A Day in the Life

On this day in 1934, American engineer and pioneer of electronic music, Robert  Arthur Moog was born in New York City. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the synthesized sound of Moog's creations from the music of the 70's to they're role in reinterpreting the classics of orchestral music.

It was on this day in 1911 that the Austrian Composer Gustav Mahler was laid to rest Vienna. Though Mahler was a celebrated composer of stylized symphonic funeral music, his funeral was apparently devoid of any music at all. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we survey some of Mahler's notable funereal compositions and pose the question of whether or not Mahler would have had his famous cousin, Beyonce, perform at his funeral had he lived another hundred years or so.

Today in 1955, a concert featuring Fats Domino was cancelled because law enforcement feared a riot would break out.  Find out what the fuss was all about today on "A Day in the Life."  

Today in 1982 the singer-songwriting duo Buckner & Garcia appeared on the television show American Bandstand to perform their hit single “Pac-Man Fever.” On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the musical side of early-80's video game culture.

Today in 1810, composer and pianist Frederic Chopin was born in Warsaw, Poland. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Chopin's career as a composer from his first piano pieces at the age of seven onward to his most notable works.

It was on this day in 1935 that the Brazilian musician Chiquinha Gonzaga died at the age of 87. Gonzaga was a noted song composer and a significant presence in the musical theatre world of Brazil in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Gonzaga's musical and political legacy.

It was on this day in 1995 that Denver International Airport opened. A replacement for the Stapleton Airport, DIA opened sixteen months behind schedule at a cost of 4.8 billion - two billion over budget. On today's "Day in the Life" we explore songs about Denver.

It was on this day in 1980 that The Recording Academy issued the first and last Grammy for Best Disco recording. On today's "A Day in the Life", we put a finger on the pulse of disco in its final days.

On this day in 1883, Oscar Hammerstein I was granted a patent for a cigar rolling machine. The profits from this invention provided him with the resources to realize his true ambition, and in 1889 he entered the entertainment business when he opened the Harlem Opera House. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Hammerstein's contributions to grand opera in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

It was on this day in 1901 that the composer Gustav Mahler, just over 40 years old, suffered a severe hemorrhage. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the frenetic pace of the day that nearly killed him.

Today in 1583, Laura Peverara married Count Annibale Turco of Ferrara.  Peverara was a virtuosa Italian singer and a founding member of the famous Concerto Delle Dame. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" learn more about the musical "consort of ladies" and their role in the court of the Duke of Ferrara.

It was on this day in 1972 that President Richard Nixon arrived in the People's Republic of China - marking the start of a momentous Cold War visit that Nixon would later call “the week that changed the world.”  On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we consider the opera inspired by this momentous meeting, John Adams' "Nixon in China".

Today in 1958, Gibson Guitars shipped its first Flying Vs to the Chicago Musical Instruments headquarters, its parent company and distributor. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the history of the iconic guitar and survey the musical landscape of those musicians who made it famous.

It was on this day in 1981 that mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we survey Thile's mandolin work from the eclectic bluegrass of Nickel Creek to his solo interpretations of the works of Bach.

It was on this day in 1992 that Boyz in the hood director John Singleton was nominated for a Best Director Academy Award. At age 24 he would be the youngest to ever receive such recognition and also the first African American. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the integration of the sounds and stories of rap music into the cinematic landscape.

It was on this day in 2000 that Lucy and Linus, Snoopy, and, of course, Charlie Brown made their final appearance. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the musical world of the Peanuts.

On this day in 1867, Laura Ingalls Wilder was born near Pepin, Wisconsin. She is best known for her "Little House" series of 9 children's books based upon her memories as part of a pioneer family who moved around the Midwest in the late 19th Century. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we examine the role of music in the Ingalls household.

Today in 1964, The Beatles landed at JFK Airport which proved an auspicious backdrop for the official start of the so-called “British Invasion". On today's "A Day in the Life", we relive the moment that Beatlemania began in the United States.

Today in 1760 in Munich, Maria Antonia Walpurgis performed the lead role in the debut of her own opera Talestri, Regina delle Amazzoni - or, Talestri, Queen of the Amazon.  It was the second opera for which she composed both the music and the libretto. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the musical career of the daughter of Charles the VII, Holy Roman Emperor.

It was on this day in 1945 that international music Superstar Bob Marley was born in Kingston Jamaica. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Marley's rise to international stardom.

Today in 1841, romantic-era composer Robert Schumann began his so-called Liederjahr--or “year of song.” On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we examine the period of the composer's vocal composition and its connection to Shakespeare.

On this day in 1891, Sir Arthur Sullivan's opera Ivanhoe — that's right, opera, not operetta — had its first performance. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Sullivan's more serious side.

Today in 1782, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote to his father about a solution to a problem he had been facing: “I no longer charge for 12 lessons, but monthly. I learnt to my cost that my pupils often dropped out for weeks at a time; so now, whether they learn or not, each of them must pay me 6 ducats.” On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we consider the value of practicing.

It was on this day in 1914 that George W. Johnson, the first African-American recording star died in New York City.  On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore Johnson's career as a recording artist for the Edison Company.

Today in 1583, Maddalena Casulana performed at the Accademia Olimpica--a cultural and social organization in the northeastern Italian city of Vicenza, located between Verona and Venice. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the contributions of Casulana to Madrigal music.

On this day in 1706, Benjamin Franklin was born. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we examine the confluence of the founding father's inventiveness and the world of music.

It was on this day in 1994 that Danny Bonaduce stepped into the ring with Donny Osmond in Chicago, IL for a boxing match.  On today's "A Day in the Life", find out whose trash-talking led to the match and who came out on top.

Today in 1980, composer, actor, and hip-hop artist, Lin-Manuel Miranda was born in Manhattan, in Washington heights.  On today's "A Day in the Life" we track Manuel's career from his first musical "In the Heights" to the rise of "Hamilton".

Today in 1987, Joan Tower premiered her composition Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman.  The work, by one of the foremost American composers at the end of the twentieth century--male or female--is a direct response to Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore Tower's work and the uncommon woman to whom it's dedicated.  

It was on this day in 1839 that the first bulk shipment of tea from India arrived in England. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the role of tea for two music luminaries, Doris Day and Dmitri Shostakovich.

On this day in 1879, the British premiere of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique took place - almost 50 years after its premiere in Paris in 1830. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we consider the reasons for the delayed premiere in England and explore Berlioz's affinity for Shakespeare.

It was on this day in 1493, while sailing near the Dominican Republic, that Christopher Columbus claimed to have seen three mermaids. On today's "A Day in the Life" we uncover what Columbus actually saw while considering songs inspired by the sea.

On this day in 1909, Bela Bartok conducted a performance of the scherzo from his second orchestral suite, marking the only time he ever conducted any orchestra in concert. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the composer's orchestral maneuvers.

It's the day after New Year's Day, a national holiday in Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Ukraine and Scotland, where it's known as the New Year Holiday. As widely observed as it is, the Day after New Years day is unusual for a holiday in that it's not connected to any national or religious event. It's just an extra day off at the beginning of year to kick the year off right. On today's "A Day in the Life", we consider the music of the number 2.

Today in 1065, Westminster Abbey was consecrated. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we visit upon those luminaries who are buried or otherwise memorialized in the Abbey from Henry Purcell to Noel Coward.

It was on this day in 1974 that Barry Manilow scored his first number one hit with "Mandy." Is the song really about Manilow's dog? Is Mandy any relation to Brandy? On this installment of "A Day in the Life," we get to the bottom of the origin of the song.

Today in 1906 American pianist, composer, and actor, Oscar Levant was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the career of Levant and his notable interpretations of Gershwin.

It was on this day in 1904  that Peter Pan--a play by the Scottish writer JM Barrie--premiered at the Duke of York Theater in London. On today's "A Day in the Life", we examine the music inspired by the boy who wouldn't grow up.

On this day in 1620, the Mayflower arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, after a long transatlantic journey and an initial landing on Cape Cod more than a month before. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life", we explore the music of pilgrims.

It's St. Stephen's Day, the feast of Stephen, the same day when good King Wenceslas looked out and saw the snow laying deep and crisp and even. On today's "A Day in the Life", we explore the music of St Stephen.

It was on this day in 1814 that Andrew Jackson led a group of soldiers in the Night Attack of December 23rd, a prelude to the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. Nearly 150 years later, a high school history teacher commemorated the events of the battle in a song that would eventually become a worldwide hit.

On this day in 1938, music impresario John Hammond hosted the first of two concerts at Carnegie Hall titled "From Spirituals to Swing." On today's "A Classical Day in the Life" we hop from the holy roller hymns of Mitchell's Christian Singers to Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the Count Basie Orchestra.

Today in 1789 the Viennese Society of Musicians premiered Mozart's Clarinet Quintet in A major. Tour the four movements of the piece and learn more about Anton Stadler, the clarinetist who played the premiere and for whom Mozart originally composed the work on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."

It was on this day in the year 2000 that Joel and Ethan Coen's "O Brother Where Art Thou" opened in theaters across North America. In today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the role that the distinctive soundtrack played in the film.

Today in 1937, Walt Disney's first feature length film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" premiered at the Carthay Circle Theater in Los Angeles. Explore the music and the people behind the music in today's "Day in the Life."

Today, in 1915, vocalist and actress Édith Giovanna Gassion was born in Belleville, Paris - she would eventually become known to the world as Edith Piaf - or the little sparrow. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the life and career of Edith Piaf through rose colored glasses.

On this day in  1893, the New York Philharmonic debuted the 9th Symphony by composer Antonín Dvořák at Carnegie Hall. Why is it known as the "New World Symphony" and what inspired the Czech composer living in the United States to create it? Find out the answers to these questions and more on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."

Today in 1977, the film, Saturday Night Fever opened in theaters. The movie that made everyone want to dance like John Travolta, except perhaps John Lydon. The soundtrack featured several tunes by the Bee Gees in addition to other staples of the 70's including KC and the Sunshine Band, The Trammps, and Kool and the Gang. Jump back to those tribal rites of old Saturday nights on today's "A Day in the Life."

It was on this day in 1970 that the Venera 7 spacecraft landed on Venus, becoming the first spacecraft to reach the surface of another planet. On today's "A Day in the Life" we explore the musical side of Venus; from Frankie Avalon to Richard Wagner, and Gustav Holst to Bjork.

It was on this day in 1828 that the 6th Symphony of Austrian composer Franz Schubert had its first performance. Not to be confused with Schubert's other C Major symphony, the 9th, in today's "A Classical Day in the Life" find out what makes one "great" and the other "little".

On this day in 1979, English punk band, The Clash released their third album. The album and its lead single were titled "London Calling." On today's "A Day in the Life" find out the inspiration for the title and learn more about the social and cultural currents in the music.