There is a flood of new classical recordings this fall, and to help us sort through them, Julie Amacher joins Fred today (and for the next three Thursdays) with "New Classical Tracks," her CD reviews and recommendations. Today Julie's pick is the new trio recording by three renowned soloists playing together for the first time: violinist Vadim Repin, cellist Mischa Maisky, and pianist Lang Lang.
Yesterday, we brought you Part I of Mahler's 8th Symphony, known as the Symphony of a Thousand. Today is the conclusion. Conductor Michael Tilson Thomas leads the massed forces of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the Pacific Boychoir, and the San Francisco Girls Chorus. Tilson Thomas calls the work an "allegory of the distressed soul finding its way through trials to...blessedness."
Gustav Mahler's monumental Symphony Number 8 (the "Symphony of a Thousand") is ambitious in almost every way. Not just its size (intended for an amassed orchestra and chorus of 1,000 people), but in its emotional and intellectual content. Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony have just completed a massive recording project, recording all of the Mahler symphonies. We'll feature Tilson Thomas and San Francisco in part one of the Symphony of a Thousand in today's show. Look for part two on Wednesday.
Divorcing couples often have to split up their friends as well as their assets. Johannes Brahms was great friends with violinist Joseph Joachim and his wife, until the couple divorced, and Brahms sided with Mrs. Joachim. Brahms wrote his double concerto for violin and cello as a sort of peace offering to Joseph Joachim, helping to heal the rift in their friendship. Violinist Baiba Skride and cellist Sol Gabetta are our soloists today, in Brahms' musical peace offering.
Earlier this month, we broadcast a performance of "New York Counterpoint," a 1985 minimalist classic by Steve Reich, with parts for 11 clarinets. Performance Today listeners responded in droves: some absolutely loved it, others...not so much. This weekend, Fred has PT listener comments about New York Counterpoint...and composer Steve Reich comments on the comments. Fred talks with Reich, who describes the piece and explains what he had in mind. (And...Reich says he doesn't compose "minimalist music," he simply composes "music.") Of course, we'll hear it again! Richie Hawley in concert in Santa Barbara, California plays "New York Counterpoint."
28 year-old conductor Gustavo Dudamel lights up Disney Hall once again, this time conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic in an incandescent concert performance of the Symphonie Fantastique by Hector Berlioz.
The Oslo Chamber Choir was founded as a purely classical ensemble 25 years ago. They have the beautiful rich sound of the best classical choirs, but they've also become intrepid musical adventurers. They'll join Fred in the studio for day 2 of music and conversation. Today, Norwegian folk music inspired by the calls of shepherds looking for lost sheep in the mountains, with vocal imitations of the sounds of wild Norway in the background. Plus, an innovative combination of Norwegian folk songs and sacred music by Rachmaninoff.
The Oslo Chamber Choir was founded as a classical vocal ensemble 25 years ago. Then they added some Norwegian folk songs. Now, they're experimenting with laying the folk songs right on top of choral classics. The Oslo Chamber Choir joins Fred in the studio to explain, and to demonstrate their new versions of choral works by Anton Bruckner and Edvard Grieg; these are daring and hauntingly beautiful combinations.
When Mozart was writing his Symphony Number 29 in 1774, Australia was pretty much as it had been for the previous 40,000 years. Westerners wouldn't start arriving for another decade or more. Much has changed in the intervening centuries. Today, Australia is a thoroughly modern nation with a thriving arts scene. On today's show, we'll hear Richard Tognetti lead the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Mozart's 29th symphony, from a recent concert in Melbourne.
Earlier this month, we broadcast a performance of "New York Counterpoint," a 1985 minimalist classic by Steve Reich, with parts for 11 clarinets. Performance Today listeners responded in droves: some absolutely loved it, others...not so much. Today, Fred has PT listener comments about New York Counterpoint...and composer Steve Reich comments on the comments. Fred talks with Reich, who describes the piece and explains what he had in mind. (And...Reich says he doesn't compose "minimalist music," he simply composes "music.") Of course, we'll hear it again! Richie Hawley in concert in Santa Barbara, California plays "New York Counterpoint."
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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.
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. Also, each Wednesday, composer Bruce Adolphe joins host Fred Child for a classical musical game and listener favorite: the Piano Puzzler.
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Since 2000, Fred Child has been the host of Performance Today, the most-listened-to classical music radio show in America. He also is the commentator and announcer for Live From Lincoln Center, the only live performing arts series on television. He also hosts musical events on stages around the country, working with major orchestras and festivals, and connecting with audiences coast to coast.
Kathryn Slusher is the senior producer of Performance Today, where she leads programming and production for the show. In her spare time, she enjoys the vibrant Twin Cities music and theater scene, and loves to read, hike and spend time with her family.
As a Producer for Performance Today, Meghann chooses music to broadcast on the show, writes web articles and scripts, facilitates, conducts and edits interviews, creates video content and manages PT’s social media pages. She created Performance Today’s Black History Spotlight Series and the My Name is Series to highlight Black classical musicians. Meghann is also the producer for the PT Young Artist in Residence Series. In her free time, she is a mom, a part-time actress and fashion lover. Meghann also created and hosted “Wondrous Strange”, a national radio program about uncommon musical instruments, she is the official underwriting voice for ‘The New York Times’ The Daily, and she can occasionally be heard guest-hosting Performance Today.
As an Associate Producer for Performance Today, Kathleen Bradbury writes scripts and assists with external communications. In her spare time, she likes to read fiction, lift heavy weights at the gym, and frolic about in nature. But above all else, Kathleen loves to sing Broadway showtunes--much to the delight of her wife, her infant son, and her rescue dog.
Jon Gohman is an associate producer for Performance Today. He is responsible for various behind-the-scenes functions, including liaising with artists and creating materials for national distribution. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing the guitar, and thinking about Langrange points.
Craig Thorson is the Technical Director for Performance Today. In addition to mastering the live music recordings that are programmed for each daily program, he records guest performances and interviews. Craig enjoys skiing, tennis, and bicycling, and boating.
Jeanne Barron is the technical producer of Performance Today.
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