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Americana

George Gershwin Captures the Sounds of Paris

George Gershwin Captures the Sounds of Paris

Explore the inspiration and creation of George Gershwin's symphonic poem, An American in Paris, its initial reception, and its enduring popularity in music and film.

12/08/2025
The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

Explore the history of Appalachian Spring, a ballet commissioned by Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, composed by Aaron Copland, and choreographed by Martha Graham.

11/22/2025
David Lang Contemplates the National Anthems of Each and Every Country

David Lang Contemplates the National Anthems of Each and Every Country

Composer David Lang explores common themes in global national anthems, revealing a shared sense of insecurity about freedom and a war-like core in his choral work, the national anthems.

07/06/2025
The Story Behind “The Star-Spangled Banner”

The Story Behind “The Star-Spangled Banner”

One of this year's more surprising news stories was around the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, named for the famed poet whose words became the lyrics of our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

07/01/2025
Celebrate The Fourth With Gershwin and Dianne's Favorite Side Dish

Celebrate The Fourth With Gershwin and Dianne's Favorite Side Dish

Dianne's All American Potato Salad

07/03/2024
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: American Instruments

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: American Instruments

A look at some instruments that were born in America, as we approach July 4

06/29/2024
George Gershwin Changes American Music Forever with the One and Only “Rhapsody in Blue”

George Gershwin Changes American Music Forever with the One and Only “Rhapsody in Blue”

Explore the life and impact of George Gershwin, the composer who revolutionized American music by blending jazz and classical genres in his iconic work, Rhapsody in Blue.

09/13/2021

Shows

Classical Americana image

Classical Americana

What’s the defining sound of American classical music? What people, stories, sights and sounds throughout American history built our unique classical tradition, and where does it go from here? On Classical Americana, iconoclastic pianist Lara Downes drives you down the highways and byways of American music, with roadside discoveries and detours to the crossroads where musical traditions merge and transform. Tune in each Saturday 5PM-6PM.

RELATED TOPICS

AmericaThe Ultimate 101GershwinPop CultureFrench Music

MORE TO DISCOVER

Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Explore the life and music of Teresa Carreño, a South American composer and pianist, and her significant influence from Frédéric Chopin.

03/13/2026
The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

Explore the rich musical history of Vienna, Salzburg, Milan, Leipzig, and London. Discover iconic venues, museums, and homes of legendary composers in these classical music cities.

03/12/2026
Fanny Mendelssohn Finally Gets Her Due

Fanny Mendelssohn Finally Gets Her Due

Fanny Mendelssohn's lost masterpiece, misattributed to her brother for 150 years, is finally recognized as hers, shedding light on her overlooked musical talent.

03/08/2026
At the Movies: Alexandre Desplat's Frankenstein Score

At the Movies: Alexandre Desplat's Frankenstein Score

Composer Alexandre Desplat, speaks with Brian Lauritzen about his Oscar nominated work on 'Frankenstein'.

02/21/2026
Open Ears: Eva Jessye and the Harlem Renaissance

Open Ears: Eva Jessye and the Harlem Renaissance

This article explores the life of Eva Jessye, a key figure in American music and the Harlem Renaissance, who made significant contributions to civil rights and classical music.

02/08/2026
The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”

The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”

Explore the Flower Duet from Delibes' opera Lakme. Discover its use in TV, film, and creative remixes.

01/01/2026