Randall Thompson / Carnival

On this day in classical music: Randall Thompson’s “A Testament of Freedom,” a choral work inspired by the writings of Thomas Jefferson, received its premiere in 1943. Listen to an excerpt of the first movement, titled “The God Who Gave Us Life Gave Us Liberty.” The Dallas Wind Symphony and the Turtle Creek Chorale are featured. http://www.dws.org/audio/testament/track09.mp3

 

On this day in the musical theatre: Bob Merrill’s musical “Carnival” opened on today’s date in 1961. Based on the 1953 film “Lili,” the charming musical focused on a troupe of circus performers. Anna Maria Alberghetti won a Tony Award for her role as Lili.

 

Musical musings: Bob Merrill’s theme from “Carnival” became almost as popular as the movie’s “Hi Lili, Hi Lo.” It received the national attention under the more workable title of “Love Makes the World Go Round.” – From American Musical Theatre: A Chronicle, by Gerald Bordman

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