All Classical Radio

We Oregonians claim Morten Lauridsen as "one of our own", as the world-renowned choral composer was born in this state.  Lauridsen was in the first graduating class of Beaverton High School.  While Lauridsen has spent much of his time teaching at USC, he maintains a connection to the Pacific Northwest by composing on an island in Puget Sound, and visiting his home town from time to time to collaborate with local choral groups.  Two recordings were released very close to one another:  "Shadows on the Stars" with Oregon Repertory Singers and Ethan Sperry; and "Eternal Light", with the Chamber Choir of Europe, directed by Nicol Matt.  Mr. Lauridsen has high praise for both in his conversation with program director John Pitman, who interjects the chat with Lauridsen's transformative music.

Baritone Benjamin Appl, who was born in Bavaria and now performs in recitals and concerts around the world, was introduced to the music of Bach as a chorister at the age of 6. His new CD, titled simply “Bach”, does what Mr. Appl did here in Portland in January: Taking us, the audience, on a journey. His Portland “Heimat” recital was a journey of feelings for home and family; “Bach” is a journey through the Lutheran church calendar, which Bach followed through his life in his weekly cantatas. Appl describes Bach as containing “a huge ocean of emotions”, everything from pain in one’s heart during Holy Week; to light-hearted cheer in Bach’s secular cantatas written for Zimmermann’s Kaffeehaus in Leipzig! Hear more in program director John Pitman’s chat with Benjamin

John Pitman Interview: Blues Dialogues with Rachel Barton Pine by All Classical Radio