Blue Danube in NYC
Johann Strauss Jr. (1825-1899): ‘By the Beautiful Blue Danube’; New York Philharmonic; Leonard Bernstein, conductor; Sony 46710
John Birge
YourClassical MPR
Composers Datebook®
Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge
Composers Datebook - July 4, 2025
2:00
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Plucky music with Landowska and Harbach
J.S. Bach (1685-1750): ‘Little Prelude’; Wanda Landowska, harpsichord; Pearl 9489 Barbara Harbach (b. 1946): ‘Cante Flamenco,’ from ‘Tres Danzas para Clavecin’; Barbara Harbach, harpsichord; Gasparo 290
2:00
Bach's 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring'
J.S. Bach (1627-1750): ‘Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring’; Celia Nicklin, oboe; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields; Neville Marriner, conductor; Warner 975562
2:00
Britten's 'Cantata Academica'
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976): ‘Cantata Academica’ (‘Carmen Basiliense’); Jennifere Vyvyan, soprano; Helen Watts, mezzo-soprano; Peter Pears, tenor; Owen Brannigan, bass; London Symphony Chorus and Orchestra; George Malcolm, conductor; Decca 4251532
2:00
Anton Arensky
Anton Arensky (1861-1906): Piano Trio No. 1; Rembrandt Trio; Dorian 90146
2:00
A modern Monteverdi premiere
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643): ‘L’Incoronazione di Poppea’; soloists; Vienna Concentus Music Vienna; Nikolaus Harnoncourt, conductor; Teldec 42547
2:00
Leoni in San Francisco
Franco Leoni (1864-1937): ‘L’Oracolo’; Tito Gobbi, baritone; National Philharmonic; Richard Bonynge, conductor; London OSA-12107; LP
2:00
Schoenberg for Winds
Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951): ‘Theme and Variations’; Peabody Conservatory Wind Ensemble; Harlan D. Parker, conductor; Naxos 8.570403
2:00
Mahler's Ninth
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911): Symphony No. 9; Columbia Symphony; Bruno Walter, conductor; Sony 64452
2:00
About Composers Datebook®
Host John Birge presents a daily snapshot of composers past and present, with timely information, intriguing musical events and appropriate, accessible music related to each.
He has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.