Critical Karaoke

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.