Poster Fred Child
Fred Child
MPR

Performance Today®

with host Fred Child

All Episodes

A tip of the cap to Beethoven

A tip of the cap to Beethoven

This month marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth. We'll be celebrating with plenty of his music, and with works by living composers that find inspiration in Beethoven. On today's show, hear a track from pianist Pamela Howland's new album "Christmas with Beethoven".

The Time Out Suite

The Time Out Suite

Jazz legend Dave Brubeck was born a century ago, and his legacy lives on. His son, Chris Brubeck, is also a renowned musician and composer. On today's show, hear the world premiere performance of the Time Out Suite, an orchestral work that Chris Brubeck arranged in celebration of his father's centennial.

An Tran

An Tran

An Tran's childhood in Vietnam is reflected in his music, with sonic images that convey the beauty of his home country. On today's show, meet guitarist An Tran and hear his musical memories of Vietnam.

Stephen Paulus

Stephen Paulus

Composer Stephen Paulus had a long and close relationship with the Minnesota Orchestra until his untimely death in 2014. The orchestra continues to honor his his profound impact on music. On today's show, hear the Minnesota Orchestra play 'Impassioned' from Stephen Paulus's Symphony in Three Movements.

The Time Out Suite

The Time Out Suite

Jazz legend Dave Brubeck was born a century ago, and his legacy lives on. His son, Chris Brubeck, is also a renowned musician and composer. On today's show, hear the world premiere performance of the Time Out Suite, an orchestral work that Chris Brubeck arranged in celebration of his father's centennial.

Misunderstood

Misunderstood

Johannes Brahms told Anton Bruckner that he just didn't understand his symphonies...and Bruckner replied: "I have the exact same problem with yours." On today's show, we'll hear the New York Philharmonic play music by the often misunderstood Bruckner - the gorgeous slow movement from his Symphony No. 8.

The 19th amendment

The 19th amendment

100 years ago, the 19th amendment for the U.S. Constitution was ratified, and women in this country finally won the right to vote. The determination and resilience of the suffragettes inspired future generations, and also inspired music. On today's show, we celebrate with music inspired by the women's suffrage movement.

Kernis: Musica Celestis

Kernis: Musica Celestis

In the late 1980s, American composer Aaron Jay Kernis heard music written by Hildegard von Bingen more than 800 years ago. Kernis was struck by the powerful simplicity and sheer beauty of that music. On today's show, hear Aaron Jay Kernis's Musica Celestis. It's simply beautiful.

William Bolcom

William Bolcom

Composer William Bolcom has won a hatful of awards, including a Pulitzer and a Grammy. On today's show, hear a playful, adventurous piece written by Bolcom in 1988, the Concerto for Clarinet and Band, with Anthony McGill on clarinet along with the University of Texas Wind Ensemble.