Critical Karaoke

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.