I just spent a wonderful week in New York, all devoted to researching, interviewing, and generally delving into the life of Marc Blitzstein, composer, arranger, songwriter, activist, and gentleman. This show is a preview of some of his marvelous music, which will be featured in my upcoming documentary this fall, a joint production of ConcertZender Radio and the WFMT Radio Network in Chicago.

Join me tonight as I choose my favorite songs and tunes from his operas and musicals.

And don’t forget to fill out my 2-minute survey – it will help us plan the next season of American Highways at ConcertZender! Would you like to view the results and comments thus far? click here.

Hunting in New York for Marc Blitzstein, composer…

Playlist:

Theme Music :

Steve Reich. The Desert Music (1984)

First Movement (Fast).

Chorus of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Michael Tilson Thomas & William Carlos Williams.

Nonesuch Records 79101.

Marc Blitzstein

“The Purest Kind of Guy” (Joe’s Birthday Song) From the Opera No for an Answer

Paul Robeson Jr.

Sony BMG Music 1997 re-release

Marc Blitzstein

23. Art for Art’s Sake (0:55)

15. Honolulu (2:33)

Original 1985 Cast (The Acting Company) & Patti LuPone

JAY Records JAY 1300 (CD, LP)

Marc Blitzstein

In The Clear

Dawn Upshaw

Electra Nonesuch 79345-2 1

Marc Blitzstein

Regina, ACT 1: Prologue

Scottish Opera Orch & Chorus; John Mauceri, Director; Tommy Krasker, producer.

Decca 433 812-2, Disc 1

Marc Blitzstein

1. Regina: The Best Thing of All

Kevin Amos, Lucy Schaufer & Lucy Schaufer Ensemble

Australian Broadcasting Corp. ABC Classics 481 0331

Marc Blitzstein

Monday Morning Blues

William Sharp, baritone; Karen Holvik, soprano; Steven Blier, piano

Koch CD 6644

Marc Blitzstein

First Life- Early Chamber Works of Marc Blitzstein

Serenade For String Quartet (1932)

1. Largo (5:36)

2. Largo (5:21)

3. Largo (5:43)

Del Sol String Quartet

OM 1017-2 (2009)

Marc Blitzstein (arr. David Robbins)

5. Croon Spoon (2:12)

21. The Cradle Will Rock, closing sequence (2:07)

Susan Sarandon, Eddie Vedder, and the cast

RCA Victor 09026-63577-2