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The Great Outdoors

5 Pieces Perfect For a Stroll in the Woods

5 Pieces Perfect For a Stroll in the Woods

Explore five classical music pieces inspired by nature's beauty, from Strauss's ode to Vienna Woods to Vaughan-Williams's celebration of pastoral harmony in The Linden Tree.

07/06/2023
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.

09/19/2022
Two Finns and Some Birds

Two Finns and Some Birds

Explore how composers like Vivaldi, Sibelius, and Rautavaara drew inspiration from birds and nature for their music in KUSC Great Outdoors Week series.

04/24/2020
5 Great Moments of Opera in the Great Outdoors

5 Great Moments of Opera in the Great Outdoors

Explore KUSC Great Outdoors Week with blogs on composers inspired by nature. Enjoy 5 operatic pieces reflecting the beauty of the outdoors, from Handel to Massenet.

04/24/2020

Shows

The Great Outdoors image

The Great Outdoors

Grab your trail mix and put your sunglasses on, we're taking a hike!

RELATED TOPICS

NaturePop CultureCultureNutcrackerFrederick Delius

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The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

Explore the rich musical history of Vienna, Salzburg, Milan, Leipzig, and London. Discover iconic venues, museums, and homes of legendary composers in these classical music cities.

03/12/2026
Peach Melba and Melba Toast: The Story of a Chef and an Opera Diva

Peach Melba and Melba Toast: The Story of a Chef and an Opera Diva

Explore the culinary legacy of French chef Auguste Escoffier, his work at grand hotels, and his unique dishes named after opera singer Nellie Melba.

02/05/2026
How Does One of the Most Famous Composers of the Late 1700s Just Disappear from History?

How Does One of the Most Famous Composers of the Late 1700s Just Disappear from History?

Explore the life of Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a prominent 18th-century musician, fencer, and revolutionary, whose legacy was nearly lost to history.

02/01/2026
The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”

The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”

Explore the Flower Duet from Delibes' opera Lakme. Discover its use in TV, film, and creative remixes.

01/01/2026
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.

12/30/2025
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