Classical California Ultimate Playlist

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.

Classical California Ultimate Playlist
12/11/2022
A River Runs Through This Music

A River Runs Through This Music

Explore the stories behind classical compositions inspired by rivers, from Smetana's The Moldau to Beglarian's BRIM: The River Project, and their transformative power.

Classical California Ultimate Playlist
09/19/2022
Your 20 Favorite Movie Scores

Your 20 Favorite Movie Scores

Explore the 2022 Classical California Ultimate Playlist featuring top 20 movie music pieces, from John Williams' Star Wars to Elmer Bernstein’s The Magnificent Seven.

Classical California Ultimate Playlist
09/19/2022
Opera’s Ultimate Five-Minute Interlude: The Meditation from “Thais”

Opera’s Ultimate Five-Minute Interlude: The Meditation from “Thais”

Explore the enduring appeal of Jules Massenet's "Meditation from Thaïs", a five-minute interlude that has become a beloved piece in the classical music repertoire.

Classical California Ultimate Playlist
09/13/2022
Alexander Borodin Goes to Broadway

Alexander Borodin Goes to Broadway

Explore how Borodin's Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor made Broadway history in Kismet, winning multiple Tony Awards, including a posthumous one for Borodin.

Classical California Ultimate Playlist
09/13/2022
An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life

An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life

Explore the dramatic tale of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, an autobiographical piece reflecting his obsessive love for actress Harriet Smithson and his descent into madness.

Classical California Ultimate Playlist
09/12/2022