I used to play or listen to it and want to reconnect with that part of my life.

I listen to it regularly and want to engage with it on a deeper level.

How do you feel about classical music?

When I’m doing tasks like cooking, exercising or cleaning.

When I’m reading or studying, for example.

When I’m relaxing, sleeping or just “hanging out.

When I’m paying attention solely to the music

When does listening to music bring you the most joy?

I attend a few shows a year, but it’s not a large part of my life.

I regularly attend live shows and can’t get enough of them.

Do you enjoy live music?

I know what I like and rarely stray from my favorites.

I’m open to new things, but there are classics for a reason.

I relish discovering the new and unfamiliar.

When it comes to listening to music …

I like folk, bluegrass and more traditional forms.

If it’s improvised and cool, I’m there.

If I’m not listening to classical music, I’m listening to …

Rooted in Black music history in the Americas and worldwide.

Going beyond Western Europe traditions, often influenced by folk music.

Drawing from traditional music of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and more.

Delving into traditional music of Native Americans and other First Nations.

Surveying traditional music of Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Exploring traditional music cultures from around the world.

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Call to Mind: Most Beautiful Thing You Will Hear Today

Classical MPR gets to the heart of the matter with music that brings you healing, balance and beauty. In fact, it might be the most beautiful thing you'll hear all day.

Join Classical MPR host John Birge every weekday at 9 a.m. in May for music specially chosen to make a place for space and grace in your day. It's part of MPR's 

Play more than an hour's worth of beautiful music now above, or listen online at 9 a.m. each weekday below. 

Gabriel Faure: Requiem - In Paradisum/Pie Jesu


Lisa Beckley, Nicholas Gedge, Oxford Schola Cantorum, Oxford Camerata, Colm Carey, Jeremy Summerly

Engelbert Humperdinck: Hansel and Gretel - Evening Prayer


Axel Kohler, Vienna Boys Choir, soloist, Cologne Radio Orchestra, Helmut Froschauer

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Serenade No. 10 "Gran Partita" - Adagio

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 5 - Adagietto


London Symphony Orchestra, James DePreist

Johann Sebastian Bach: Concerto for Oboe and Violin - Adagio


Emilia Csanky, Bela Banfalvi, Budapest Strings

Johann Sebastian Bach: Concerto for Two Violins - Largo


Takako Nishizaki, Alexander Jablokov, Capella Istropolitana, Oliver Dohnanyi


Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Keith Clark


Janos Selmeczi, Camerata Transylvanica, Gyorgy Selmeczi


Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Helmut Muller-Bruhl

Giacomo Puccini: Gianni Schicchi - O Mio Babbino Caro


Miriam Gauci, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Rahbari

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 3 - 2nd movement


Stefan Vladar, Capella Istropolitana, Barry Wordsworth

Johann Sebastian Bach: Cantata No. 208 - Sheep May Safely Graze


Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Richard Hayman

Gabriel Faure: Pelleas and Melisande - Sicilienne


RTE National Symphony Orchestra, John Georgiadis

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Oboe Concerto - 2nd movement


Martin Gabriel, Vienna Mozart Academy, Johannes Wildner


Adriana Kohutkova, Denisa Slepkovska, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Johannes Wildner

John Birge has been hosting, producing and performing classical music for more than 25 years. Since 1997, he has been hosting on Minnesota Public Radio's Classical Music Service. He played French horn for the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and performed with them on their centennial tour of Europe in 1995. He was trained at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music and Interlochen Arts Academy.


John Birge

Join Classical MPR host John Birge every weekday at 9 a.m. in May for the most beautiful thing you'll hear all day. This music, specially chosen to make a place for space and grace in your day, is part of MPR's Call to Mind initiative for Mental Health Month.


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