During the Influenza Pandemic of 1918, a third of the world's population was infected and tens of millions of people died. On today's show, we'll explore music connected to that 1918 pandemic, including works by composers who survived, and others who did not. Plus a fascinating 2019 work by David Lang that we can all relate to today.
Episode Playlist
Hour 1
Johann Sebastian Bach: Flute Sonata in E-Flat Major, BWV 1031 Movement 3 Allegro (Arr. for Oboe & Harp)
James Austin Smith, oboe; Bridget Kibbey, harp
Distance
TwoPianists Records 1039183
Thomas Whitman: Soekia's Dance
Mimi Stillman, flute; Kerri Ryan, viola; Bridget Kibbey, harp
Dolce Suono Ensemble, Trinity Center for Urban Life, Philadelphia, PA
Bruce Adolphe: This week's contestant is Genevieve W. calling from from Quakertown, PA
Felix Mendelssohn: String Quintet No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 87
Madeline Adkins, violin; Eunice Keem, violin; Susan Gulkis Assadi, viola; Joan DerHovsepian, viola; Daniel Laufer, cello
Grand Teton Music Festival, Walk Festival Hall, Jackson Hole, WY
Hour 2
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Prelude, Op. 23 No. 4 in D Major
Barry Douglas, piano
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18; 7 Preludes
RCA 61679
Igor Stravinsky: Suite from The Soldier's Tale
Corinne Stillwell, violin; Vanguel Tangarov, clarinet; Ekaterina Tangarova, piano
Victoria Bach Festival, Trinity Episcopal Church, Victoria, TX
Hubert Parry: An English Suite
English Symphony Orchestra; William Boughton, conductor
Finzi; Parry; Bridge
Nimbus 5366
David Lang: Protect Yourself March
The Crossing (choir); Donald Nally, conductor
Spit Spreads Death (exhibit), Mutter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, PA
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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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