WKCR is pleased to announce a special broadcast in honor of two iconic composers, Johannes Brahms and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, on FM and HD radio for 24 hours on May 7, 2025. Split into two 12-hour segments, we will celebrate the birthday of Brahms from 12:00 am - 12:00 pm, and the birthday of Tchaikovsky from 12:01 pm - 11:59 pm. The special broadcast will preempt all regularly-scheduled Wednesday programming.
Johannes Brahms was born in Hamburg, Germany, on May 7th, 1833. Among the most important composers of the Romantic Era, Brahms challenged and transformed both orchestral and chamber music with works such as his four symphonies and concerti, hundreds of lieder, and The German Requiem. 2025 marks his 192nd birthday. During his lifetime, Brahms was recognized throughout Europe as a leading composer, and held close relationships with countless musicians including Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann, and Antonín Dvořák.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born in Votkinsk, Russia, on May 7th, 1840. His compositions include some of the most recognizable music ever written; known for his prolific ballets–“The Nutcracker,” “Swan Lake,” and “The Sleeping Beauty”–and symphonies, as well as other works like “Romeo and Juliet” and the 1812 Overture, his 185th birthday is marked this year. A member of the nobility, Tchaikovsky was deeply entrenched in the musical landscape of Russia, and was associated with the Russian Musical Society throughout both his student and professional career.
Famously critical of each other’s work, Brahms and Tchaikovsky met four times between 1887 and 1889, developing an amiable friendship. They never totally warmed to one another’s craft.In classic WKCR fashion as “The Alternative,” programming will feature a focus on lesser-known works of the two composers rather than their most often played masterworks.
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