Worth Noting on TV

WEDNESDAY

In Performance at the White House (PBS, 8-9 p.m.): Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, whom President Clinton calls "two classic examples of the rich, multilayered tapestry of American music," serenade the first couple.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra: Music of Bernstein, Barber, and Beethoven (PBS, 9-11 p.m.): Highlighting composers alphabetically is a questionable way to create a program, but violinist Nadia Salerno-Sonnenberg gives a stunning performance of Samuel Barber's Violin Concerto. (The third movement is so difficult, Barber had to return half his commission when the violinist he composed it for was unable to play it.) Andrew Litton conducts.

THURSDAY

A Capitol Fourth (PBS, 8-9:30 p.m. EDT): The annual event on the White House lawn is hosted by Keith Carradine and showcases the premire of an anthem written 77 years ago by George Gershwin. Also, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra perform on the banks of the Charles River in Pops Goes the Fourth (A&E 7-10 p.m. EDT). And New Yorkers gather for a Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular (WB, 9-10 p.m. EDT) over the East River, featuring performances by Chubby Checker, John Tesh, and the cast of "Grease."

The Sound of Music (AMC, 8-11 p.m.): Shown uncut and uninterrupted for the first time on TV, it is the highlight of AMC's day-long salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein. All seven of their musicals are shown, including The King and I (11 p.m.-1:30 a.m.).

True Grit (TNT, 4:15-7 p.m.): Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton hosts a tribute to John Wayne. Catch the Duke in his Oscar-winning turn as Rooster Cogburn. He also saddles up with fellow screen legend Jimmy Stewart in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (9:30 p.m.-12 midnight).

Wimbledon (NBC, 1-5 p.m.): The winners of the women's semifinals will meet Saturday for the championship match. The men take the court Friday.

Please check local listings for these programs.