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Beethoven

A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9

A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9

Brian Lauritzen dives deep into Beethoven's timeless 9th Symphony

12/16/2025
Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’

Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’

Beethoven's String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132, features a movement expressing gratitude for recovery from illness. It alternates between prayerful chorales and lively sections, reflecting his mortality.

11/25/2025
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. III

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. III

In his later years, Beethoven had a lot of problems, including complete deafness and stressful family issues, which only deepened the emotion in his music. This week, we’ll explore his third and final period, filled with great sorrow and great joy.

05/17/2025
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. II

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. II

Dun dun dun DUNN! This week, Beethoven's middle period takes center stage, where he truly starts sounding like, well, Beethoven. Heroes, symphonies, and most of the orchestral music are spotlighted.

04/19/2025
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. I

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. I

Before Beethoven became a wild-haired, world-changing composer, he was a rebellious piano prodigy shaking up Vienna. He wasn’t just the next Mozart—he was out to prove he was something new. From his pianos sonatas to his very first symphony, hear how Beethoven’s journey kicked off!

04/05/2025
A Heroic Piece in Hard Times: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

A Heroic Piece in Hard Times: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

Explore the history of Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, nicknamed "Emperor", composed during Napoleon's invasion of Vienna in 1809, reflecting the composer's resilience amidst chaos.

09/21/2024
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at 200

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony at 200

Explore the history behind this masterpiece of Western classical music.

08/28/2024

RELATED TOPICS

Pop CultureMusic HistorySaturday Morning Car TunesCultureMusicology

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The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”

The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”

Explore the history of the celesta, a unique instrument used in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and Harry Potter's theme. Discover how it went from obscurity to symphony staple.

12/29/2025
The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”

The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”

12/20/2025
Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays

Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays

Explore the history of the popular holiday song 'Sleigh Ride', from its creation by Leroy Anderson in 1946 to various renditions by artists like Mozart, Delius, and Mahler.

12/18/2025
Chapman Challenge: The History of Handbells

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.

12/18/2025
The Lesser-Known History of “Jingle Bells”

The Lesser-Known History of “Jingle Bells”

Explore the history of the iconic Christmas song "Jingle Bells," from its creation by James Lord Pierpont in 1850 to its evolution and various renditions by famous artists over the years.

12/17/2025
Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”

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.

12/15/2025