This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.
1790 June 24 – Piano Sonata No. 59 in E♭ major, Hob. XVI:49 by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in Fertőd, Hungary
1791 March 11 – Symphony No. 96 in D major, Hob. I:96 “Miracle” by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
Late April or early May – Symphony No. 95 in C minor, Hob. I:95 by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
June 23 – Ave verum corpus, motet in D major, K. 618, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Baden bei Wien, Austria
September 30 – The Magic Flute, K. 620, opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Vienna, Austria
October 16 – Concerto in A major for Basset-Clarinet and Orchestra, K. 622 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic
December 4 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) last worked on his unfinished Requiem in D minor, K. 626
December 5 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) died in Vienna, Austria
1792 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Notturno No. 3 in G major, Hob. II:27 (revised version replacing lira organizzata with flute and oboe)
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Notturno No. 6 in G major, Hob. II:30 (revised version replacing lira organizzata with flute and oboe)
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Notturno No. 8 in C major, Hob. II:32 (revised version replacing lira organizzata with flute and oboe)
February 17 – Symphony No. 93 in D major, Hob. I:93 by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
February 29 – Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) was born in Pesaro, Italy
March 2 – Symphony No. 98 in B♭ major, Hob. I:98 by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
March 23 – Symphony No. 94 in G major, Hob. I:94 “Surprise” by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
May 4 – Symphony No. 97 in C major, Hob. I:97 by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
1793 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Variations in F minor, Hob. XVII:6 “Un piccolo divertimento” (piano)
1794 February 10 – Symphony No. 99 in E♭ major, Hob. I:99 by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
1795 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Piano Sonata No. 60 in C major, Hob. XVI:50
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Piano Trio No. 40 in F♯ minor, op. 82, no. 3, Hob. XV:26
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) wrote Rondo a Capriccio in G major, now known as “Rage Over a Lost Penny”, op. 129
February 2 – Symphony No. 102 in B♭ major, Hob. I:102 by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
March 2 – Symphony No. 103 in E♭ major, Hob. I:103 “Drumroll” by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
March 29 – Piano Concerto No. 2 in B♭ major, op. 19 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was first performed in Vienna, Austria
May 4 – Symphony No. 104 in D major, Hob. I:104 by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in London, England
December 18 – Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major, op. 15 by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was first performed in Vienna, Austria
1796 Franz Berwald (1796-1868) was born in Stockholm, Sweden
1797 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed String Quartet in G major, op. 76, no. 1, Hob. III:75
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed String Quartet in D minor, op. 76, no. 2, Hob. III:76 “Fifths”
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed String Quartet in C major, op. 76, no. 3, Hob. III:77 “Emperor”
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed String Quartet in B♭ major, op. 76, no. 4, Hob. III:78 “Sunrise”
January 31 – Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was born in Vienna, Austria
1798 Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) completed Romance No. 2 in F major for violin and orchestra, op. 50
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) completed Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, op. 13 “Pathétique”
1799 Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) completed String Quartet No. 3 in D major, op. 18, no. 3
This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.
1780 September 2 – Symphony No. 34 in C major, K. 338 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Salzburg, Austria
September 24 – Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Salzburg, Austria
1781 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Violin Sonata No. 25 in F major, K. 377 (374e)
November 23 – Sonata for Two Pianos in D major, K. 448 (375a) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Vienna, Austria
1782 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 73 in D major, Hob. I:73 “La Chasse”
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) composed Fantasy in D minor, K. 397 (fragment; piano). Either it was left incomplete or the full manuscript has not survived.
January 1 – Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782) died in London, England
1783 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Piano Sonata No. 12 in F major, K. 332
March 23 – Symphony No. 35 in D major, K. 385 “Haffner”, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in its final form in Vienna, Austria
November 4 – Symphony No. 36 in C major, K. 425 “Linz”, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Linz, Austria
1785 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 83 in G minor, Hob. I:83 “La Poule”
February 11 – Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Vienna, Austria
March 10 – Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Vienna, Austria
1786 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 82 in C major, Hob. I:82 “L’Ours”
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 86 in D major, Hob. I:86
March 2 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488
April 7 – Piano Concerto No. 24 in C minor, K. 491 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Vienna, Austria
May 1 – The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Vienna, Austria
November 18 – Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826) was born in Eutin, Germany
1787 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 88 in G major, Hob. I:88
January 19 – Symphony No. 38 in D major, K. 504 “Prague”, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic
February – Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed String Quartet No. 37 in C major, op. 50, no. 2, Hob. III:45
August 10 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Serenade No. 13 in G major, K. 525, “Eine kleine Nachtmusik”
October 29 – Don Giovanni, K. 527, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic
November 15 – Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) died in Vienna, Austria
1788 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed String Quartet No. 42 in C major, op. 54, no. 2, Hob. III:57
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed String Quartet No. 43 in G major, op. 54, no. 1, Hob. III:58
Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805) completed Sinfonia in C minor, G. 519
June 26 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Symphony No. 39 in E♭ major, K. 543
June 26 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Adagio and Fugue in C minor, K. 546
July 25 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550
1789 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 92 in G major, Hob. I:92 “Oxford”
December 22 – Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet in A major, K. 581 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Vienna, Austria
This is one of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.
1770 December 16 – Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) was born in Bonn, Germany
1771 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 42 in D major, Hob. I:42
November 22 – Divertimento in E♭ major, K. 113 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Milan, Italy
1772 Giovanni Battista Sammartini (1700?-1775) almost certainly completed Symphony in F Major (J-C 36) by this year, probably much earlier
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 44 in E minor, Hob. I:44 “Trauer”
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 52 in C minor, Hob. I:52 in this or the previous year
Summer – Divertimento in D major, K. 131 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Salzburg, Austria
Late October (after Oct. 22) or Early November – Symphony No. 45 in F♯ minor, Hob. I:45 “Farewell” by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was first performed in Fertőd, Hungary
1773 Sinfonia in E♭ major, op. 9, no. 2, by Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782) was completed by this date
April 10 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Symphony No. 27 in G major, K. 199/161b
October 5 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183/173dB
1775 January 15 – Giovanni Battista Sammartini (1700?-1775) died in Milan, Italy
September 12 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216
December 20 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K. 219
1777 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 53 in D major, Hob. I:53 “L’Impériale”
1778 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 65 in A major, Hob. I:65 by this date or earlier
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Piano Sonata in E minor, Hob. 16:34
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Violin Sonata No. 21 in E minor, K. 304 (300c)
June 12 – Symphony No. 31 in D major, K. 297, “Paris”, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Paris, France
1779 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) completed Sinfonia Concertante in E♭ major for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra, K. 364 (320d)
April 4 – Mass in C major, “Coronation Mass”, K. 317 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was first performed in Salzburg, Austria
May 18 – Iphigénie en Tauride by Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) was first performed in Paris, France
This is the first of a series of postings of important classical music dates, from the 17th century to the present. Included are the date and location of the birth and death of composers, and the premiere date and location of the first public performance of works. When the premiere date and location is unknown, the date or year of completion of the work is given. Though reasonably comprehensive, this is a subjective list, so the choice of composers and works is mine. If you find any errors, or if you can offer a premiere date and location for a work where only the completion date or year is listed, please post a comment here.
1659 September 10? – Henry Purcell (1659-1695) was born in London, England
1678 March 4 – Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) was born in Venice, Italy
1685 March 31 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was born in Eisenach, Germany
1689 Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, opera by Henry Purcell (1659-1695) was first performed in London, England
1695 November 21 – Henry Purcell (1659-1695) died in London, England
1700 Giovanni Battista Sammartini (1700?-1775) was born in Milan, Italy
1714 July 2 – Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787) was born in Berching, Bavaria, Germany
1715 Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) completed Gloria, RV 589
1717 Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) completed Credo, RV 591
June 18 – Johann Stamitz (1717-1757) was born in Havlíčkův Brod, Czech Republic
1721 March 24 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) completed Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 by this date
March 24 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) completed Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 by this date
1723 Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was probably completed by this date
1724 January 6 – Puer natus in Bethlehem, for children’s chorus, cello, and organ, BWV 65/2 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was completed
1725 Antonio Sarrier (1725-1762) was born in Spain (specific location, unknown)
1730 Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was completed by this date
1731 Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) completed Chamber Concerto for Lute and 2 Violins in D major, RV 93
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) completed Concerto for 2 Violins in D minor, BWV 1043, by this date
1732 Giovanni Battista Sammartini (1700?-1775) completed Symphony in D minor (J-C 23), perhaps earlier
March 31 – Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) was born in Rohrau, Austria
1735 September 5 – Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782) was born in Leipzig, Germany
1741 July 28 – Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) died in Vienna, Austria
1743 February 19 – Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805) was born in Lucca, Italy
1746 Johann Stamitz (1717-1757) completed Symphony in A major, “Mannheim No. 2” and Symphony in B♭ major, “Mannheim No. 3”, perhaps earlier
1750 July 28 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) died in Leipzig, Germany
1756 January 27 – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was born in Salzburg, Austria
1757 Johann Stamitz (1717-1757) completed Trio in E major, op. 5, no. 3, perhaps earlier
March 27 – Johann Stamitz (1717-1757) died in Mannheim, Germany
1759 Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) completed Symphony No. 1 in D major, Hob. I:1
Here’s a comprehensive list of live classical music performances in Tucson for the year 2024 where the program of composers and works has been published. I will keep this Excel document regularly updated. Please post a comment if anything should be added or changed.
I’ve included a column called “Dave’s Faves” which notes the works I am already familiar with and that I highly recommend. This is subjective, of course, but I hope this will help some of you in deciding which concerts to attend.
Happy Listening!
Link below is an Excel file (.xlsx). Last Updated: December 23, 2024
Music for Listeners is a series of short courses for high school students and adults presenting the works of composers from a listening enjoyment rather than a music theory perspective. Each course presents the life and music of a composer chronologically and is taught by lifelong classical music enthusiast David Oesper.
Music for Listeners
Classical Music Courses in Tucson, AZ
Classical Music Exploration Club
If you live in the Tucson metro area and would like to get together each month to listen to and discuss recordings of favorite classical music pieces we love and would like to introduce to others, I hope you will consider joining:
What are the best songs Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr recorded after The Beatles? As a lifelong Beatles enthusiast, here are my favorites.
I have purchased all the songs below, but to avoid possible copyright issues, I’ve tried to link to other sources wherever possible. When I could not find an advertising-free source without objectionable video content, I have provided an .mp3 (lossy) audio file from my own record collection. Since my choice for the YouTube videos would have been to include a single static photograph, you may find the video content provided by others to be distracting as I do. In that case, I’d suggest listening to the audio without looking at the videos. It is much better that way, to immerse yourself into the music.
My take on the best songs of each of The Beatles in their post-Beatles career will be presented in chronological order of their release date.
Paul McCartney
Maybe I’m Amazed (April 1970)
This is arguably the best song of Paul McCartney’s entire solo career. Full of musical surprises, as always with McCartney, we can expect the unexpected. The lead guitar solo in the middle and again at the end of the song is incredibly good and deeply moving. This song is “All Paul” but it is nice to hear Linda McCartney on backing vocals as well.
Adrian Allan in Paul McCartney After the Beatles: A Musical Appreciation writes “…tonal ambiguity lies at the heart of Maybe I’m Amazed” and “In this song, perhaps more than any other, McCartney proves his worth as a versatile and skilled multi-instrumentalist, possessing an intuitive understanding of the expressive capabilities of piano, bass, lead guitar, and drums.”
In my opinion, this original studio version of the song is far better than the 1976 live Wings version that was released as a single. That version is slower, longer, and the singing more embellished.
Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey (May 1971)
Who else besides Paul McCartney could produce such a wonderful pastiche? The only other contender that comes to mind is Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (Freddie Mercury).
Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey demonstrates that McCartney is an amazingly inventive songwriter, and this is another of his best songs that is tonally ambiguous. In this song, McCartney, the “man of a thousand voices”, adds the dialing of a (now) old-style telephone to his vocal sound effects library.
George Martin wrote the orchestral accompaniment, which was performed by the New York Philharmonic with McCartney conducting.
As Jayson Greene wrote in 2012, “Every single second of this song is joyously, deliriously catchy, and no two seconds are the same.”
I Am Your Singer (December 1971)
This song features interesting electric guitar tremolo effects, a consort of recorders (as in the musical instrument), and some pleasant solo and harmony singing by Linda McCartney. The phrase “sing, singing my love song to you” is a nostalgic throwback to the early Beatles.
Little Lamb Dragonfly (April 1973)
This musically sophisticated and lyrically childlike tender ballad was inspired by a newborn lamb in distress on McCartney’s farm, and was originally intended for a children’s film. Three different key signatures, 12-string & acoustic guitars, and lush orchestration by George Martin and performed by the New York Philharmonic make the whole 6+ minute endeavour an auditory treat.
The Pound Is Sinking (April 1982)
This delightful musical pastiche is reminiscent of Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey.
Fine Line (September 2005)
This catchy, upbeat, and bluesy song leads off the amazing album Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, in my opinion his best since McCartney in 1970. And like that album, McCartney plays almost all of the instruments on every song.
Friends To Go (September 2005)
Paul McCartney was thinking about and musically inspired by George Harrison—who had died a couple of years or so earlier—when he wrote this propulsive, delightful song. McCartney’s vocal style is reminiscent of Harrison on his final album, Brainwashed (2002, posthumous).
Promise To You Girl (September 2005)
This song began its development as a bluesy piano tune, and add to that some lavish harmonies, two fantastic lead guitar solos, and more McCartney magic, and you have the makings of another great McCartney song.
Mr. Bellamy (June 2007)
This is another creative McCartney musical pastiche, in the tradition of Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey and The Pound Is Sinking.
John Lennon
Isolation (December 1970)
The raw emotion Lennon expresses in this song and his poignant lyrics—perhaps even more relevant today—is incredibly moving. I just love his double-tracked vocals here, especially “you’re just a human, a victim of the insane.” John Lennon plays piano and Hammond organ, Ringo Starr plays drums, and Klaus Voormann, bass guitar.
Imagine (September 1971)
I think this is the most important song that John Lennon ever wrote. It is a masterpiece. It is a prayer for humanity, not to our imaginary gods. Yoko Ono was hugely influential in its development.
Gimme Some Truth (September 1971)
Here is one of the best political protest songs ever written. As Lisa Wright wrote, “Scorn never sounded so good.” It is enjoyable to fantasize about what penetrating songs John Lennon would have written about politics during the Trump era. George Harrison plays a great slide guitar solo.
Aisumasen (I’m Sorry) (November 1973)
A deeply personal song about vulnerability and regret. This song ends with a remarkable guitar solo by David Spinozza. This song features great bass guitar playing by Gordon Edwards, too.
(Just Like) Starting Over (November 1980)
This is the first song on Double Fantasy, Lennon’s first studio album of original songs in six years. (Just Like) Starting Over was released as a single on October 23, 1980. Less than seven weeks later, Lennon would be dead. His murder so devastated millions of people (including me) that at least three people died by suicide. I will never forget the moment I heard the news. My wife and I were then living in an apartment in Ames, Iowa, and while I was listening to a phonograph record of Alexander Borodin’s Symphony No. 2, I received a phone call from my friend John Salzer informing me of the horrific news.
(Just Like) Starting Over is a 1950s-style rock ‘n’ roll song where Lennon emulates the vocal styles of Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison. Even though his voice is slightly flat in a few spots, it does not detract from the song at all.
George Harrison
Isn’t It A Pity (November 1970)
This is arguably the best song of George’s solo career, and certainly the most profound. Clocking in at over seven minutes long, this hypnotic song features the largest number of musicians ever assembled for a Harrison song. George’s slide guitar parts are amazing. Ringo Starr plays drums.
His Name Is Legs (Ladies and Gentlemen) (October 1975)
And now, for something completely different. Here is a Monty-Pythonesque comedic tribute to Harrison’s friend, Larry “Legs” Smith, who also adds a spoken monologue to this recording. It’s a fun pastiche, and even includes a “telephone dialing” vocal sound effect that must have made Paul McCartney smile. (See Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey above.) This is the final song on the album Extra Texture (Read All About It).
Save The World (June 1981)
Save The World is an environmental protest song with a serious message but presented in a Monty-Pythoneque humorous way. Perhaps like a nervous laugh, it is an expression of ecological anxiety. Sound effects are effectively used throughout the piece, and at one point, the explosion of a nuclear bomb puts an end to all else. This is the final track on the album Somewhere in England. Gary Brooker (of Procol Harum fame) plays keyboards, and the saxophones, etc. remind me of Savoy Truffle.
When We Was Fab (November 1987)
Musical and lyrical references to The Beatles and Apple Records abound (I Am The Walrus, Taxman, Magical Mystery Tour, and even Badfinger) in this finely-crafted song co-written, co-performed, and co-produced with Jeff Lynne of Electric Light Orchestra fame. Ringo Starr plays drums and contributes backing vocals on this very Beatle-ish tune.
Any Road (November 2002)
This folk rock song reminiscent of The Traveling Wilburys is the first track on the album Brainwashed, released posthumously. Performers are George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Dhani Harrison, and Jim Keltner. Gotta love George’s slide guitar.
P2 Vatican Blues (Last Saturday Night) (November 2002)
Even as his health failed, George never lost his wry sense of humor, and his vocal expressiveness is at its very best on this and the other songs on Brainwashed. The guitar playing in this song is fabulous. Once again, performers are George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Dhani Harrison, and Jim Keltner.
Rising Sun (November 2002)
This one’s classic George Harrison, with great guitars and string arrangement by Marc Mann. George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Dhani Harrison, and Jim Keltner are the performers on this one, too. Thank you, George Harrison, for all that you gave us. And thank you, Jeff Lynne, extraordinarily talented musician and producer that you are, for working with him.
Ringo Starr
Easy For Me (November 1974)
Harry Nilsson wrote this haunting, poignant ballad for Ringo, and Ringo sings it perfectly. Lincoln Mayorga is the pianist, and Trevor Lawrence & Vini Poncia wrote the strings arrangement, conducted by Richard Perry.
King of Broken Hearts (June 1998)
This Beatle-ish song was written by Ringo, Mark Hudson, Dean Grakal, and Steve Dudas. George Harrison plays slide guitar and the string arrangement is by Graham Preskett.
Instant Amnesia (March 2003)
Here we have a fantastic rocker, again written by Ringo, Mark Hudson, Dean Grakal, and Steve Dudas. This song is delightfully Lennonesque, with even a mention of Instant Karma—except for the unexpected yet cool middle section. Highlights are great drumming by Ringo and a lead guitar solo by Steve Dudas.
Elizabeth Reigns (March 2003)
This whimsical song referencing Queen Elizabeth II and the British monarchy was written by Ringo, Mark Hudson, Gary Burr, Steve Dudas, and Dean Grakal. For me, it brings back memories of Sexy Sadie. At the end of the song, Ringo laments, “well, there goes me knighthood”. Sir Richard Starkey (Ringo Starr) did receive his knighthood in 2018 after all, administered by Prince William.
For Love (January 2008)
Written by Ringo and Mark Hudson, this song reminds me a little of John Lennon’s (Just Like) Starting Over, particularly the call and response vocal harmonies.
Harry’s Song (January 2008)
We’ve come full circle with Ringo, from a song written by Harry Nilsson to a song about Harry Nilsson. This bouncy number was written by Ringo, Mark Hudson, Gary Burr, and Steve Dudas—the performers of this song.
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was a remarkably talented composer, and though he is best known for his Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”, there is so much more to explore. Here is one writer, at least, who believes that his renown has not yet reached its peak.
One Dvořák compact disc that soars high above the crowd is the October 26, 1984 recording by the Cleveland Orchestra under Christoph von Dohnányi of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 and Scherzo capriccioso, released by Decca London in 1986. These are superlative performances.
This recording is still available through Presto Music, along with Dvořák’s other best symphonies, Nos. 7 & 9, and you might be able to find a copy of the original recording through Amazon, or elsewhere.
Dvořák composed and orchestrated his Symphony No. 8 in just two and a half months (August 26 to November 9) in 1889 at his summer resort in Vysoká u Příbramě, Bohemia (Czech Republic, today). The 8th is a high-energy work, cheerful and optimistic, with minor key excursions adding depth and emotional weight. Each of the four movements exhibit a tremendous variety of thematic material, much of it inspired by Bohemian folk music.
The first performance of the Symphony No. 8 in G major, op. 88 was on February 2, 1890 in Prague. During Dvořák’s extended stay in the United States, 1892-1895, he conducted the Exposition Orchestra (the Chicago Orchestra—later the Chicago Symphony Orchestra—expanded to 114 players) in a rousing performance of the 8th symphony and two other of his works at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The August 12, 1893 performance was enthusiastically received by an audience estimated to number at least 8,000.
At that time, Dvořák’s symphonies were numbered in order of publication, and the first four were published after the last five, hence Symphony No. 4 = Symphony No. 8 today
Here are samples from each of the four movements, as performed by Christoph von Dohnányi conducting the Cleveland Orchestra in the fabulous recording recommended here.
Symphony No. 8 – Antonín Dvořák: I. Allegro con brio [excerpt]Symphony No. 8 – Antonín Dvořák: II. Adagio [excerpt]Symphony No. 8 – Antonín Dvořák: III. Allegretto grazioso [excerpt]Symphony No. 8 – Antonín Dvořák: IV. Allegro, ma non troppo [excerpt]
This disc finishes out with another superb work by Antonín Dvořák, the Scherzo capriccioso in D♭ major, op. 66, written six years earlier in 1883. It also received its first performance in Prague, on May 16, 1883.
“Scherzo capriccioso” translates to “lively, playful character, with animated rhythm” (scherzo) and “capricious” (capriccioso). In other words, a capricious scherzo. And indeed it is—Enjoy!
You’ve heard of a book club, where people get together to discuss an assigned book that everyone in the group has read. Well, how about a music club? A music club would be a group of people who get together to listen to and discuss music. Unlike a book club, however, it wouldn’t be necessary for the participants to listen to the music prior to meeting.
I’d like to help start a Classical Music Exploration Club here in Tucson. We would need a place to meet that has decent audio equipment. We’d get together, say, once a month, and each month a member of the group would bring a favorite piece of music to share with the group. We’d all listen to the music, perhaps take some notes, and then discuss afterwards. The presenter-of-the-month would certainly have the opportunity to present information about the composer and the work both before and after the work is played.
I’m sure I’m not the only one in Tucson who is bursting at the seams with great music we’d love to share with others. Much of that music will be new and exciting for other members of the group, and that’s the idea. The pieces we’ve heard in live performance and even on the radio is but a small subset of all the great music that is out there, waiting to be heard and to be performed.
If you’d like to help me start a Classical Music Exploration Club here in Tucson (or elsewhere, for that matter), please post a comment here, or email me at doesper@icloud.com.
A little over a year ago, I created an online discussion group to showcase great classical music that is not currently available on CD. It is called Classical Music Little-Known Favorites and is on groups.io.
ClassicalMusicLittleKnownFavorites groups.io Group
Are you enthusiastic about a work of classical music (in the general sense) that is not well-known? This could include pieces by unjustly neglected composers, new composers and compositions, and even unfamiliar works by well-known composers. If so, please post an audio link to the entire work or a…
I realize that there probably aren’t a lot of people who are actively researching little-known works and composers, but it profoundly saddens me that after 15 months, our group only has three members, and I am the only one who has posted anything. Perhaps serious classical music enthusiasts are not familiar with groups.io, or the folks most likely to participate do not reside in the U.S., or they are not fluent in English, or…
Nothing would make me happier right now than to have at least one other person actively participating. Please join, or let others know about it.
A friend of mine recently told me (emphatically) that “Classical music is boring”. I told him that I agree that a lot of it is boring, but that there is so much that isn’t! He probably just hasn’t heard any of the “good stuff”. I grew up in the heady days for popular music in the 1960s and 1970s, and I still love a lot of rock and roll and “pop” music – especially from that era. But for me, popular music took a nosedive starting with the disco craze of the late 1970s, and since then I’ve turned increasingly towards classical music.
As much as I love rock and roll (especially The Beatles), the emotional response that that sort of music evokes in me is different than it is with classical music. When I listen to a great piece of rock music such as the medley at the end of Abbey Road, or Maybe I’m Amazed, it makes me feel happy, motivated, and alive. But only classical music can profoundly move me and bring tears to my eyes.
I’m at the age now where a lot of people I knew and admired in my youth are dying. Often, I’ll read an obituary of someone I worked with or casually knew outside of work, only to discover something fascinating about their background or an interest that we shared, and feeling sad that I never talked with them about x, y, or z.
It is so hard to get to know your neighbors these days. COVID-19 and its numerous variants, partisanship, and (for some of us) working remotely have acted to isolate us even further. Much of our interaction with other humans is of a superficial nature. This seems especially true for older adults. I now live in a large but beautiful gated community. It is obvious that a lot of thought and good planning went into designing it 20 years ago. And yet, we have a community swimming pool but alas no meeting room or common house.
Much to my delight, I now live in a neighborhood where the streets are well-maintained. Riding a bicycle is no longer a bone-jarring experience across “rubblized” pavement, as it was in Dodgeville (Wisconsin) and Alpine (Texas). Our HOA dues here are $43 per month, and much of that money goes towards resurfacing the streets every four years. As far as I’m concerned, it is money well spent. I wonder how many people living in Dodgeville or Alpine would be willing to pay a monthly fee of $43 per month (and probably less) to keep all their city streets in good condition?
Howard Goodall deserves a place within the pantheon of the world’s greatest documentary series presenters, among them Jacob Bronowski, Carl Sagan, David Attenborough, and Neil deGrasse Tyson. I first encountered Howard Goodall in 2017 when PBS Wisconsin aired his “Sgt. Pepper’s Musical Revolution” and I was wowed by his enthusiasm, knowledge of music, and presentation style. Since then, I’ve purchased several of his music documentary series (some of them are not currently available, at least not here in the U.S.), and there is no question he is not only a British treasure, but a world treasure.
If you want to obtain a deeper knowledge of the music theory behind classical and popular music, seek him out! You won’t be disappointed.
Here’s a comprehensive list of live classical music performances in Tucson for the year 2023 where the program of composers and works has been published. I will keep this Excel document regularly updated. Please post a comment if anything should be added or changed.
I’ve included a column called “Dave’s Faves” which notes the works I am already familiar with and that I highly recommend. This is subjective, of course, but I hope this will help some of you in deciding which concerts to attend.
Happy Listening!
Link below is an Excel file (.xlsx). Last Updated: December 12, 2023
Music for Listeners is a series of short courses for high school students and adults presenting the works of composers from a listening enjoyment rather than a music theory perspective. Each course presents the life and music of a composer chronologically and is taught by lifelong classical music enthusiast David Oesper. Our next course will feature the life and music of Sergei Prokofiev and will be taught in January-February 2024.
David has previously taught a course on Johannes Brahms. It consists of seven 90-minute sessions.
If you are interested in attending the Prokofiev course or would like a reprise of the Brahms course (or, for more information), please contact the instructor here.
Classical Music Exploration Club
If you live in the Tucson metro area and would like to get together each month to listen to and discuss recordings of favorite classical music pieces we love and would like to introduce to others, I hope you will consider joining:
