It was on this day in 2012 the orchestral work, "Alternative Energy," by Mason Bates had its world premiere with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Bates is one of America's most performed composers and he's also DJ. On today's "A Classical Day in the life," we explore "Alternative Energy" and the nontraditional sonic elements entwined within the work.

Today in 1902, American poet, social activist, novelist, and lyricist James Mercer Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri. On today's "A Day in the Life," we examine Hughes's legacy as a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

Today in 1861, Kansas became the 34th state of the union. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the music of Kansas, from the homestead to the Moondog.

On this day in 1972, in Atlanta, the African American composer Scott Joplin’s opera Treemonisha had its first staged performance. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," learn why it took more than a half a century after Joplin's death to first perform his only surviving opera.

It was on this day in 1941 that Osborne Ruddock, also known as King Tubby was born in Kingston Jamaica. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore King Tubby's career from his days as a radio pirate to his innovative take on reggae that would become known as dub.

On this day in 1823, Edouard Lalo, one of the major voices in late-19th-century French composition, was born. We explore the music of Lalo and compare it with that of another famous composer who was also born on this day in 1756, find out the identity of the other January 27th birthday boy on today's "A Classical Day in the Life."

It was on this day in 1972 that the "Queen of Gospel," Mahalia Jackson died. On today's "A Day in the Life," we explore the life and career of one of the world's most influential gospel singers and civil rights activists. Find out what Jackson said to Martin Luther King, Jr. during his famous "Dream" speech at the March on Washington that caused King to improvise a section of the speech and thus transforming it into the "Dream" speech.

Today in 1934, vocalist Mabel Scott sang at the opening of the Apollo theater in Harlem. On today's "A Day in the Life," we track the beginnings of Scott's career and the beginnings of one of America's most legendary performance venues.

It was on this day in 1759 that Scottish poet and lyricist, Robert Burns was born. This is also the day that people around the world celebrate "the immortal memory" of the Bard of Ayrshire at Burns Suppers where pipes are blown, haggis is cut, toasts are made, verse is read and songs are sung.

Today in 1839, composer and pianist, Frederic Chopin, wrote a letter containing his Preludes to piano maker Camille Pleyel. On today's "A Classical Day in the Life," we read the letter and listen to the music Chopin composed while living on the rain-soaked island of Majorca.