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Don’t Underestimate the Tuba
Explore the depth and range of the tuba beyond its stereotype as an "oom-pah machine". This article highlights five orchestral pieces that showcase the tuba's versatility.
Chapman Challenge: What’s the Story Behind the Gewandhaus Orchestra?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains the origin of the Gewandhaus Orchestra's name, its connection to Leipzig's textile trade, and its evolution as a musical center since 1781.
Chapman Challenge: What’s an Opus Number?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan Chapman explains opus numbers in music, their purpose, and how they don't necessarily indicate the order of a composer's works.
Chapman Challenge: What Is a Rondo?
Explore the rondo, a popular musical form often used in concertos and symphonies, known for its recurring refrain and contrasting sections. Learn how composers play with its structure for listener enjoyment.
Chapman Challenge: What Is a Chaconne?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan Chapman explains the chaconne, a Baroque musical form built on a repeated series of chords, using Henry Purcell's work as an example.
Chapman Challenge: What is a Sonata?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan Chapman explains the origin and evolution of the term 'sonata' in music, from its Italian roots to its use in the Classical and Baroque periods.
Chapman Challenge: What Exactly is an Adagio?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan Chapman explains the term "adagio" as a tempo indication in music, along with other tempo terms, and gives examples of famous adagio pieces.
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.
10 Composers From Across Latin America We’re Celebrating This Month!
Explore the rich heritage of Hispanic music through these 10 influential composers, from Teresa Carreño to Gabriela Ortiz.
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.
The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet
Explore the history of Appalachian Spring, a ballet commissioned by Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge, composed by Aaron Copland, and choreographed by Martha Graham.
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.
Bolero, Obsession, and the Brain
"Unraveling Bolero" artist Anne Adams and composer Maurice Ravel's shared experience with progressive aphasia is explored at a San Francisco symposium on arts and brain science.
