Last fall, the San Francisco Symphony was preparing for a concert in honor of its 100th birthday. Music director Michael Tilson Thomas searched for just the right piece to show off the talents of the orchestra. What better work, thought Tilson Thomas, than Benjamin Britten's "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra," which showcases each instrument of the orchestra. We'll hear it, from that gala concert last September.
Episode Playlist
Hour 1
Carl Nielsen: Second movement from Symphony No. 2
The San Francisco Symphony, Herbert Blomstedt, conductor
Henry Purcell: Abdelazer Suite (The Moor's Revenge), Z. 570
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Nicholas McGegan, conductor
Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Benjamin Britten: The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
The San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor
Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Michael Tilson Thomas: Second movement from Street Song
The Bay Brass, Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor
Domenico Scarlatti: Symphonia para Empezar
El Mundo, Richard Savino, director
Francesco Manelli: Acceso mio Core
El Mundo, Richard Savino, director
Hour 2
Eugene Ysaye: Second movement from Solo Violin Sonata No. 5 in G, Op. 27
Frank Peter Zimmermann, violin
Johann Rosenmuller: Sonata X in F for Strings and Continuo
The Masques Ensemble
Our Lady of Good Help Chapel, Montreal, Quebec
Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger: Chacona from Five Pieces for Harp and Theorbo
Arianna Savall, harp, Rolf Lislevand, lute
Schwetzingen Festival, Schwetzingen, Germany
Johannes Brahms: Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 77
Frank Peter Zimmermann, violin, the New York Philharmonic, Alan Gilbert, conductor
Avery Fisher Hall, New York City
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
Your Donation
About Performance Today®
To find a station near you on our Stations Listings page, click here.
American Public Media’s Performance Today® is America’s most popular classical music radio program and a winner of the 2014 Gabriel Award for artistic achievement. The show is broadcast on hundreds of public radio stations across the country, including at 1 p.m. central weekdays on Minnesota Public Radio. More information about our stations can be found at APM Distribution.
Hosted by Valerie Kahler, Performance Today® features live concert recordings that can’t be heard anywhere else, highlights from new album releases, and in-studio performances and interviews. Performance Today® is based at the APM studios in St. Paul, Minnesota, but is frequently on the road, with special programs broadcast from festivals and public radio stations around the country.
How do I leave a comment?
Send us a comment here.