by Ben Hogwood

Today we mark two significant anniversary the world of classical music.

The French composer Georges Bizet died on this day in 1875. Primarily remembered for the opera Carmen, Bizet had many more strings to his bow, as a composer for the stage, the orchestra and the solo voice. One of his most popular orchestral works is the fresh-faced Symphony in C major, which you can enjoy below:

Meanwhile today also marks 200 years since the birth of the king of the waltz, Johann Strauss II. Among the miniature masterpieces in triple time that are such a feature of Johann’s output is the classic waltz On The Beautiful Blue Danube, performed below: