Performance Today®

At the age of 27, Franz Schubert was facing his own mortality. He took a haunting song that he had written seven years earlier and wrote a set of variations for string quartet. On today's show, hear the Ariel Quartet play Schubert's String Quartet No. 14, better known by its nickname: Death and the Maiden.

When Carlos Simon was ten, he was asked to play piano in church. Simon spent years immersed in gospel music, and he started to write his own music as well. On today's show, join us for music that celebrates his roots: "Amen!" by Carlos Simon.

In the spring of 2020, Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott started a project with a very timely goal: to bring people moments of musical beauty during the pandemic. One of the products of their collaboration is the new album named "Songs of Comfort and Hope". On today's show, hear Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott describe some of their experiences and hear the music they created.

When composer Reena Esmail was a student at Yale, she became close friends with the one other woman in her program, Suzana Bartal. When Suzana got married, Esmail flew to France for the wedding and brought along a special gift. On today's show, hear the story and the gift: "Saans" by Reena Esmail.

Composer Astor Piazzolla was born on March 11, 1921. He revolutionized tango music, adding elements of jazz and classical, and he made the sensual sound of tango popular all around the world. On today's show, join us in celebrating 100 years of Astor Piazzolla!

When composer Victoria Kelly was a kid in New Zealand, she watched an animated show featuring an adorable kiwi bird. At the end of each episode, the kiwi ended the show by turning out the lights. Kelly used this memory to compose a piece of music that ultimately helped her to say "goodnight" to her ailing mother. On today's show, hear pianist Juho Pohjonen perform Goodnight Kiwi, by Victoria Kelly.

Composer Terry Riley was profoundly moved by something author Alice Walker said shortly after 9/11. She said, "We must learn to be kind to one another now." That statement is still true...and it always will be. On today's show, hear pianist Sarah Cahill perform Be Kind to One Another, by Terry Riley, from a concert in Interlochen, Michigan.

In the spring of 2020, Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott started a project with a very timely goal: to bring people moments of musical beauty during the pandemic. One of the products of their collaboration is the new album named "Songs of Comfort and Hope". On today's show, hear Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott describe some of their experiences and hear the music they created.

The cellist and pianist tell host Fred Child that the music we need in difficult times isn't just pretty. It also must spark curiosity and new connections.