During the Influenza Pandemic of 1918, a third of the world's population was infected and tens of millions of people died. On today's show, we'll explore music connected to that 1918 pandemic, including works by composers who survived, and others who did not. Plus a fascinating 2019 work by David Lang that we can all relate to today.

Episode Playlist

Hour 1

Joaquin Turina: Circulo Op. 91 Movement 1 Amanecer (Dawn)
Lincoln Trio: Desiree Ruhstrat, violin; David Cunliffe, cello; Marta Aznavoorian, piano
Turina: Chamber Music For Strings And Piano
Cedille 1450

Jennifer Higdon: Piano Trio: Movement 1
Lincoln Trio: Desiree Ruhstrat, violin; David Cunliffe, cello; Marta Aznavoorian, piano
Notable Women
Cedille 126

Gaspar Sanz: Suite Espanola
Celino Romero, guitar
The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center, Ramsey Concert Hall, University of Georgia Performing Arts Center, Athens, GA

Manuel Panella: El Gato Montes
Celino and Lito Romero, guitar
The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center, Ramsey Concert Hall, University of Georgia Performing Arts Center, Athens, GA

Ottorino Respighi: Trittico Botticelliano, P. 151
Bellingham Festival Orchestra; Michael Palmer, conductor
The Bellingham Festival of Music, Western Washington University Concert Hall, Bellingham, WA

Hour 2

Sergei Rachmaninoff: Prelude, Op. 23 No. 4 in D Major
Barry Douglas, piano
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18; 7 Preludes
RCA 61679

Igor Stravinsky: Suite from The Soldier's Tale
Corinne Stillwell, violin; Vanguel Tangarov, clarinet; Ekaterina Tangarova, piano
Victoria Bach Festival, Trinity Episcopal Church, Victoria, TX

Hubert Parry: An English Suite
English Symphony Orchestra; William Boughton, conductor
Finzi; Parry; Bridge
Nimbus 5366

David Lang: Protect Yourself March
The Crossing (choir); Donald Nally, conductor
Spit Spreads Death (exhibit), Mutter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, PA