Celebrating Theodore Thomas’s 185th Birthday

Theodore Thomas, the Chicago Orchestra’s founder and first music director, was born on October 11, 1835. To celebrate, this program features  a retrospective of works—led by former music directors Artur Rodzinski, Fritz Reiner, Sir Georg Solti, and Daniel Barenboim, along with guest conductor Morton Gould—that he introduced to audiences in the United States, both with the Chicago Orchestra and other ensembles. Frank Villella, director of the CSO’s Rosenthal Archives, co-hosts the program.

Brahms Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80
Daniel Barenboim conductor
September 1993 (Erato)

Wagner Prelude and Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde
Artur Rodzinski conductor
December 1947 (RCA)

Elgar Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 (Enigma)
Sir Georg Solti conductor
May 1974 (London)

Strauss Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40
Fritz Reiner conductor
March 1954 (RCA)

Tchaikovsky Final Waltz and Apotheosis from The Nutcracker, Op. 71
Morton Gould conductor
January 1966 (RCA)

For more information regarding the works on this program, please visit: Celebrating Theodore Thomas’s 185th birthday on CSOradio.

Production
Brian Wise producer
Charlie Post audio engineer
Lisa Simeone host
Michael Schweppe host engineer
Neil Tevault host engineer

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CSOradio
The CSOradio broadcast series brings unparalleled live performances to thousands of listeners weekly.

The nationally syndicated series features live concert performances by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, recorded in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, alongside selections from the orchestra’s expansive catalog of commercial recordings. Every program is designed to illustrate fascinating stories inside the music, as well as offering insights from the performers themselves.

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