Today being the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy, there has been plenty of discussion about the man and the event.
Style icon notwithstanding, I’ve been fascinated with JFK for years. Reading about that day, seeing the films of the event, watching old news coverage, and even going to the Sixth Floor Museum have all contributed to quite the fascination. However, nothing has ever had quite the impact that this recording has. The first 45 seconds place you right in that room with the Boston Symphony Orchestra as the news was announced. It is completely devastating. What follows is one of the most emotionally charged performances of the second movement of Beethoven’s “Eroica” Symphony.
I’m sure you’ll be inundated with coverage of this event today, but make sure you have a listen and read the article. Just make sure you’ve got your crying face ready.