Find Us on Social Media:
Classical California Hits the Books: A Back-to-School Playlist
Music for brainpower, studying, and all things school.
How Brahms Captured the Rowdiness of Youth in His Graduation Anthem
Explore the story behind Johannes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, a unique composition inspired by student drinking songs, created as a thank you for his honorary doctorate from the University of Breslau.
The Story Behind the “Borrowed” Melodies of Brahms and Liszt
This article explores how composers Brahms and Liszt incorporated Hungarian folk music into their works, sometimes mistakenly using other composers' pieces.
The Five Ophelia Songs of Johannes Brahms
Explore the connection between Shakespeare's Ophelia and Johannes Brahms' Five Ophelia Songs. Discover how Brahms captured Ophelia's madness in his music.
How the 1812 Overture Became Music for the Fourth of July
Explore the history of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture's popularity in 4th of July celebrations, its association with fireworks, and its original context in this insightful blog.
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.”
Love in the Shadows: Tchaikovsky's Censored Letters
Many of Tchaikovsky's letters with and about male lovers were suppressed by Russian censors, as well as his family.
Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony
A celebration and appreciation of Beethoven’s 9th. Together we’ll explore the question of how this symphony changed music forever and why we still connect with it so deeply today. Following this exploration: a complete performance of Beethoven’s 9th on the exact 200th anniversary of its first performance.
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.
Valentine’s Day Playlists for the Creative Thinker
Celebrate Valentine's Day with unique playlists, featuring love songs from video games, obscure modern classical pieces, and a dark side-inspired list for Star Wars fans.
