Classic Ross Amico

Tag: WWFM

MLK Day Rediscovering Schwantner’s Lost Masterpiece

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, once again I’ll be spinning this neglected contemporary classic from vinyl. This world premiere – and preferred – recording of “New Morning for the World: Daybreak of Freedom” has, inexplicably, never appeared on compact disc.

These are the forces that introduced the piece on January 15, 1983 (King’s birthday), at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The texts were compiled from King’s speeches. The narrator is former Pittsburgh Pirate Willie Stargell. Composer Joseph Schwantner was the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1979 for his work “Aftertones of Infinity.”

You can learn more about Stargell here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Stargell

That such a beloved figure would have been subjected to discrimination and harassment in the still recent past should make us realize how short history is, and how pertinent was King’s life’s work.

Tune in today, between 4 and 7 p.m. EST to hear “New Morning for the World,” among my featured offerings, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

January 15, 2018
Robert Moran on Composers Datebook

Lookee here! Robert Moran made today’s Composers Datebook:

https://www.yourclassical.org/programs/composers-datebook/episodes/2018/01/08

Enjoy Bob’s gorgeous and serene “Trinity Requiem,” composed for the tenth anniversary of 9/11, in the 6:00 hour this evening on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

January 8, 2018
Elizabethan Serenade Lunchtime Concert

Who needs a napkin, when you’re wearing a ruff? On today’s Noontime Concert on The Classical Network, we continue our partnership with Gotham Early Music Scene (GEMS) by enlivening your lunch hour with an Elizabethan serenade.

Abendmusik – New York’s Period Instrument String Band will perform consorts of William White and his contemporaries (Thomas Tomkins, William Byrd, and Orlando Gibbons). The program was recorded at St. Bartholomew’s Church, 50th Street and Park Avenue, in Midtown Manhattan. You’ll find a complete schedule of free lunchtime performances at midtownconcerts.org.

This Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Abendmusik will present “The Early Music Revival in Arts & Crafts London,” in conjunction with the closing day of the exhibition “John Lockwood Kipling: Arts & Crafts in the Punjab and London,” at Bard Graduate Center Gallery, 18 West 86th Street, 3rd Floor. The concert is free, but registration is required.

The next Midtown Concert will take place at St. Bart’s on Thursday at 1:15 p.m. The ensemble Alkemie will present “Noel Sing We: A Medieval Celebration,” inspired by Twelfth Night and Epiphany celebrations that officially mark the close of the Christmas season.

In addition, GEMS presents evening concerts, such as the one that will take place tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m., featuring Praetorius’ “Vespers.” The program will be performed by Tenet NYC (Vocal Ensemble) and friends at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 3 West 65th Street.

You’ll find more information about GEMS and a complete listing of events at gemsny.org.

Our afternoon will continue, then, with music by Sir Michael Tippett and Mily Balakirev, among others, between 12 and 4 p.m. EST. Settle in for a musical banquet with WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

January 2, 2018
WWFM’s Classical New Year’s Eve Celebration

Whether you are on the road this evening or plan to host an intimate gathering at home, if you’re looking for uplifting musical accompaniment to underscore your New Year’s Eve festivities, look no further than The Classical Network. WWFM hosts will prime you for a happy passage into 2018 with a lighthearted playlist engineered to put a smile on your face and a boost to your spirits.

The fun will commence at 8 p.m. with Carl Hemmingsen, who will get things underway with a sparkling overture by Gioachino Rossini. David Osenberg will follow at 9 with assorted dances and festive favorites, including the drinking song from “La traviata.”

My moment to shine will come at 10:00, the usual time slot for “The Lost Chord.” While not officially part of that series, unofficially I will be serving up some unusual musical hors d’oeuvres, with uproarious selections from the Hoffnung Music Festival concerts, some delectable duets from English operetta that I imagine survives only on the periphery of those with very long memories, and a dizzyingly inventive fantasia on “Auld Lang Syne” by British Light Music master Ernest Tomlinson. It is Tomlinson’s tongue-in-cheek assertion that “Auld Lang Syne” is at the root of most of the world’s enduring masterpieces – and he goes on to support his thesis with no less than 152 examples, in just under 20 minutes!

Alice Weiss will cap the evening, starting at 11, with a beloved American rhapsody, a selection of waltzes and marches, some fireworks music, and even a sip of champagne. Then I know you’ll want to stick around for the WWFM midnight countdown.

Raise a glass with The Classical Network. Thanks to all of you who have supported us for our 35th year! If you haven’t yet had a chance to make your gift, consider a year-end contribution in honor of the music that has so enhanced the quality of your life all throughout 2017. If you HAVE supported us, we will still gratefully accept any additional, end-of-the-year, tax-deductible contributions. Either way, do it soon, because at midnight 2017 will turn into a pumpkin! Visit wwfm.org and click on “Donate.”

Again, thank you for being there for WWFM – The Classical Network. We extend all best wishes for a happy and fruitful 2018!

December 31, 2017
Movie Music for New Beginnings

This week on “Picture Perfect,” we greet the new year with music from movies about renewal, starting over, new beginnings, and second chances – including “The Natural” (by Randy Newman), “The Best Years of Our Lives” (Hugo Friedhofer), “The Accidental Tourist” (John Williams), and “It’s a Wonderful Life” (Dimitri Tiomkin).

We look to the future with hope and fortitude, this Friday evening at 6:00 EST, on WWFM – The Classical Network and wwfm.org.

December 29, 2017

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