Schumann and Zaimont
Clara Schumman (1819-1896): ‘Four Polonaises’; Josef de Beenhouwer, piano; CPO 999 758 Judith Lang Zaimont (b. 1945): ‘September’ from ‘Calendar Collection’; Judith Lang Zaimont, piano; Four Tay 4001
John Birge
YourClassical MPR
Composers Datebook®
Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge
Composers Datebook - Nov. 8, 2026
2:00
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Varese and Zappa
Edgar Varèse (1883-1965): ‘Ionisation’; New York Philharmonic; Pierre Boulez, conductor; Sony 45844 Frank Zappa (1940-1993): ‘Dog Breath Variations’; Cincinnati Conservatory Wind Symphony; Eugene Corporon, conductor; Mark 1116
2:00
Florence Price
Florence Price (1887-1953): Symphony No. 3; Women’s Philharmonic; Apo Hsu, conductor; Koch 7518-2
2:00
Sondheim in the woods
Stephen Sondheim (1930-2021): ‘Into the Woods’; original Broadway cast members; RCA 60752
2:00
Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): ‘Apollo ballet’; Stockholm Chamber Orchestra; Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor; Sony Classical 46667
2:00
How to pray
David Lang (b. 1957): ‘How to Pray’; Real Quiet ensemble; Gil Rose, conductor; Naxos 8.559615
2:00
Mozart and 'Amadeus'
Wolfgang Mozart (1756-1791): ‘Requiem’; La Chapelle Royale and Orchestre des Champs Elysees; Philippe Herreweghe, conductor; Harmonia Mundi 901620
2:00
Three Parisian premieres
Maurice Duruflé (1902-1986): ‘Requiem’; Westminster Choir; Joseph Flummerfelt, conductor; Avie 46
2:00
Composer skulls
Kevin Puts (b. 1972): Marimba Concerto; Ji Su Jung, marimba; Baltimore Symphony; Marin Alsop, conductor; Naxos CD 8.559926
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.