It was not long after Beethoven's death that people began to talk about "three periods" in his music. Despite the obvious simplifications involved, this division continues to be used and discussed today.


The 'three periods' of Beethoven's music

This week, the Minnesota Orchestra writes another chapter in its history as it travels to Cuba -- the first U. S. orchestra to do so in many years. On Morning Glories, we'll share some highlights from the Orchestra's history, as we build look forward to this week's concerts, which we will bring to you, live from Havana.


Morning Glories: The Minnesota Orchestra

This playlist includes "Roses from the South," by Johann Strauss, and the Flower Duet by Delibes. There are also carnations from Sibelius, daisies from Rachmaninoff, and floral tributes from MacDowell, Mahler, and Barrios, among others.


Mother's Day Musical Bouquet

Tune in to Classical MPR on Saturday, May 2, at noon to hear Verdi's 'Un Ballo in Maschera', live from the Metropolitan Opera. Tenor Piotr Beczala sings King Gustavo in his first collaboration with Maestro James Levine.


Met Opera: Un Ballo in Maschera

Lakes, rivers, oceans--they are precious resources that sustain life. They can also be beautiful, useful, historic, powerful and even threatening. On Morning Glories, we'll hear five pieces that remind us of contrasting aspects of the life aquatic.


Morning Glories: Water

At Classical MPR, we're dubbing April "Voices of Spring" month, as we celebrate the choral art. And this week on Morning Glories, we'll explore how five composers have handled the medium of choral music.


Morning Glories: Choral Celebration

Tune in to Classical MPR on Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m. CT to hear Verdi's Don Carlo, live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. In prep for that performance, here are 10 facts which you might not know about the opera.


Met Opera: Don Carlo

This month brings another outstanding choral event to Minnesota, with the arrival of the Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral (London). The Choir, which can look back on nine centuries of tradition, will appear live in St. Paul (Minnesota) on April 28. As we look forward to welcoming our visitors from Britain, we'll get in the mood with five Morning Glories reflecting that country's history and heritage.


Morning Glories: Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral

Tune in on Saturday, April 4, at noon to hear "Ernani." The cast includes soprano Angela Meade, tenor Francesco Meli, Placido Domingo (here singing the baritone role of Carlo) and bass Dmitri Belosselskiy.


Met Opera: Ernani

Listen to Classical MPR on April 3 at 10 a.m. for a Good Friday special: Belgian conductor Philippe Herreweghe leads a performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion. Alison Young hosts the broadcast.


Rex Levang

Recent Contributions