Thursday, September 20
John Hsu grew up in Shanghai, came to the States after World War II and trained at the New England Conservatory at a time when Asian musicians in this country were few and far between. Then followed a distinguished 50-year career as a cellist, conductor and pioneering expert on such early string instruments as the viola da gamba and baryton. Now in his 80s and recently retired from Cornell University, he keeps on his toes as music director of the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra.
In the noon hour, John Hsu introduces some of the trumpety fare he'll be conducting at the ABO's festive tenth anniversary concert Sunday. Also on Midday Music, we hear selections by Jean Sibelius, who died 50 years ago today, and Max Bruch's Kol Nidrei, based on liturgy from the solemn Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which begins Friday evening.
11 AM
- Sibelius: Humoresque, Op. 89/5. Gringolts, Gothenburg Sym, Jarvi (DG 2249)
- Sibelius: Swanwhite, Suite. Kuusisto, Tapiola Sinfonietta (Ondine 1074-5)
- Sibelius: Four choral songs. Accentus, Ericson (Naive 5037)
- Mozart: Sinfonia in G major, K. 45a, "Lambach." Concentus Musicus Vienna, Harnoncourt (DHM 63970)
- Wagner: Lohengrin: Act 3 Prelude. Philadelphia Orch, Thielemann (DG 289 453 485)
- Bach: Orchestral Suite No. 4, Boston Baroque, Pearlman (Telarc 80619)
- Chopin: Impromptu No. 1 in A-flat. Mikhail Pletnev (DG 453 456)
- Orlando di Lasso (de Lassus): Pentitential Psalms of David No. 4, "Miserere mei Deus." Collegium Vocale Gent, Herreweghe (Harmonia Mundi 901931.32)
- Sibelius: Symphony No. 5. Iceland Sym, Oramo (Naxos box 8.505179)
- Paganini: Cantabile in D major. Sarah Chang, Charles Abramovic (EMI 56161)
- Bruch: Kol Nidrei. Matt Haimovitz, Chicago Sym, Levine (DG 427 323)
