Rautavaara's 'Angels'
Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016): ‘Angel of Dusk’; Olli Kosonen, double bass; Finnish Radio Symphony; Leif Segerstam, conductor; Finlandia 009
John Birge
YourClassical MPR
Composers Datebook®
Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge
Composers Datebook - May 6, 2026
2:00
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Britten in America
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976): ‘Paul Bunyan Overture’; English Chamber Orchestra; Philip Brunelle, conductor; Virgin 45093 Benjamin Britten (1913-1976): ‘Sea Interludes’ from ‘Peter Grimes’; BBC Symphony; Andrew Davis, conductor; Teldec 73126
2:00
Virgil Thomson reviews Elliott Carter
Elliott Carter (1908-2012): String Quartet No. 1; The Composers Quartet; Nonesuch 71249
2:00
Virgil Thomson reviews Elliott Carter
Elliott Carter (1908-2012): String Quartet No. 1; The Composers Quartet; Nonesuch 71249
2:00
Bloch's greatest hit
Ernest Bloch (1880-1959): ‘Schelomo’; Mischa Maisky, cello; Israel Philharmonic; Leonard Bernstein, conductor; DG 427 347
2:00
Higdon's 'Splendid Wood'
Jennifer Higdon (b. 1962): ‘Splendid Wood’; New England Conservatory Percussion Ensemble; Naxos 8.559683
2:00
"Citizen Kane" scores big
Bernard Herrmann (1911-1975): ‘Citizen Kane’ film score (opening); National Philharmonic; Charles Gerhardt, conductor; RCA CD 707
2:00
Thomas' 'Sun Threads'
Augusta Read Thomas (b. 1964): ‘Eagle at Sunrise’ from ‘Sun Threads’; Walden Chamber Players; ART CD 1992007
2:00
Mozart and Strinasacchi in Vienna
Wolfgang Mozart (1756-1791): Violin Sonata No. 32
2:00
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.