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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.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: George Frideric Handel, Pt. III
Handel didn’t just write operas and oratorios. He also wrote music without words. Sonatas, concertos, sinfonias, overtures, and… wait, are those fireworks?
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: George Frideric Handel, Pt. II
What’s an oratorio again? Whatever it is, Handel invented the English version. And English wasn’t even his first language!
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: George Frideric Handel, Pt. I
Who's the German guy who wrote Italian operas in England? Whoever he is, he wrote music you really can Handel.
The XYZ’s of Opera: Handel’s “Xerxes”
Explore the world of opera with the KUSC Guide, focusing on Handel's Xerxes. Learn about its history, unique characteristics, and its resurgence in popularity.
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.
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.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: The Tone Poem
He’s a tone poet—does he even know it? Franz Liszt invented the tone poem, an orchestral piece inspired by a story, picture, or idea. It’s a whole musical language. This week, learn all about musical poetry.
Albums of the Year | 2025
Top albums of 2025 according to the music programmers at Classical California.
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.
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.
