December 20, 2003
 This week was our third of four live December broadcasts from New York City this year. We welcomed some internationally known American musicians to the stage: soprano Renée Fleming and pianist Fred Hersch, and pianist Emanuel Ax. Also joining us were the Hopeful Gospel Quartet: Linda and Robin Williams, Mollie O'Brien, and GK.

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In its entirety
 Listen to the whole show, recorded on December 20, 2003, from Town Hall in New York City
In segments
 Play individual show segments as listed below.
Segment 1
00:00:00Logo (MPR)
00:00:12Tishomingo Blues
00:02:31GK talks about Christmastime in Lake Wobegon
Segment 2
00:03:27Sonnet
00:04:17"Shotgun Shells on A Christmas Tree" - Hopeful Gospel Quartet
Segment 3
00:08:06"Sons of Knute Christmas Dance and Dinner" (Johnny Johnson) - GK and Shoes
00:12:54"Christmas Hoedown" - Andy Stein and Shoe Band
00:16:39"Morgen" ("Und morgen wird die Sonne wieder scheinen") - Renée Fleming and Emmanuel Ax
00:21:40"Cäcilie" ("Wenn du es wüsstest") - Renée Fleming and Emmanuel Ax
00:24:18"Rise Up Shepherd and Follow" - Hopeful Gospel Quartet
00:26:22"Ave Maria" - Renée Fleming and Emmanuel Ax
00:29:35Powdermilk Biscuit Break
Segment 4
00:31:17Rhubarb script, with "Merry Christmas to You" - Hopeful Gospel Quartet
00:37:10"Mi Y'Malel" - Richard Dworsky and Shoe band
Segment 5
00:40:35Guy Noir script
00:56:38GK talks to Renée Fleming
00:58:13"Away in a Manger" - Renée Fleming and Fred Hersch
01:01:06Intermission - "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"
01:05:04"Christmas Eve Blues" - Pat Donohue and Shoe band
01:09:00"Mary Had a Baby" - Hopeful Gospel Quartet
01:12:14Greetings
01:15:08"River" - Renée Fleming and Fred Hersch
01:20:36"Brightest and Best"
Segment 6
01:25:13The News from Lake Wobegon
01:40:00"Clair De Lune" - Emmanuel Ax
Segment 7
01:44:55Green script
01:53:10"Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming" - Renée Fleming and Fred Hersch
01:57:00Credits, "Silent Night"

 Photos from the show
 Click images to view slideshow. (Photos taken by Jessica Nordell)

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Mollie O'BrienRenée Fleming
Emanuel Ax Renée Fleming
and GK

Guest Information
  • Renée Fleming
  • Emanuel Ax
  • The Hopeful Gospel Quartet
  • Fred Hersch
    •      		Guest Recordings
  • Renée Fleming
  • Emanuel Ax
    •

    Scripts
  • Rhubarb
  • Guy Noir
  • Green




    • Lyrics
  • Sonnet
  • Sons of Knute Christmas Dance and Dinner
    •      		Music Information
     Performers, music sources and credits

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    Old Sweet Songs: A Prairie Home Companion 1974-1976

    Old Sweet Songs

    Lovingly selected from the earliest archives of A Prairie Home Companion, this heirloom collection represents the music from earliest years of the now legendary show: 1974–1976. With songs and tunes from jazz pianist Butch Thompson, mandolin maestro Peter Ostroushko, Dakota Dave Hull and the first house band, The Powdermilk Biscuit Band (Adam Granger, Bob Douglas and Mary DuShane).

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