Performance Today®

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.

Composer Joan Tower wrote half a dozen fanfares celebrating women she admires. Risk takers and adventurers. On today's show, hear the fanfare in honor of composer Tania Leon: Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 6, by Joan Tower. Guest-hosted by Elena See.

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.

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.

It's one of the most prestigious musical competitions on the planet, and it only comes around once every four years. On today's show, hear a selection of Gold Medal performances from the 2019 Tchaikovsky International Competition in Russia.

Legendary soprano Jessye Norman passed away earlier this week. She was a forceful opera singer, and she could also give some of the most touching performances of spirituals we've ever heard. Norman was a guest on PT several times. We'll share highlights from those conversations, and celebrate her life and legacy, on this episode of Performance Today.

That first four notes of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 are so famous, the music becomes easy to ignore. We stop listening before we even start. This time, listen to the notes AFTER the unforgettable dun-dun-dun-DAH! On this episode of Performance Today, we'll pay attention to the rest of this symphony in its struggle, beauty and ultimately triumphant, golden sunshine moment of an ending.

Legendary soprano Jessye Norman passed away earlier this week. She was a forceful opera singer, and she could also give some of the most touching performances of spirituals we've ever heard. Norman was a guest on PT several times. We'll share highlights from those conversations, and celebrate her life and legacy, on this episode of Performance Today.

Among our listeners, it's the most talked about piece of music: Bolero, by Maurice Ravel. You know it, you love it...unless you don't, of course. We'll hear a new take on the piece and keep the conversation going. Who needs a snare drum and a full orchestra? Bolero, played by the Decoda Cello Quartet, on this episode of Performance Today.