by Daniel Hathaway
TODAY’S ALMANAC:
On this date in 1854, Czech composer Leoš Janáček was born in Hukvaldy. Though steeped in Moravian folklore, his strikingly original music continues to sound fresh and modern. ChamberFest Cleveland programmed his String Quartet No. 2 (“Intimate Letters”) during its 2016 season. Watch a performance in Mixon Hall at CIM with violinists Alexei Kenney and David Bowlin, violist Dimitry Murrath, and cellist Julie Albers.
Janáček’s Sinfonietta was most recently performed by Franz Welser-Möst and The Cleveland Orchestra last January. Enjoy earlier interpretations led by George Szell (October, 1965) and Christoph von Dohnányi (September, 1988) here and here.
Music lovers of a certain age may recall hearing Deems Taylor’s intermission features on broadcasts of the New York Philharmonic, and others may recall his commentary as emcee for the 1940 version Walt Disney’s Fantasia (for which he helped choose musical selections). The writer, broadcaster, and music critic who died on this date in 1966, was also a composer whose operas were enormously popular for a time on the stage of the Met. Click here to listen to one of his most celebrated works, Through the Looking Glass, on subjects from Lewis Carroll, played by the Columbia Symphony under Howard Barlow in 1938.
And click here to enjoy Taylor’s analysis of Strauss’ tone poem Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks.
TODAY ON THE WEB AND AIRWAVES:
Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, Haydn’s “Military” Symphony, and a Johann Strauss Jr. Quadrille are on the menu for Lunchtime with The Cleveland Orchestra on WCLV, and this evening, Ohio Light Opera veterans and current company members share messages and songs, while the MET Opera offers a 2011 production of Don Giovanni led by Fabio Luisi. Details here.
Want to go exploring on the web this weekend? Click here to consult Music America’s listing of classical music streams — both free and ticketed.
CLASSICAL GUITAR SOCIETY PLANS VIRTUAL CONCERTS:
On Saturdays, July 11, 18, and 25, the Cleveland Classical Guitar Society will stream videos about its Education Program, featuring discussions, performances, and live chats. The Society also plans a special online concert for August 1, details to follow. More information here.
ONLINE ART CLASSES AND WEBINARS:
The Shaker Arts Council is offering a variety of online classes, including Class Piano sessions for students who have begun taking lessons or are thinking about it. Details here.