Bernstein asks a musical question in Moscow
Charles Ives (1874-1954): ‘The Unanswered Question’; New York Philharmonic; Leonard Bernstein, conductor; Sony Classical 46701
John Birge
YourClassical MPR
Composers Datebook®
Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge
Composers Datebook - Aug. 25, 2026
2:00
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Claude Goudimel, Huguenot
Claude Goudimel (1510-1572): ‘Comfort, Comfort Ye my People’; Cathedral Singers; Richard Proulx, conductor; GIA 290
2:00
Hadley, Thompson, et al. in the Berkshires
Randall Thompson (1899-1984): ‘Alleluia’; Dale Warland Singers; Dale Warland, conductor; Minnesota Public Radio 201
2:00
Libby Larsen’s Trio
Libby Larsen (b. 1950): Movement 3 (‘Bursts’) from Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano; Curtis Macomber, violin; Norman Fischer, cello; Jeanne Kierman, piano; Navona Records NV-6014
2:00
Bingham's Secret Garden
Judith Bingham (b. 1952): ‘The Secret Garden’; BBC Symphony Chorus; Thomas Trotter, oboe; Stephen Jackson, conductor; Naxos 8.570346 (live Proms recording of the premiere performance)
2:00
Jacopo Peri and early opera
Jacopo Peri (1561-1633): ‘Euridice’; Sylva Pozzer, soprano; Ensemble Albalonga; Anibal E. Cetrangolo, conductor; Pavane Records 7372/3
2:00
Edward Collins escapes to Wisconsin
Edward J. Collins (1889-1951): Concert Piece in A minor; Leslie Stifelman, piano; Concordia Orchestra; Marin Alsop, conductor; Albany 267
2:00
Monteverdi gets mugged (and a new job)
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643): ‘Che dar piu vi poss’io’ from ‘Fifth Book of Madrigals’; Consort of Musicke; Anthony Rooley, conductor; L’oiseau Lyre 410 291
2:00
Arvo Part's "Brothers" in Salzburg
Arvo Pärt (b. 1935): ‘Fratres’; Gidon Kremer, violin; Keith Jarrett, piano; ECM 1275
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.