'Statements' from Copland
Aaron Copland (1900-1990): ‘Statements’; London Symphony; Aaron Copland, conductor; Sony 47232
John Birge
YourClassical MPR
Composers Datebook®
Reminding you that all music was once new ® • with host John Birge
Composers Datebook - Jan. 7, 2026
2:00
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Concertos by Poulenc and Carter
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963): Piano Concerto; Pascal Roge, piano; Philharmonia Orchestra; Charles Dutoit, conductor; London 436 546 Elliott Carter (1908-2012): Piano Concerto; Ursula Oppens, piano; SWF Symphony; Michael Gielen, conductor; Arte Nova 27773
2:00
Ravel left and right
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937): Piano Concerto for the Left Hand; Leon Fleisher, piano; Baltimore Symphony; Sergui Commissiona, conductor; Philips 456 775 Piano Concerto in G Krystian Zimerman, piano; Cleveland Orchestra; Pierre Boulez, conductor; DG 449 213
2:00
Schuller and the MJQ
Gunther Schuller (1925-2015): ‘Conversation’; Modern Jazz Quartet and ensemble; Gunther Schuller, conductor; Wounded Bird 1345
2:00
H.K. Gruber
H.K. Gruber (b. 1943): ‘Three Mob Pieces’; London Mob Ensemble; H.K. Gruber EMI 56441 H.K. Gruber (b. 1943) ‘Frankenstein!!’ H.K. Gruber, vocals; Salzburg Camerata; Franz Welser-Most, conductor; EMI 56441
2:00
Dvořák reviewed
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904): String Quartet No. 12 (‘American’); Keller Quartet; Warner 44355
2:00
Late-night 'Parsifal'
Richard Wagner (1813-1883): ‘Parsifal’ excerpts; Welsh National Opera Chorus and Orchestra; Reginald Goodall, conductor; EMI 65665
2:00
Antheil's 'Joyous Symphony'
George Antheil (1900-1959): Symphony No. 5 (‘Joyous’); Frankfurt Radio Symphony; Hugh Wolff, conductor; CPO 999 706
2:00
A Lehar premiere in Vienna
Franz Lehár (1870-1948): ‘The Merry Widow’ excerpts; Budapest Philharmonic; Janos Sandor, conductor; Laserlight 15046
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.