Synopsis
On today’s date in 1891, a small group of music patrons gathered at one of New York’s docks to greet Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who had been invited to America to take part in the grand opening of a new music hall. Back then, it was just called “The Music Hall,” but over time it took on the name of wealthy steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, who funded its construction.
“Carnegie is an amazing eccentric,” Tchaikovsky wrote to his friends back in Russia. “He rose from being a telegraph boy, transformed with the passing of years into one of America’s richest men, but one who has remained a simple, modest man who does not at all turn up his nose at anyone.”
And, despite his legendary melancholic funks and chronic bouts of homesickness, the composer admitted he found the rest of New York rather impressive. “American customs, American hospitality, the very appearance of the town, the remarkable comfort of my accommodations — this is all very much to my taste and if I were younger I would probably be greatly enjoying my stay in an interesting new country,” he noted.
On the down side, Tchaikovsky reported you couldn’t buy cigarettes on a Sunday, and it was sometimes hard to find a public bathroom when you needed one — a common complaint of New York tourists even today!
“All told, I am a much bigger fish here than in Europe. Incidentally, Central Park is magnificent,” Tchaikovsky concluded.
Music Played in Today's Program
Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky (1840-1893): Orchestral Suite No. 3; Detroit Symphony; Neeme Järvi, conductor; Chandos 9419
On This Day
Deaths
1951 - American composer John Alden Carpenter, 75, in Chicago
1991 - French-born American composer and arranger Leo (Noël) Arnaud, 86, in Los Angeles. His tune Bugler’s Dream (written for a Felix Slatkin LP) became used as a familiar theme for the Olympic Games.
Premieres
1738 - Handel: opera Serse, (Julian date: April 15)
1899 - first version of Sibelius: Symphony No. 1, by the Helsinki Philharmonic, with the composer conducting. A revised, final version of this symphony was performed by the same orchestra on tour in Stockholm on July 4, 1900, conducted by Robert Kajanus.
1915 - Hindemith: String Quartet No. 1, at Dr. Hoch’s Conservatory in Frankfurt
1959 - John Cage: Fontana Mix, in New York City
1965 - Ives: Symphony No. 4, at Carnegie Hall by the American Symphony Orchestra, with Leopold Stokowski (assisted by David Katz and José Serebrier)
1970 - Broadway premiere of Sondheim: musical Company. A trial-run in Boston preceded the Broadway premiere.
1990 - John Harbison: Concerto for Double Brass Choir and Orchestra, in Los Angeles, with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, André Previn conducting
2002 - Michael Hersch: Symphony No. 2, by the Pittsburgh Symphony, Mariss Jansons conducting
Others
1891 - Tchaikovsky arrives in New York to take part in the May 5, 1891, opening concert at New York’s newly-constructed Music Hall (later known as Carnegie Hall)
1926 - American premiere of Monteverdi’s 1642 opera L’Incoronazione di Poppea (The Coronation of Poppea), at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts
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 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.