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Chapman Challenge: What’s the Spookiest Instrument?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses the spookiest instruments in honor of Halloween, highlighting the eerie sounds of the theremin and the scary potential of violins.
Chapman Challenge: The History of Handbells
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains the history of handbells, their transition from bell tower practice tools to melody instruments, and how melodies are divided among ringers in a handbell choir.
John Carpenter, “Halloween” Composer for Hire
Renowned director John Carpenter discusses his journey from filmmaker to musician, his approach to scoring his own films, and his experience working on the Halloween series.
The Secret Love Affair Hidden in Alban Berg’s “Lyric Suite”
Explore the hidden love story in Alban Berg's Lyric Suite. Discover how Berg used musical references, initials, and numerology to encode his affair with Hanna Fuchs-Robettin.
Chapman Challenge: What Exactly Are Köchel Numbers?
This article explains Köchel numbers, a catalog system for Mozart's works created by Ludwig von Köchel in the 19th century, and its significance in musicology.
A Sampling of Birdcalls in the Concert Hall
Explore how composers like Beethoven, Handel, and Respighi have imitated bird songs in their works, from the cuckoo's call to the nightingale's song.
The “Defiant Requiem” Explores the Power of Music in the Darkest of Times
"Defiant Requiem," a concert by Murry Sidlin, commemorates Verdi’s Requiem performances by Terezin camp prisoners in the 1940s. Upcoming shows in California.
Meet the Mozarts of Spain, Sweden, and More
Explore the lives of composers dubbed as the "Mozarts" of their countries, including Joseph Martin Kraus of Sweden, Juan Arriaga of Spain, and two English contenders.
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.
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.
The Sounds of Sunrise
Explore the beauty of sunrise through music with this list of compositions inspired by dawn, from Haydn's "Sunrise" Symphony to Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe".
Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses Handel's journey with oratorios, from his first encounter in Italy to his profitable English oratorios, culminating in the creation of Messiah.
What Makes a Christmas Concerto a Christmas Concerto?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains that a Christmas concerto is a type of concerto grosso from the Baroque period, characterized by a Pastorale movement.
