A Tribute to Leo Ornstein

Charles Amirkhanian narrates this tribute to the amazing but neglected Leo Ornstein, who was perhaps America's most radical composer and pianist during the early 20th century. Ornstein never recorded any of his own works, but continued working in obscurity on his own compositions long after his retirement from the concert stage in 1928. This program, broadcast on the composer’s 80th birthday, includes premier performances of Ornstein works by pianist Michael Sellers. Also included is an interview with Ornstein and his wife Pauline, recorded by telephone from their home in New Hampshire.