Music History Monday

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) in 1824 We mark October 30, 1822 – 201 years ago today – as being the day on which Franz Schubert began what is now known as his Symphony No. 8 in B minor, the “Unfinishe...

30 Okt 202324min

Al Jolson (1886-1950) We mark the death on October 23, 1950 – 73 years ago today – of the Lithuanian-American singer and actor Al Jolson. Born “Asa Yoelson” on May 26, 1886, in the village of Sredn...

23 Okt 202321min

A few, necessary words before moving on to today’s post. Our hearts bleed for the events currently playing out in Israel and Gaza. Frankly, there are no words. Today is also the 14th annivers...

16 Okt 202329min

Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) We mark the birth on October 9, 1835 – 188 years ago today – of Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, in Paris. He died in that magnificent city on Beethoven’s 151st...

9 Okt 202317min

Before we get to the central topic of today’s post – that being a particular address in San Francisco – we would wish a most happy birthday to someone we only know by his nickname.  Please: no looking...

2 Okt 202317min

Glenn Herbert Gould (born “Gold,” 1932-1982) circa 1955 We mark the birth on September 25, 1932 – 91 years ago today – of the pianist Glenn Herbert Gold, in Toronto, Canada.  (Yes, the surname on “...

25 Sep 202327min

James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix, 1942-1970), circa 1967 We mark the death on September 18, 1970 – 53 years ago today – of the American guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jam...

18 Sep 202324min

9-11; a somber day for us all. A day for reflection, contemplation and perhaps, still, after 22 years, a day to grieve. François Couperin (1668-1733) Far more often than not, Music History Mo...

11 Sep 202320min