Classical Notes: September 17, 2007 Archive

This Tape Won't Self-Destruct in Five Seconds

Posted at 12:00 AM on September 17, 2007 by John Birge

On NPR's Weekend Edition yesterday, what an interesting, wide-ranging interview with Lalo Schifrin.

He has considerable classical credentials going back to his childhood, when his father was a violinist in the Teatro Colon Orchestra. Lalo Schifrin studied with Olivier Messiaen and Charles Koechlin, composed for Dizzy Gillespie, and arranged for The Three Tenors (he tells a great story about Pavarotti in the NPR interview).

But of course, Lalo Schifrin will always be best remembered for composing this music (forever associated with Minneapolis native and former teen dj at WMIN, Peter Graves):

Bicycle, with or without Icicle

Posted at 1:25 PM on September 17, 2007 by John Birge

She may not wear the yellow jersey in the Tour de France, but our very own classical host Alison Young is completely content with an orange safety vest as she cycles the streets of St. Paul. Read all about it here (video too) from St. Paul Pioneer Press.

BTW, Alison speaks the truth when she says she bikes to work every day. Somehow, she managed this feat all through last winter's sub-zero snow and ice, requiring only minimal defrosting before going on the air...