Start your Saturday morning with a musical journey through time! In this special 9 a.m. hour of Classical Almanac on Saturday, July 19, we’re presenting a lineup of works tied to historical events and birthdays that happened on this day throughout music history. From a charming waltz of the Viennese stage to Olympic grandeur, we’ve got a little something for everyone. Here’s what we’re playing—and why.
9:00 AM – Carl Zeller: Grubenlichter Waltzer
Performed by the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Riccardo Muti
🎂 Reason for inclusion: Born July 19, 1842
We begin with a lilting Viennese waltz by Carl Zeller, born this day in 1842 in St. Peter in der Au, Austria. Zeller made his mark as an operetta composer during the golden age of Viennese light opera, and is best remembered for Der Vogelhändler (The Bird Seller). The Grubenlichter Waltzer glows with melodic charm and danceable grace—a perfect way to start the hour.
9:07 AM – Franz Liszt: Mephisto Waltz No. 1
Performed by Evgeny Kissin
🎹 Reason for inclusion: Liszt gave his final public performance on July 19, 1886
The devil dances into our lineup with Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz, one of his most dramatic and virtuosic showpieces. On this day in 1886, the legendary composer and pianist gave his final performance in Elisavetgrad (now Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine) before retiring to Weimar, where he would die just 12 days later. This piece, inspired by a scene from Lenau’s Faust, is a whirlwind of temptation and dark seduction, delivered here by the inimitable Evgeny Kissin.
9:19 AM – Maurice Ravel: String Quartet in F major, 2nd movement
Performed by the Juilliard String Quartet
🎻 Reason for inclusion: Birth of Robert Mann (1920), founder of the Juilliard Quartet
The sparkling scherzo from Ravel’s only string quartet is our tribute to violinist Robert Mann, born July 19, 1920, in Portland, Oregon. Mann founded the Juilliard String Quartet in 1946 and led it for more than 50 years. This movement is playful, syncopated, and distinctly French—yet timeless in the hands of the ensemble he helped shape.
9:28 AM – Juan-Bautista Plaza: Plaza Nocturna
Performed by City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, Germán Augusto Gutiérrez & Daniel Binelli
🎹 Reason for inclusion: Birth of Juan-Bautista Plaza (1898)
Born in Caracas in 1898, Juan-Bautista Plaza was a leading figure in Venezuelan musical life—as both a composer and musicologist. Plaza Nocturna is a moody, atmospheric work evoking night scenes, likely inspired by Latin American landscapes and rhythms. It's a hauntingly beautiful nod to a lesser-known but important cultural figure.
9:31 AM – Howard Hanson: Symphony No. 1 "Nordic", 3rd movement
Performed by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gerard Schwarz
🎼 Reason for inclusion: Birth of Gerard Schwarz (1947)
We salute American conductor Gerard Schwarz, born July 19, 1947, in Weehawken, New Jersey. During his tenure with the Seattle Symphony, Schwarz championed American composers—including Howard Hanson, whose First Symphony (subtitled “Nordic”) exudes sweeping lyricism and northern character. The third movement is majestic and reflective, and under Schwarz’s baton, it sings with special resonance.
9:42 AM – Antonio Vivaldi: Piccolo Concerto in C major, RV 443
Performed by Evelyn Glennie with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Anne Manson
🥁 Reason for inclusion: Birth of Evelyn Glennie (1965)
A birthday shout-out to Evelyn Glennie, the pioneering Scottish percussionist born on this day in 1965. While best known for her trailblazing percussion work, Glennie also picks up the piccolo for this bright and bubbly Vivaldi concerto—yes, you read that right! The collaboration with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and Anne Manson adds a local touch to this celebratory, sparkling piece.
9:52 AM – John Williams: Summon the Heroes
Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by John Williams
🏅 Reason for inclusion: Premiered July 19, 1996, at the Atlanta Olympics
We close with a fanfare worthy of champions. On this day in 1996, the Atlanta Summer Olympics opened with the premiere of John Williams' Summon the Heroes, commissioned by the Olympic Committee. It’s bold, brassy, and stirring—everything you’d expect from the composer of Star Wars and Indiana Jones. A fitting finale to an hour packed with musical milestones.
🎧 Tune in to Classic 107 this Saturday morning for a celebratory spin through the ages with Classical Almanac—because every day has a story worth hearing.