Poster John Birge
John Birge
YourClassical MPR

Composers Datebook®

Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge

Composers Datebook - Jan. 17, 2025

YourClassical

Einstein and Glass on stage

Philip Glass (b. 1937): ‘Cadenza,’ from ‘Einstein on the Beach’; Philip Glass Ensemble; Michael Riesman, conductor; Nonesuch 79323

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YourClassical

The birth of 'Les Six'

Germaine Tailleferre (1892-1983): Violin Sonata No. 1; Renate Eggebrecht, violin; Angela Gassenhuber, piano; Troubadisc 1406

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YourClassical
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YourClassical

Harp concertos by Villa-Lobos and Rautavaara

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959): Harp Concerto; Catherine Michel, harp; Monte Carlo Opera Orchestra; Antonio de Almeida, conductor; Philips 462 179 Einojuhani Rautavaraa (1928-2016): Harp Concerto; Marielle Nordmann, harp; Helsinki Philharmonic; Leif Segerstam, conductor; Ondine 978

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YourClassical
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YourClassical

Dahl's 'Sinfonietta'

Ingolf Dahl (1912-1970): ‘Sinfonietta’; DePaul University Wind Ensemble; Donald DeRoche, conductor; Albany 435

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YourClassical
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The singular Mr. Berwald

Franz Berwald (1796-1868): Symphony No. 3 (‘Singulière’); Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra; Okko Kamu, conductor; Naxos 8.553052

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YourClassical

Opposite-coast bouquets and brickbats for Weill and Sessions

Roger Sessions (1896-1985): Symphony No. 2; San Francisco Symphony; Herbert Blomstedt, conductor; London 443 376 Kurt Weill (1900-1950): ‘Act 1 Intro’ from ‘Street Scene’; Scottish Opera Orchestra; John Mauceri, conductor; London 433 371

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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.