Benjamin Franklin was born on Jan. 17, 1706. He was a statesman, a scientist, an inventor, and postmaster. He signed the Declaration of Independence. And he also loved music. On Friday's Performance Today, we'll celebrate his birthday by listening to his music and his musical invention - the glass armonica.
Episode Playlist
Hour 1
Sergei Prokofiev: Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 119: 2. Moderato
Truls Mork, cello; Lars Vogt, piano
Shostakovich, Stravinsky, Prokofiev
Virgin 45274
Johannes Brahms: Intermezzo, Op. 118, No. 2 in A Major
Sveinung Bjelland, piano
Oslo Concert Hall, Oslo, Norway
Benjamin Franklin: Quartet No. 2 in F Major for Three Violins and Cello
Escher String Quartet
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York, NY
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Rondo in C Major, K. 617
Dennis James, armonica; Emerson String Quartet
Cristal - Glass Music Through the Ages
Sony 89047
Camille Saint-Saens: Cello Concerto No. 2 in D minor, Op. 119
Truls Mork, cello; North German Radio Symphony Orchestra; Eivind Gullberg Jensen, conductor
Grand Studio, Hanover, Germany
Camille Saint-Saens: "Le cygne" from Carnival of the Animals
Truls Mork, cello; Members of North German Radio Symphony Orchestra (piano & harp); Eivind Gullberg Jensen, conductor
Grand Studio, Hanover, Germany
Hour 2
Luigi Boccherini: Rondo from String Quintet in C major, Op. 28, No. 4
The Delme Quartet
Favourite Encores for String Quartet
Helios 88038
Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 73 in D Major, Hob I:73, "The Hunt" ("La Chasse")
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
Einojuhani Rautavaara: Whispering
Hilary Hahn, violin; Cory Smythe, piano
Greenwich House Music School, New York, NY
James Newton Howard: 133... At Least
Hilary Hahn, violin; Cory Smythe, piano
Greenwich House Music School, New York, NY
Max Richter: Mercy
Hilary Hahn, violin; Cory Smythe, piano
Greenwich House Music School, New York, NY
Mark-Anthony Turnage: Hilary's Hoedown
Hilary Hahn, violin; Cory Smythe, piano
In 27 Pieces - The Hilary Hahn Encores
DG 479 1725
Luigi Boccherini: Night Music in the Streets of Madrid, G. 324
Mercury Baroque, Antoine Plante, conductor
Wortham Center, Cullen Theater, Houston, TX
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.










