The Record Shelf

During this weekly one-hour program, host Jim Svejda reviews a wide variety of classical recordings and highlights renowned classical artists. He provides listeners with guides to the best readily available recordings and creates sketches of the lives of some of the most famous composers and performers of classical music.

About the host:
Although Jim Svejda is one of the most respected critical voices in classical music, he also is one of the most entertaining and popular program hosts on public radio. Since 1979, he has delighted listeners with his witty, meticulously crafted essays on diverse composers, conductors and artists--as well as his commentary on a wide range of other subjects that attract his musical fancy.

Program Listings:
May 23, 2013
THE BEST OF THE RECORD SHELF
A second airing of the first part of a two-part conversation with soprano Jessye Norman.

May 30, 2013
THE BEST OF THE RECORD SHELF
The conclusion of a conversation with the legendary American soprano, Jessye Norman.

June 6, 2013
Sigmund Time
Sigmund Romberg, composer of Blossom Time, Desert Song and The Student Prince leads historic recordings of his own music.

June 13, 2013
A comparative survey of the best recordings of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet.

June 20, 2013
Martinon in Chicago
Stunning live performances by the Chicago Symphony conducted by its embattled Music Director, Jean Martinon.

June 26, 2013
A Buyer’s Guide to the music of the Strauss Family
A survey of the best of the readily available recordings.

July 4, 2013
A conversation with the English conductor Sir Mark Elder.

July 11, 2013
Young Benno
The first of two programs featuring the historic early recordings of the Russian pianist Benno Moiseiwitsch.

July 18, 2013
In the second of two programs, historic early recordings by pianist Benno Moiseiwitsch including his version of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

July 25, 2013
The Record Shelf Record Reviews
Another hour of critical reactions to the latest compact discs.

August 1, 2013
Adrian’s Band
The first recordings by the newly-formed BBC Symphony, led by its founder, (not yet Sir) Adrian Boult.

August 8, 2013
A conversation with the colorful, controversial violinist Lara St. John.

August 15, 2013
THE BEST OF THE RECORD SHELF
A study of the career of the doyen of English oboists, Leon Goossens.

August 22, 2013
Party Records: the Collector’s Edition
In the first of two programs, the great opera stars of the past (and present) in a program of popular songs.

August 29, 2013
Party Records: the Collector’s Edition – Part 2
In the second of two programs, great opera stars sing popular songs.