Paderno Fasolaro, Cremona

Premieres

  • 1928 - Kurt Weill: Die Dreigroschenoper (The Threepenny Opera) in Berlin at the Theater am Schiffbauerdamm, to a libretto by German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht

  • 1970 - Birtwistle: Verses for Ensembles, in London

  • 2000 - Philip Glass: opera In the Penal Colony (based on a story by Franz Kafka), by A Contemporary Theatre (ACT) in Seattle

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

Prokofiev and Rochberg chamber premieres

Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953): String Quartet No. 1; St. Petersburg String Quartet; Delos 3247 George Rochberg (1918-2005): Octet (‘A Grand Fantasia’); New York Chamber Ensemble; Stephen Rogers Radcliffe, conductor; New World 80462

2:00
Get Composers Datebook in your inbox
YourClassical

Tower's Violin Concerto

Joan Tower (b. 1938): Violin Concerto; Elmar Oliveira, violin; Louisville Orchestra; Joseph Silverstein, conductor; D’Note 1016

2:00
YourClassical
2:00
YourClassical
2:00
YourClassical

Copland's 'Hurricane' for kids

Aaron Copland (1900-1990): ‘The Second Hurricane’; High School of Music and Art; New York Philharmonic; Leonard Bernstein, conductor; Sony 60560

2:00
YourClassical

Biblical Torke

Michael Torke (b. 1961): ‘Song of Isaiah’; Present Music; innova 590

2:00
YourClassical

Anthony Braxton's operas

Anthony Braxton (b. 1945): excerpt from Act 2 of ‘Trillium J’; soloists and ensemble; Anthony Braxton, conductor; New Braxton House 906

1:59
YourClassical

'King's Row,' Korngold and 'Star Wars'

Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957): ‘Main Title,’ from ‘King’s Row’; National Philharmonic; Charles Gerhardt, conductor; RCA LSC-3330 (LP) & 7890-2-RG (CD)

1:58
YourClassical

Holst and Hammersmith

Gustav Holst (1874-1934): ‘Hammersmith’; Dallas Wind Symphony; Howard Dunn, conductor; Reference Recordings 39

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®
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00