How do you feel about classical music?

When I’m doing tasks like cooking, exercising or cleaning.

When I’m reading or studying, for example.

When I’m relaxing, sleeping or just “hanging out.

When I’m paying attention solely to the music

When does listening to music bring you the most joy?

I attend a few shows a year, but it’s not a large part of my life.

I regularly attend live shows and can’t get enough of them.

Do you enjoy live music?

I know what I like and rarely stray from my favorites.

I’m open to new things, but there are classics for a reason.

I relish discovering the new and unfamiliar.

When it comes to listening to music …

I like folk, bluegrass and more traditional forms.

If it’s improvised and cool, I’m there.

If I’m not listening to classical music, I’m listening to …

Rooted in Black music history in the Americas and worldwide.

Going beyond Western Europe traditions, often influenced by folk music.

Drawing from traditional music of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more.

Delving into traditional music of Native Americans and other First Nations.

Surveying traditional music of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Exploring traditional music cultures from around the world.

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Sid Caesar turns 90 tomorrow. He's a legend in comedy, but he started out in music.

When he was 14, he played saxophone in jazz bands in the Catskills. He studied music at Juilliard for a while, but also started incorporating comedy sketches in his band performances.

In 1939 he joined the Coast Guard band and collaborated on military shows with the famous songwriter Vernon Duke (composer of Autumn in New York, April in Paris, and Taking a Chance on Love). Eventually, Sid Caesar's comedy got more applause than his music, and a star was born.

Early live television made Sid Caesar famous around the country for his innovative writing and improvisation, like the famous "Argument to Beethoven's Fifth," in which Sid Caesar and Nannette Fabray play a married couple in a argument pantomimed to classical music. The video is online now at our Classical Notes blog.

After that you can watch his spoof the Grieg Piano Concerto, and see Sid Caesar and Imogen Coca blow up the 1812 Overture.

John Birge 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.


John Birge

Sid Caesar turns 90 tomorrow. He’s a legend in comedy, but he started out in music. When he was 14, he played saxophone in jazz bands in the Catskills. He studied music at Juilliard for a while, but also started incorporating comedy sketches in his band performances. In 1939 he joined the Coast Guard band […]


Render unto Sid Caesar 90 birthday candles

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