Poster Fred Child
Fred Child
MPR

Performance Today®

with host Fred Child

All Episodes

Elina Vahala plays Kuusisto's Violin Concerto

Elina Vahala plays Kuusisto's Violin Concerto

Jaakko Kuusisto has been meaning to write a concerto that would highlight his unique skills on the violin. He hasn't written a concerto for himself yet, but he HAS written one for his friend, violinist Elina Vahala. On this episode of Performance Today, Elina Vahala, backed by the Minnesota Orchestra, play the fiery Violin Concerto by Jaakko Kuusisto.

Clara Schumann's Piano Trio

Clara Schumann's Piano Trio

She was famous as a pianist and had a keen talent for composition. On today's show, hear the power and beauty of Clara Schumann's Piano Trio, from a concert in Atlanta. Plus, Bruce Adolphe joins us for this week's Piano Puzzler.

John Adams: Road Movies

John Adams: Road Movies

John Adams says that final movement of "Road Movies" is for four-wheel drives only, and to leave the driving to the musicians. Join us for that musical ride on this episode of Performance Today.

More than an overture

More than an overture

The William Tell overture is iconic, but there are many more great musical moments from Rossini's opera. On today's show, hear a medley of some of those William Tell B-sides, from a concert in Colorado Springs.

The Red Violin

The Red Violin

The movie "The Red Violin" follows one particular violin for centuries. It passes from one owner to another, leaving a rather bloody trail behind. John Corigliano wrote the lush and haunting music for the film. On today's show, hear violinist Bella Hristova play highlights from the Corigliano's score at the Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival.

A musical spell

A musical spell

Ever played that game using the letters of musical notes to spell words? Composer Belinda Reynolds used that idea when she wrote a piece for piano and two marimbas. On today's show, it's a musical spelling game: "Play" by Belinda Reynolds.

Katia & Marielle Labeque

Katia & Marielle Labeque

Sisters Katia and Marielle Labeque have been playing as a piano duo for more than 50 years, and their playing and approach is as fresh as ever. On today's show, hear the Labeque sisters perform a new concerto for two pianos by Bryce Dessner.

The Red Violin

The Red Violin

The movie "The Red Violin" follows one particular violin for centuries. It passes from one owner to another, leaving a rather bloody trail behind. John Corigliano wrote the lush and haunting music for the film. On today's show, hear violinist Bella Hristova play highlights from the Corigliano's score at the Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival.

Louis Spohr's Double String Quartet

Louis Spohr's Double String Quartet

Composer Louis Spohr came up with the idea of a double quartet; not really an octet, but two string quartets, side by side, having a musical conversation. On today's episode, hear Louis Spohr's Double String Quartet No. 1, from a concert at the Music@Menlo Chamber Music Festival.

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