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When Classical Moved into the Digital Age: Remembering Johannes Kinzl

Blue Lake Public Radio | By Foley Schuler
Published September 16, 2025 at 6:01 PM EDT

Have you ever wondered what was the very first commercially-released compact disc in music history? We'll hear it (see above) Wednesday afternoon, as Foley Schuler continues his appreciation of Philips Records executive, Dr. Johannes Kinzl, who passed away this past weekend—and who oversaw the first classical recordings on CD. (Read more...)

As President of Philips Classics from 1982 to 1997, Dr. Johannes Kinzl oversaw the transition of classical music into the CD era. Upon learning this weekend of his passing, we offer this appreciation by music writer Norman Lebrecht, and, throughout the week, afternoon host Foley Schuler will showcase some of the many classic recordings he helped bring into being, made by some of the greatest artists of the era.

On Wednesday afternoon we spotlight the recording that started it all—what is regarded to be the the very first commercially-released compact disc in music history, featuring the legendary Chilean pianist, Claudio Arrau performing the Waltzes of Frederic Chopin, recorded for Philips (#400 025-2) and released on August 17, 1982. That, and much more, coming up on Classical Music with Foley Schuler.

You can hear Foley Schuler's musical selections—and stories behind the music—every weekday afternoon from 1 until 4 pm on Blue Lake Public Radio.

Foley Schuler
Encouraged by creative parents, Foley began his music career at age 7, studying violin with Jean Manning at North Muskegon Public Schools. As a Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp camper, he became Blue Lake Public Radio’s first high school intern. Foley earned an English Literature degree from Hope College, and Masters in Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from the Warren Wilson College. He has performed with the West Michigan (formerly West Shore) Symphony; served on the English Department faculty at Muskegon Community College, and been the Music, Art & Theatre reviewer for the Muskegon Chronicle. He follows his love of the arts around the globe, but says, “There is no place like the Blue Lake setting, sharing extraordinary music with our listeners.” Foley hosts Blue Lake Public Radio’s weekday classical music from 1 to 5 p.m. and “Sunday on Blue Lake”.
See stories by Foley Schuler