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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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
How Do You Loan a Stradivarius?
Explore how rare Stradivarius violins, often owned by foundations or wealthy individuals, are loaned to musicians through intermediaries like the Stradivari Society of Chicago.
What is the Most Common Key for a Symphony and Why?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains why D major is the most common key for a symphony, highlighting its popularity among 18th-century composers like Haydn and Mozart.
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.
