Tag: Gustav Mahler

Classical Music Timeline: 1970s

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.

1970
June 4 – Two Pieces for cello and piano by Anton Webern (1883-1945) was first performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

June 16 – Heino Eller (1887-1970) died in Tallinn, Estonia

July 4 – Sinfonietta for String Orchestra by William Alwyn (1905-1985) was first performed in Cheltenham, England

1971
February 8 – King Lear, with film score (op. 137) by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975), was released

March 1 – Thomas Adès (1971-) was born in London, England

April 6 – Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) died in New York, New York

1972
Robert Farnon (1917-2005) completed Colditz March

Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) completed Pelimannit (“The Fiddlers”), for string orchestra

Annette Bartholdy (1972-) was born in Bern, Switzerland

January 8 – Symphony No. 15 in A major, op. 141 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

March 2 – Sonata for String Orchestra by William Walton (1902-1983) was first performed in Perth, Australia

April 3 – Ferde Grofé (1892-1972) died in Santa Monica, California

October 5 – A Ring of Time by Dominick Argento (1927-2019) was first performed in Minneapolis, Minnesota

October 15 – Symphony No. 10 in F♯ major (Cooke II) by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in London, England

October 18 – Cantus Arcticus, Concerto for Birds and Orchestra, by Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) was first performed in Oulu, Finland

1973
Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) completed Concerto for Harp and String Orchestra, op. 267

February 25 – Amanda Harberg (1973-) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 21 – Lera Auerbach (1973-) was born in Chelyabinsk, Russia

1974
February 15 – Kurt Atterberg (1887-1974) died in Stockholm, Sweden

April 12 – Snowflakes Are Dancing, with music by Claude Debussy as electronically realized by Isao Tomita (1932-2016), was released

November 15 – String Quartet No. 15 in E♭ minor, op. 144 by Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1975
April – Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky as electronically realized by Isao Tomita (1932-2016) was released

May 18 – Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) died in Woodbury, Connecticut

August 9 – Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) died in Moscow, Russia

September 5 – Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun by Claude Debussy and Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky as electronically realized by Isao Tomita (1932-2016) was released

1976
May 21 – Christopher Tin (1976-) was born in Palo Alto, California

December 4 – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) died in Aldeburgh, England

1977
Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) completed Sonatina para dos Muñecas (Sonatina for two Puppets), for piano four hands

March 14 – Gyula Dávid (1913-1977) died in Budapest, Hungary

May 25 – Star Wars, with film score by John Williams (1932-), was released

June – The Beatles Concerto, for two pianos and orchestra, by John Rutter (1945-) was first performed in London, England

September 3 – Marjatta, Lowly Maiden, a Finnish Mystery Play, by Einojuhani Rautavaara (1929-2016) was first performed in Espoo, Finland

September 13 – Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977) died in Nether Wallop, Hampshire, England

October 23 – Piano Quartet by William Bolcom (1938-) was first performed in New York, New York

November 14 – Richard Addinsell (1904-1977) died in London, England

November 16 – Close Encounters of the Third Kind, with film score by John Williams (1932-), was released

1978
Hanget soi (“Singing Snow”), for children’s chorus, by Heikki Sarmanto (1939-) [Arranged by Auvo Sarmanto (1935-)] was published

January 29 – Peter Schickele (1935-2024) [P.D.Q. Bach] completed “Twelve Quite Heavenly Songs”

March 27 – A la busca del más allá “In search of the beyond” by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in Houston, Texas

May 1 – Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) died in Moscow, Russia

October 17 – Concierto pastoral, for flute and orchestra, by Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was first performed in London, England

December 3 – William Grant Still (1895-1978) died in Los Angeles, California

December 10 – Superman, with film score by John Williams (1932-), was released

1979
April 10 – Nino Rota (1911-1979) died in Rome, Italy

September 7 – Peter Schickele (1935-2024) [P.D.Q. Bach] completed “Liebeslieder Polkas”

October 1 – Roy Harris (1898-1979) died in Santa Monica, California

December 7 – Star Trek: The Motion Picture, with film score by Jerry Goldsmith (1929-2004), was released

December 30 – Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) died in New York, New York

←1960s

1980s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1910s

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.

1910
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) completed Caprice Viennois, for violin and piano, op. 2

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) completed Praeludium and Allegro (in the style of Pugnani), for violin and piano

Ein Tanzspiel by Franz Schreker (1878-1934) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

March 1 – Suite in A major, op. 98b, B190, “American” by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

March 9 – Samuel Barber (1910-1981) was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania

April 6 – A Somerset Rhapsody, op. 21, no. 2 (H. 87) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

April 23 – Italia, Rhapsody for Orchestra, op. 11, by Alfredo Casella (1883-1947) was first performed in Paris, France

May 29 – Mily Balakirev (1837-1910) died in Saint Petersburg, Russia

June 25 – The Firebird by Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was first performed in Paris, France

September 6 – Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in Gloucester, England

September 12 – Symphony No. 8 in E♭ major by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Munich, Germany

1911
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) completed Ma Mère l’Oye (“Mother Goose”) Suite

Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) completed Recitative and Scherzo-Caprice, for solo violin, op. 6

Percy Grainger (1882-1961) completed Irish Tune from County Derry (BFMS No. 29)

February 21 – Berceuse élégiaque, op. 42 (BV 252a) by Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924) was first performed in New York, New York

February 27 – Pavane pour une infante défunte [“Pavane for a dead princess”] (orchestrated version) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Manchester, England

March 8 – Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) was born in Somerville, Massachusetts

March 16 – Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Third Group, op. 26 (H. 99), for women’s chorus and harp, by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in Blackburn, Lancashire, England

March 22 – Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Second Group, op. 26 (H. 98), for women’s chorus and orchestra, by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

April 3 – Symphony No. 4 by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Helsinki, Finland

May 2 – Invocation for Cello and Orchestra, op. 19, no. 2 (H. 75) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

May 3 – Préludes pour piano, Book 1, by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was first performed in Paris, France

May 18 – Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) died in Vienna, Austria

June 14 – Johan Svendsen (1840-1911) died in Copenhagen, Denmark

July 7 – Gian Carlo Menotti (1911-2007) was born in Cadegliano-Viconago, Italy

August 1 – Autumnal, op. 8, by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia [O.S. July 19]

September 14 – Five Mystical Songs, for baritone, chorus, and orchestra, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in Worcester, England

December 3 – Nino Rota (1911-1979) was born in Milan, Italy

December 6 – Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, First Group, op. 26 (H. 97), for chorus and orchestra, by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England

December 23 – I gioielli della Madonna (The Jewels of the Madonna), opera by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari (1876-1948), was first performed in Berlin, Germany

1912
Gustav Holst (1874-1934) completed “I love thee” (SATB chorus, H57) by this date

Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) completed Three Pieces, op. 23

February 28 – Violin Concerto, op. 33 by Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

March 21 – Two Eastern Pictures, for women’s voices and harp (H. 112), by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in Blackburn, Lancashire, England

April 22 – La Péri, ballet by Paul Dukas (1865-1935), was first performed in Paris, France

May 1 –Beni Mora, Oriental Suite for orchestra, op. 29, no. 1 (H. 107) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

June 8 – Daphnis et Chloé by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

June 26 – Symphony No. 9 by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

July 23 – Aristophanic Suite, The Wasps, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

August 7 – Piano Concerto No. 1 in D♭ major, op. 10 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia [O.S. July 25]

August 13 – Jules Massenet (1842-1912) died in Paris, France

September 24 – The Sea, Suite for Orchestra, H. 100 by Frank Bridge (1879-1941) was first performed in London, England

1913
St. Paul’s Suite, for string orchestra, op. 29, no. 2 (H. 118) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed (likely in Fall 1913) in London, England

Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968) completed Questo fu il carro della Morte, op. 2

April 24 – Canto serioso, for horn and piano, FS 132 by Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

May 6 – Gyula Dávid (1913-1977) was born in Kecskemét, Hungary

July 1 – Erik Satie (1866-1925) completed Embryons desséchés

October 12 – Four Tone Poems after Arnold Böcklin, op. 128 by Max Reger (1873-1916) was first performed in Essen, Germany

October 23 – On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring by Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was first performed in Leipzig, Germany

November 5 – Three Elizabethan Partsongs by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in Shirehampton, Bristol, England

November 22 – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) was born in Lowestoft, England

1914
Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) completed Variations on a Nursery Song, op. 25

Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) completed Il Tramonto (“The Sunset”), for mezzo-soprano and string quartet, P 101

Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) completed Sinfonia Drammatica in B♭ minor, P 102

February 5 – Ten Pieces, op. 12 , for piano, by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Moscow, Russia [O.S. January 23]

March 18 – Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, Fourth Group, op. 26 (H. 100), for men’s chorus and orchestra, by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

March 27 – Symphony No. 2, “A London Symphony”, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

June 27 – Gustav Holst (1874-1934) completed A Dirge for Two Veterans (H. 121) for male voices, brass, and percussion in 1914 prior to this date

August 28 – Anatoly Lyadov (1855-1914) died near Borovichi, Russia

November 12 – Second Quintet in E♭ minor for Piano and Strings, op. 26, by Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

1915
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) completed “Christmas Carol for Homeless Children”, for children’s chorus (Noël des enfants qui n’ont plus de maison: Nous n’avons plus de maison), CD 147

George Enescu (1881-1955) completed Orchestral Suite No. 2, in C major, op. 20

May – English Pastoral Impressions, op. 26, by Ernest Farrar (1885-1918) was first performed in Harrogate, England

1916
Franz Schreker (1878-1934) completed Verschwiegene Liebe (Silent Love), arrangement for voice and orchestra of Eichendorff Lieder: No. 3 by Hugo Wolf (1860-1903)

Kurt Atterberg (1887-1974) completed Symphony No. 3 in D major, op. 10, “Västkustbilder” (“West Coast Pictures”)

January 29 – Scythian Suite, op. 20 by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia [O.S. January 16]

April 9 – Nights in the Gardens of Spain, for piano and orchestra, G. 49 by Manuel de Falla (1876-1946) was first performed in Madrid, Spain

April 11 – Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983) was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina

May 11 – Max Reger (1873-1916) died in Leipzig, Germany

December 10 – Sarcasms, op. 17 (piano) by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia [O.S. November 27]

1917
Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) completed the Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 1, P 109

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) completed Song of the Black Swan (Canto do cysne negro), for cello and piano, W122

Kurt Atterberg (1887-1974) completed the Suite No. 3, op. 19, no. 1, for violin, viola, and string orchestra

Ilse Fromm-Michaels (1888-1986) completed Piano Sonata, op. 6

Ilse Fromm-Michaels (1888-1986) completed Walzerreigen, op. 7

March 11 – The Fountains of Rome, tone poem, P 106 by Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was first performed in Rome, Italy

May 3 – Schelomo: Hebraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra, B. 39 by Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) was first performed in New York, New York

July 24 – Robert Farnon (1917-2005) was born in Toronto, Canada

September 15 – Richard Arnell (1917-2009) was born in London, England

November 8 – Mikhail Goldstein (1917-1989) was born in Odesa, Ukraine

1918
Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) completed D’un Soir Triste, symphonic poem

January – Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) completed the orchestral version of D’un matin de printemps

January 20 – Violin Sonata in B minor, P 110 by Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was first performed in Naples, Italy

February 11 – Pan and Syrinx, symphonic poem in F major, op. 49 by Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

February 11 – Romanian Folk Dances, Sz. 68 by Béla Bartók (1881-1945) was first performed in Budapest, Hungary

March 15 – Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) died in Mézy-sur-Seine, France

March 25 – Claude Debussy (1862-1918) died in Paris, France

April 9 – Le bourgeois gentilhomme, orchestral suite, op. 60 by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

April 15 – Visions fugitives, op. 22 (piano) by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

April 21 – Symphony No. 1 in D major, op. 25, “Classical”, by Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

July 3 – Heroic Elegy, op. 36, by Ernest Farrar (1885-1918) was first performed in Harrogate, England

August 25 – Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts

September 18 – Ernest Farrar (1885-1918) died near Le Cateau, Cambrai, France (World War I casualty)

September 29 – The Planets, op. 32 (H. 125) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

1919
Percy Grainger (1882-1961) completed the orchestral version of Colonial Song (Sentimental No. 1)

Peter Warlock (1894-1930) completed the choral work Balulalow

George Gershwin (1898-1937) completed Lullaby, for string quartet

March 31 – Two Studies for Doktor Faust, BV 282 by Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924) was first performed in Zürich, Switzerland

April 11 – Le Tombeau de Couperin [“The Tomb of Couperin”] (piano version) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

June 5 – La Boutique fantasque (“The Fantastic Toyshop”), ballet based upon piano pieces by Gioachino Rossini, P 120 by Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) was first performed in London, England

June 22 – The White Peacock (orchestral version) by Charles Griffes (1884-1920) was first performed in New York, New York

September 1 – Japanese Suite, op. 33 (H. 126) by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was first performed in London, England

October 27 – Cello Concerto in E minor, op. 85 by Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was first performed in London, England

November 16 – Poem for Flute and Orchestra, A. 93 by Charles Griffes (1884-1920) was first performed in New York, New York

November 24 – Symphony No. 5 in E♭ major, op. 82 by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Helsinki, Finland

November 28 – The Pleasure Dome of Kubla Khan, tone poem by Charles Griffes (1884-1920) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

←1900s

1920s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1900s

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.

1900
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) completed the final version of The Swan of Tuonela, op. 22, no. 3

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) completed “A Love Song” (No. 5) for SATB chorus, from Five part songs, op. 9a (H48) by this date

March 2 – Kurt Weill (1900-1950) was born in Dessau, Germany

April 7 – Piano Concerto in C♯ minor, op. 45, by Amy Beach (1867-1944) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

July 1 – Symphony No. 1 in E minor, op. 39, by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

July 2 – Finlandia, op. 26, by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Helsinki, Finland

July 8 – George Antheil (1900-1959) was born in Trenton, New Jersey

July 12 – Requiem in D minor, op. 48, by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was first performed in Paris, France

November 3 – The Tale of Tsar Saltan, opera, by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 14 – Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was born in Brooklyn, New York

1901
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) completed The Snow is Falling, op. 1, no. 5, for children’s chorus and organ

January 27 – Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) died in Milan, Italy

February 3 – Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, op. 80, by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was first performed in Paris, France

February 7 – Pohádka (Fairy Tale), op. 16, by Josef Suk (1874-1935) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

March 31 – Rusalka, opera, op. 114, B203 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

September 14 – Chanson de Nuit, in G major, op. 15, no. 1, and Chanson de Matin, in G major, op. 15, no. 2 by Edward Elgar (1857-1934) were first performed in London, England

October 19 – Pomp and Circumstance, March No. 1 and March No. 2, by Edward Elgar (1857-1934) were first performed in Liverpool, England

October 27 – Three Nocturnes, L. 98, by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was first performed in Paris, France

November 9 – Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, op. 18, by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 22 – Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999) was born in Sagunto, Valencia, Spain

1902
Josef Suk (1874-1935) completed Elegie (Under the Impression of Zeyer’s Vyšehrad), op. 23

March 29 – William Walton (1902-1983) was born in Oldham, England

April 5 – Pavane pour une infante défunte [“Pavane for a dead princess”] (piano version) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

May 14 – Rest, for unaccompanied SSATB choir, by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

June 9 – Symphony No. 3 in D minor by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in its entirety in Krefeld, Germany

June 28 – Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) was born in New York, New York

September 10 – The Witch of Atlas, Tone Poem for Orchestra No. 5, by Granville Bantock (1868-1946), was first performed in Worcester, England

1903
February 22 – Hugo Wolf (1860-1903) died in Vienna, Austria

April 7 – Schwanensang (Swan Song), for chorus and orchestra, op. 11 by Franz Schreker (1878-1934) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

June 6 – Aram Khachaturian (1903-1978) was born in Kojori, Georgia

October 8 – Helios Overture, op. 17, by Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

October 19 – Vittorio Giannini (1903-1966) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

November 10 – Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 43, by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Stockholm, Sweden

1904
Erik Satie (1866-1925) completed Le Picadilly

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) completed “Thou didst delight my eyes” (SATB chorus, H58) by this date

January 13 – Richard Addinsell (1904-1977) was born in London, England

March 5 – String Quartet in F major by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

March 16 – In the South (Alassio), op. 50, by Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was first performed in London, England

March 25 – Armida, opera, op. 115, B206 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

March 30 – Koanga, opera, by Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was first performed in Wuppertal, Germany

May 1 – Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) died in Prague, Czech Republic

October 18 – Symphony No. 5 in C♯ minor by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Cologne, Germany

December 2 – Songs of Travel by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

December 30 – Dmitry Kabalevsky (1904-1987) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1905
Claude Debussy (1862-1918) completed Suite bergamasque, L. 75

Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) completed Winterreigen, op. 13

January 10 – Symphony No. 3 in C major “Singulière” by Franz Berwald (1796-1868) was first performed in Stockholm, Sweden

January 29 – Kindertotenlieder (“Songs on the Death of Children”), song cycle for voice and orchestra by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

January 29 – Rückert-Lieder (“Songs after Friedrich Rückert”), songs for voice and orchestra by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

April 18 – Fantastické Scherzo, op. 25 by Josef Suk (1874-1935) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

August 23 – Constant Lambert (1905-1951) was born in London, England

October 15 – La Mer, L. 109, by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was first performed in Paris, France

October 19 – Violin Concerto in D minor, op. 47, by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

November 7 – William Alwyn (1905-1985) was born in Northampton, England

December 9 – Dance of the Seven Veils, from Salome, opera by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Dresden, Germany

1906
Aita Donostia (1886-1956) completed Rapsodia Baskongada [Basque Rhapsody]

January 6 – Miroirs (“Mirrors”), for piano, by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

February 4 – Slovak Suite, op. 32 by Vítězslav Novák (1870-1949) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

March 7 – Konzertstück in D major, for cello and orchestra, op. 12, by Ernst von Dohnányi (1877-1960) was first performed in Budapest, Hungary

March 10 – Sonatine, for piano, by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Lyon, France

April – Lyric Suite, op. 54 (for orchestra) by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was first performed in Amsterdam, Netherlands

May 9 – Iberia, Book 1, by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was first performed in Paris, France

May 27 – Symphony No. 6 in A minor by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Essen, Germany

July 24 – Alfredo Casella (1883-1947) completed Symphony No. 1 in B minor, op. 5

September 25 – Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 6 – Orchestral version of Dolly Suite, op. 56 by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was first performed in Monte Carlo, Monaco [orchestrated by Henri Rabaud (1873-1949)]

1907
February 3 – Symphony No. 2 in C minor, “Asrael Symphony”, op. 27, by Josef Suk (1874-1935) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

February 3 – Une barque sur l’océan [“A boat on the ocean”] (orchestrated version) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

February 16 – Alec Wilder (1907-1980) was born in Rochester, New York

February 21 – “The Walk to the Paradise Garden”, from the opera A Village Romeo and Juliet, by Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

February 22 – Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and Strings by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

September 4 – Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) died in Bergen, Norway

September 11 – Iberia, Book 2, by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was first performed in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France

November 17 – James Moody (1907-1995) was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland

1908
Sigfrid Karg-Elert (1877-1933) completed Marche triomphale, “Nun danket alle Gott” op. 65, no. 59 (for organ)

January 2 – Iberia, Book 3, by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was first performed in Paris, France

January 23 – Edward MacDowell (1860-1908) died in New York, New York

January 26 – Symphony No. 2 in E minor, op. 27, by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

February 18 – Brigg Fair, An English Rhapsody, by Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was first performed in London, England

March 15 – Rapsodie espagnole by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

May 15 – Lars-Erik Larsson (1908-1986) was born in Åkarp, Sweden

June 21 – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) died near Luga, Leningrad Oblast, Russia

June 29 – Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts

September 20 – Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) died in Biarritz, France

October 18 – Drapa, op. 27, for Large Orchestra by Hugo Alfvén (1872-1960) was first performed in Stockholm, Sweden

October 19 – Geirr Tveitt (1908-1981) was born in Bergen, Norway

November 19 – Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur (1908-2002) was born in Paris, France

December 10 – Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) was born in Avignon, France

December 18 – Children’s Corner, L. 113 by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was first performed in Paris, France

1909
January 9 – Gaspard de la nuit by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) was first performed in Paris, France

February 9 – Iberia, Book 4, by Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was first performed in Paris, France

February 21 – The Enchanted Lake, op. 62, by Anatoly Lyadov (1855-1914) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

February 22 – In the Fen Country, tone poem by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) was first performed in London, England

May 1 – Isle of the Dead in A minor, op. 29, symphonic poem by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

May 1 – George Melachrino (1909-1965) was born in London, England

May 18 – Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) died in Cambo-les-Bains, France

June 23 – Clive Richardson (1909-1998) was born in Paris, France

October 7 – Le Coq d’Or, opera by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

November 28 – Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, op. 30, by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in New York, New York

December 12 – Kikimora, op. 63, tone poem by Anatoly Lyadov (1855-1914) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 15 – Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909) died in Barcelona, Spain

December 18 – Octet for Double String Quartet in C major, op. 7, by George Enescu (1881-1955) was first performed in Paris, France

←1890s

1910s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1890s

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.

1890
Feuillet d’album by Emmanuel Chabrier (1841-1894) was first published

Erik Satie (1866-1925) completed Gnossienne No. 3

January 10 – The revised version of Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, op. 8 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Budapest, Hungary

January 15 – The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, op. 66 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

February 2 – Symphony No. 8 in G major, op. 88, B163 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

June 21 – Death and Transfiguration, op. 24, tone poem by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Eisenach, Germany

October 17 – Piano Quartet No. 2 in E♭ major, op. 87, B162 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

November 4 – Prince Igor, opera by Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

November 8 – César Franck (1822-1890) died in Paris, France

December 8 – Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959) was born in Polička, Czech Republic

1891
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) completed Two Melodies for String Orchestra, op. 53

Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) completed Lyric Pieces, Book V, op. 54 (some were orchestrated later as the Lyric Suite)

Norwegian Dances, op. 35, by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was orchestrated by Hans Sitt (1850-1922)

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) completed Beau Soir

Josef Suk (1874-1935) completed Piano Quartet in A minor, op. 1

January 15 – Marche Solennelle by Edward German (1862-1936) was first performed in London, England

January 16 – Léo Delibes (1836-1891) died in Paris, France

January 22 – Erik Satie (1866-1925) completed Gnossienne No. 4

March 16 – Fantasy Pieces, op. 2, for oboe and piano, by Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

April 11 – Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, op. 90, B166, “Dumky” by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

April 18 – Symphony in B♭ major, op. 20 by Ernest Chausson (1855-1899) was first performed in Paris, France

April 27 – Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) was born in Sontsivka, Ukraine [O.S. April 15]

October 9 – Requiem in B♭ minor, op. 89, B165 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Birmingham, England

December 12 – Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet in B minor, op. 115, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

1892
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) completed Seven Fantasies for Piano, op. 116

Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909) completed Capricho árabe (Arabic Caprice), for solo guitar

March 19 – The Nutcracker Suite, op. 71a, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

March 27 – Ferde Grofé (1892-1972) was born in New York, New York

April 6 – Symphony No. 4 in D minor, op. 13, B41 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

April 22 – Édouard Lalo (1823-1892) died in Paris, France

May 6 – Ernest Guiraud (1837-1892) died in Paris, France

September 26 – Prélude in C♯ minor, op. 3, no. 2 from Morceaux de fantaisie by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Moscow, Russia

October 21 – Te Deum, op. 103, B176 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in New York, New York

December 18 – Symphony No. 8 in C minor, WAB 108, by Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

1893
January 18 – Mass in D by Ethel Smyth (1858-1944) was first performed in London, England

January 30 – Intermezzo in E♭ major, op. 117, no. 1, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in London, England

March 4 – Symphony No. 2 in G minor, “Sintram”, by George Templeton Strong (1856-1948) was first performed in New York, New York

August 21 – Lili Boulanger (1893-1918) was born in Paris, France

October 28 – Symphony No. 6 in B minor, op. 74 “Pathétique” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

November 6 – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) died in Saint Petersburg, Russia

November 23 – Karelia Suite, op. 11 by Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was first performed in Helsinki, Finland

December 16 – Symphony No. 9 in E minor, op. 95, B178 “From the New World” by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in New York, New York

December 23 – Hänsel und Gretel, opera by Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921), was first performed in Weimar, Germany

December 29 – String Quartet in G minor, op. 10 (L. 91) by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was first performed in Paris, France

1894
Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov (1859-1935) completed Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1, op. 10

January 1 – String Quartet No. 12 in F major, op. 96, B179 “American” by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

January 22 – Six Pieces for Piano, op. 118, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in London, England

January 22 – Rhapsody in E♭ major, op. 119, no. 4, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in London, England

February 25 – Serenade for Strings in E♭ major, op. 6 by Josef Suk (1874-1935) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

March 16 – Méditation from Thaïs by Jules Massenet (1842-1912) was first performed in Paris, France

May 17 – Richard Strauss (1864-1949) completed Ruhe, Meine Seele, op. 27, no. 1 at Weimar, Germany. He completed an orchestral song version of this piece in 1948.

September 13 – Emmanuel Chabrier (1841-1894) died in Paris, France

October 30 – Peter Warlock (1894-1930) was born in London, England

December 16 – Silent Woods, for cello and orchestra (or piano), op. 68, no. 5, B182 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Basel, Switzerland

December 22 – Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, symphonic poem by Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was first performed in Paris, France

1895
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) completed the Viola Sonata in F minor, op. 120, no. 1 (version of Clarinet Sonata, op. 120, no. 1)

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) completed the Viola Sonata in E♭ major, op. 120, no. 2 (version of Clarinet Sonata, op. 120, no. 2)

Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) completed Two Nordic Melodies for String Orchestra, op. 63

Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov (1859-1935) completed Armenian Rhapsody on National Themes, op. 48

Léon Boëllmann (1862-1897) completed Suite gothique, op. 25 for organ

January 3 – Borys Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) was born in Zhytomyr, Ukraine

April 3 – Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco (1895-1968) was born in Florence, Italy

May 11 – William Grant Still (1895-1978) was born in Woodville, Mississippi

July 5 – Gordon Jacob (1895-1984) was born in London, England

November 5 – Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks, op. 28 tone poem by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Cologne, Germany

November 16 – Paul Hindemith (1895-1963) was born in Hanau, Germany

December 13 – Symphony No. 2 in C minor, “Resurrection”, by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

1896
Souvenir d’un lieu cher (Memory of a Beloved Place), op. 42, for violin and orchestra, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) and orchestrated by Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) was first published

Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) completed Symphonic Dances, op. 64

Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) completed Lyric Pieces, Book VIII, op. 65

Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909) completed Recuerdos de la Alhambra (Memories of the Alhambra), for solo guitar

Edward MacDowell (1860-1908) completed Woodland Sketches, op. 51

Leokadiya Kashperova (1872-1940) completed Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 1 in G major, op. 1, no. 1

January 10 – Sonatina in G major, for violin and piano, op. 100, B183 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Brno, Czech Republic

February 13 – Humoresques, op. 101, B187 (piano) by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

March 16 – Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (“Songs of a Wayfarer”), song cycle for voice and orchestra by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Berlin, Germany

March 19 – Cello Concerto in B minor, op. 104, B191 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in London, England

May 20 – Clara Schumann (1819-1896) died in Frankfurt, Germany

June 3 – The Water Goblin, symphonic poem, op. 107, B195 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

June 3 – The Noon Witch, symphonic poem, op. 108, B196 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

October 9 – String Quartet No. 13 in G major, op. 106, B192 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

October 11 – Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) died in Vienna, Austria

October 28 – Howard Hanson (1896-1981) was born in Wahoo, Nebraska

November 25 – Virgil Thomson (1896-1989) was born in Kansas City, Missouri

November 27 – Also sprach Zarathustra, op. 30, tone poem by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Frankfurt, Germany

December 27 – Poème, for violin and orchestra, op. 25 by Ernest Chausson (1855-1899) was first performed in Nancy, France

1897
Richard Strauss (1864-1949) completed Der Abend, op. 34, no. 1 (“The Evening”), for chorus

January – Erik Satie (1866-1925) completed Gnossienne No. 6

January 3 – Symphony in C major by Paul Dukas (1865-1935) was first performed in Paris, France

March 28 – Symphony No. 1 in D minor, op. 13 by Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

April 3 – Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) died in Vienna, Austria

May 18 – The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, symphonic poem by Paul Dukas (1865-1935) was first performed in Paris, France

May 29 – Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957) was born in Brno, Czech Republic

June 12 – Alexandre Tansman (1897-1986) was born in Łódź, Poland

October 11 – Léon Boëllmann (1862-1897) died in Paris, France

1898
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) completed Sicilienne, op. 78, for cello and piano

February 12 – Roy Harris (1898-1979) was born in Chandler, Oklahoma

March 20 – The Wild Dove, symphonic poem, op. 110, B198 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Brno, Czech Republic

September 26 – George Gershwin (1898-1937) was born in Brooklyn, New York

November 13 – Four Sacred Pieces by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was first performed in its entirety in Vienna, Austria

1899
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) completed the orchestration for Two Lyric Pieces, op. 68

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) completed “It was a lover and his lass” (SATB chorus, H59) by this date

Franz Schreker (1878-1934) completed Symphony in A minor, op. 1

Percy Grainger (1882-1961) completed Fisher’s Boarding-House

January 7 – Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was born in Paris, France

March 3 – Ein Heldenleben, op. 40, tone poem by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Frankfurt, Germany

June 3 – Johann Strauss II (1825-1899) died in Vienna, Austria

June 10 – Ernest Chausson (1855-1899) died in Limay, Yvelines, France

June 19 – Variations on an Original Theme, op. 36 “Enigma Variations” by Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was first performed in London, England

October 5 – Sea Pictures, for contralto and orchestra, op. 37 by Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was first performed in Norwich, Norfolk, England

November 18 – The Devil and Kate, opera, op. 112, B201 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

←1880s

1900s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1880s

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.

1880
January 20 – Two Rhapsodies, op. 79 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Krefeld, Germany

February 14 – Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, op. 15 by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was first performed in Paris, France

April 20 – In the Steppes of Central Asia, in A minor, by Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

July 24 – Ernest Bloch (1880-1959) was born in Geneva, Switzerland

November 7 – Roses from the South Waltz, op. 388 by Johann Strauss II (1825-1899) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

December 26 – Tragic Overture, in D minor, op. 81 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

1881
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) completed Norwegian Dances, op. 35

February 12 – Symphony No. 2 in C minor, op. 17, “Little Russian” (2nd and final version) by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

February 20 – Symphony No. 4 in E♭ major, WAB 104, “Romantic” by Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

March 25 – Béla Bartók (1881-1945) was born in Sânnicolau Mare, Romania

March 25 – Symphony No. 6 in D major, op. 60, B112 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

March 28 – Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881) died in Saint Petersburg, Russia

April 17 – Carmen Fantasy, op. 25 for violin and orchestra (on themes from Bizet’s Carmen), by Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) was first performed in Madrid, Spain

April 20 – Nikolai Myaskovsky (1881-1950) was born in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland

August 19 – George Enescu (1881-1955) was born in Liveni, Romania

October 11 – Two Elegiac Melodies, op. 34 by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

October 30 – Romance in G major for violin and orchestra, op. 26 by Johan Svendsen (1840-1911) was first performed in Oslo, Norway

November 9 – Piano Concerto No. 2 in B♭ major, op. 83 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Budapest, Hungary

December 4 – Violin Concerto in D major, op. 35 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

1882
February 7 – String Quartet No. 2 in D major by Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

February 10 – The Snow Maiden, opera by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

April 18 – Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977) was born in London, England

June 17 – Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) was born in Lomonosov, Russia

July 8 – Percy Grainger (1882-1961) was born in Melbourne, Australia

July 26 – Parsifal, opera by Richard Wagner (1813-1883) was first performed in Bayreuth, Germany

October 6 – Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937) was born in Tymoshivka, Ukraine

November 5 – Má vlast, six symphonic poems by Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) was first performed in its entirety in Prague, Czech Republic

November 27 – Serenade for 13 Wind Instruments in E♭ major, op. 7 by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Dresden, Germany

December 8 – Manuel Ponce (1882-1948) was born in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico

December 9 – Joaquín Turina (1882-1949) was born in Seville, Spain

December 16 – Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967) was born in Kecskemét, Hungary

1883
February 13 – Richard Wagner (1813-1883) died in Venice, Italy

March 19 – Tamara, symphonic poem in B minor by Mily Balakirev (1837-1910) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

May 16 – Scherzo capriccioso in D♭ major, op. 66, B131 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

July 4 – Maximilian Steinberg (1883-1946) was born in Vilnius, Lithuania

July 25 – Alfredo Casella (1883-1947) was born in Turin, Italy

July 27 – Franz Doppler (1821-1883) died in Baden bei Wien, Austria

October 14 – Violin Concerto in A minor, op. 53, B108 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

October 27 – Piano Trio No. 3 in F minor, op. 65, B130 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic

December – Elégie, for cello and piano, op. 24 by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was first performed in Paris, France

December 2 – Symphony No. 3 in F major, op. 90 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

December 3 – Anton Webern (1883-1945) was born in Vienna, Austria

December 6 – Sonata in F major for cello and piano, op. 6 by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Nuremberg, Germany

1884
January 3 – String Quartet No. 2 in D minor by Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

May 12 – Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884) died in Prague, Czech Republic

September 17 – Charles Griffes (1884-1920) was born in Elmira, New York

December 30 – Symphony No. 7 in E major, WAB 107, by Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) was first performed in Leipzig, Germany

1885
Emmanuel Chabrier (1841-1894) completed Habanera

March 13 – From Holberg’s Time: Suite in Olden Style, for string orchestra, op. 40 by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was first performed in Bergen, Norway

April 22 – Symphony No. 7 in D minor, op. 70, B141 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in London, England

June 19 – Stevan Hristić (1885-1958) was born in Belgrade, Serbia

July 7 – Ernest Farrar (1885-1918) was born in London, England

September 28 – Ballade in D minor, for violin and piano, op. 15, B139 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

October 25 – Symphony No. 4 in E minor, op. 98 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Meiningen, Germany

November 23 – Stenka Razin, in B minor, op. 13, symphonic poem by Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

1886
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) completed Lyric Pieces, Book III, op. 43

Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) completed Five Novelettes for string quartet, op. 15

January 10 – Aita Donostia (1886-1956) was born in San Sebastián, Spain

May 1 – Romeo and Juliet, Fantasy Overture (3rd and final version), TH 42, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was first performed in Tbilisi, Georgia

May 19 – Symphony No. 3 in C minor, op. 78, with organ, by Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) was first performed in London, England

July 31 – Franz Liszt (1811-1886) died in Bayreuth, Germany

October 15 – Night on Bald Mountain by Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881) and orchestrated by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908), was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

November 24 – Cello Sonata No. 2 in F major, op. 99 by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

December 16 – Violin Sonata in A major, CFF 123, by César Franck (1822-1890) was first performed in Brussels, Belgium

1887
Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) completed Pavane in F♯ minor, op. 50, for SATB choir and piano

Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) completed Elegy in D♭ major, op. 17 (In memory of Franz Liszt) for cello and piano

January – Miniatures, for two violins and viola, op. 75a, B149 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

January 6 – Slavonic Dances, op. 72, B147 (Nos. 1, 2, and 7) by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic
[Note: I have been unable to find when Nos. 3-6 and 8 premiered.]

January 22 – Piano Quartet No. 2 in G minor, op. 45 by Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) was first performed in Paris, France

February 27 – Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) died in Saint Petersburg, Russia

March 5 – Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

March 7 – Heino Eller (1887-1970) was born in Tartu, Estonia

March 30 – Romantic Pieces, for violin and piano, op. 75, B150 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

October 18 – Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Orchestra in A minor, op. 102 “Double Concerto” by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Cologne, Germany

October 31 – Capriccio espagnol, op. 34 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 10 – Violin Sonata No. 3 in C minor, op. 45 by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was first performed in Leipzig, Germany

December 12 – Kurt Atterberg (1887-1974) was born in Gothenburg, Sweden

1888
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) completed Nächtens (At night), in D minor, from Six Quartets, op. 112, no. 2

Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) completed Lyric Pieces, Book IV, op. 47

Florida Suite by Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was first performed in Leipzig, Germany

Erik Satie (1866-1925) completed Gymnopédie No. 1

January 6 – Cypresses, for string quartet, B152 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed (Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 9) in Prague, Czech Republic

January 6 – Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, op. 81, B155 by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Prague, Czech Republic

October 28 – Scheherazade, op. 35 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

November 17 – Symphony No. 5 in E minor, op. 64 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 15 – Russian Easter Festival Overture, op. 36 by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

December 21 – Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, op. 108, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Budapest, Hungary

December 30 – Ilse Fromm-Michaels (1888-1986) was born in Hamburg, Germany

1889
Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) completed the orchestration of the unfinished Symphony No. 3 in A minor by Alexander Borodin (1833-1887)

February 17 – Symphony in D minor, CFF 130, by César Franck (1822-1890) was first performed in Paris, France

February 17 – Geoffrey Toye (1889-1942) was born in Winchester, England

October – Ralph Greaves (1889-1966) was born in Lymington, Hampshire, England

November 3 – Poetic Tone Pictures, op. 85, B161 (piano) by Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) was first performed in Tábor, Czech Republic

November 11 – Don Juan, tone poem in E major, op. 20 by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was first performed in Weimar, Germany

November 20 – Symphony No. 1 in D major by Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was first performed in Budapest, Hungary

←1870s

1890s→

Classical Music Timeline: 1860s

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.

1860
Franz Liszt (1811-1886) and Franz Doppler (1821-1883) completed the orchestral version of Hungarian Rhapsody No. 3 in D♭ major (S. 359, No. 3)

Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) completed Cello Sonata in B minor, but some parts of the manuscript have subsequently been lost

February 10 – Serenade No. 2 in A major, op. 16 (original version), by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Hamburg, Germany

March 3 – Serenade No. 1 in D major, op. 11, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Hanover, Germany

March 13 – Hugo Wolf (1860-1903) was born in Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia

May 4 – Emil von Reznicek (1860-1945) was born in Vienna, Austria

May 29 – Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909) was born in Camprodon, Catelonia, Spain

July 7 – Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) was born in Kaliště, Czech Republic

October 20 – String Sextet No. 1 in B♭ major, op. 18, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Hanover, Germany

December 18 – Edward MacDowell (1860-1908) was born in New York, New York

1861
January 15 – The Harp Rings Out, in C major, op. 17, no. 1 (SSA women’s chorus, horn, and harp), by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Hamburg, Germany

The Death of Trenar, in C minor, op. 17, no. 4 (SSA women’s chorus, two horns, and harp), by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Hamburg, Germany

Love Song, in E major, op. 44, no. 1 (SSAA women’s chorus & piano), by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Hamburg, Germany

November 16 – Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, op. 25, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Hamburg, Germany

1862
January 29 – Frederick Delius (1862-1934) was born in Bradford, England

February 17 – Edward German (1862-1936) was born in Whitchurch, Shropshire, England

August 22 – Claude Debussy (1862-1918) was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France

September 25 – Léon Boëllmann (1862-1897) was born in Ensisheim, France

1863
December 24 – Enrique Fernández Arbós (1863-1939) was born in Madrid, Spain

1864
March 15 – Johan Halvorsen (1864-1935) was born in Drammen, Norway

June 11 – Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was born in Munich, Germany

1865
June 9 – Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) was born in Sortelung, Denmark

June 10 – Tristan and Isolde, opera by Richard Wagner (1813-1883), was first performed in Munich, Germany

August 10 – Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia

October 1 – Paul Dukas (1865-1935) was born in Paris, France

October 13 – Cello Sonata No. 1 in E minor, op. 38, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Gdańsk, Poland

November 7 – Violin Sonata No. 1 in F major, op. 8 by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was first performed in Leipzig, Germany

November 28 – Horn Trio in E♭ major, op. 40, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Zürich, Switzerland

December 8 – Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was born in Hämeenlinna, Finland

December 17 – Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759 “Unfinished” by Franz Schubert (1797-1828) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

1866
April 1 – Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924) was born in Empoli, Italy

May 17 – Erik Satie (1866-1925) was born in Honfleur, France

June 22 – Piano Quintet in F minor, op. 34, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Leipzig, Germany

October 11 – String Sextet No. 2 in G major, op. 36, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Boston, Massachusetts

November 12 – La Source (The Spring), ballet by Léo Delibes (1836-1891) was first performed in Paris, France

November 13 – In Autumn, concert overture for orchestra, op. 11 by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was first performed in Oslo, Norway

November 23 – Sixteen Waltzes, op. 39 (piano four-hand) by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Oldenburg, Germany

1867
February 15 – The Blue Danube, op. 314, by Johann Strauss II (1825-1899) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

September 5 – Amy Beach (1867-1944) was born in Henniker, New Hampshire

1868
Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) completed Péchés de vieillesse (“Sins of Old Age”)

January 5 – Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, op. 26, by Max Bruch (1838-1920) was first performed (in its present form) in Bremen, Germany

April 3 – Franz Berwald (1796-1868) died in Stockholm, Sweden

June 19 – Tales from the Vienna Woods, op. 325 by Johann Strauss II (1825-1899) was first performed in Vienna, Austria

August 7 – Granville Bantock (1868-1946) was born in London, England

November 13 – Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) died in Passy, France

November 15 – Waltz in A♭ major, op. 39, no. 15, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Hamburg, Germany

1869
January 16 – Symphony No. 1 in E♭ major by Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

February 18 – A German Requiem, op. 45, by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was first performed in Leipzig, Germany

February 27 – Overture to La forza del destino by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was first performed in Milan, Italy

March – Symphony No. 2, op. 9 Antar (1st version) by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) was first performed in Saint Petersburg, Russia

March 8 – Hector Berlioz (1803-1869) died in Paris, France

April 3 – Piano Concerto in A minor, op. 16, by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) was first performed in Copenhagen, Denmark

December 16 – Alfred Hill (1869-1960) was born in Melbourne, Australia

←1850s

1870s→

Mahler’s Farewell

Lewis Thomas (1913-1993) wrote in his essay Late Night Thoughts on Listening to Mahler’s Ninth Symphony,

“I cannot listen to the last movement of the Mahler Ninth without the door-smashing intrusion of a huge new thought: death everywhere, the dying of everything, the end of humanity…How do the young stand it? How can they keep their sanity? If I were very young, sixteen or seventeen years old, I think I would begin, perhaps very slowly and imperceptibly, to go crazy…If I were sixteen or seventeen years old…I would know for sure that the whole world was coming unhinged. I can remember with some clarity what it was like to be sixteen…I was in no hurry…The years stretched away forever ahead, forever…It never crossed my mind to wonder about the twenty-first century; it was just there, given, somewhere in the sure distance.”

Thomas was referring to the threat of nuclear war, which is still very much with us. Now, can you imagine as bad as the COVID-19 pandemic has been, what a nuclear war would be like? We need to rid our planet of these weapons, now.

As I was listening to the final movement of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 9, the Adagio, this past Monday, I was also thinking, of course, about the frightening ravages of COVID-19, but also climate change and the precipitous decline in biological diversity caused by humans. All of this is driven by the fact that there are too many people on the planet, and the answer is not to kill (by whatever means) people who are already here, but to bring fewer children into the world so we can lower human population to a sustainable level in the coming generations. We could all have a higher standard of living without trashing the planet.

On Wednesday, the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, PBS aired a new BBC documentary, Climate Change: The Facts. I was riveted by the program, presented by Sir David Attenborough, who will turn 94 next month the day before I turn 64. David Attenborough is an international treasure. Watching him so expertly present, as he always does, the urgency of this climate crisis and remembering his many outstanding documentary series such as Life on Earth and The Living Planet, I became teary eyed knowing that he will not be with us for very much longer. You wish someone like David Attenborough or Carl Sagan could live for hundreds of years. Because, when our life is over, we will cease to exist as a conscious entity, for all eternity. I am now certain of that. Realizing that this is our one and only life gives one a very different perspective on what we are doing to this world—and to each other. Humanists value the sanctity of each human life more than anyone who believes in an afterlife. Humanists fully understand the enormous responsibility each of us living in this current generation has to ensure that our civilization does not descend into a dystopian existence. There will be no salvation, just unimaginable pain, suffering, and destruction of all that is good, if we fail.

I am so inspired by young Greta Thunberg, who features prominently in the documentary. Greta and the many other young activists around the world give me hope for the future. Her words and conviction brought more tears to my eyes. I may be 63, but I’m with you 100%, Greta. Sign me up!

In 1908 and 1909, Gustav Mahler finished his last completed work, the Symphony No. 9. There was much turmoil and tragedy in Mahler’s life prior to the writing of this symphony. His beloved oldest daughter, Maria Anna Mahler, died of scarlet fever and diphtheria on 5 July 1907 at the age of 4. Immediately after Maria’s death, Mahler learned that he had a defective heart. And his relationship with his wife Alma had become strained. Gustav Mahler died on 18 May 1911. He never heard his Symphony No. 9 performed. It received its premiere on 26 June 1912 in Vienna with Bruno Walter conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

The final movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9, the Adagio, is one of the most moving pieces of music I have ever heard. While listening to it, one thinks of all the beauty that was and is in the world, and how terribly much we have lost.

The most expressive recording of the Adagio I have heard is by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Georg Solti (Decca 473 274-2). If this movement of 24:37 does not bring you to tears, I don’t know what will.