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Music History

10 Composers From Across Latin America We’re Celebrating This Month!

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.

09/23/2025
Did Anybody Ever Finish Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony?

Did Anybody Ever Finish Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony?

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses attempts to complete Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, including a 1928 competition that ultimately awarded an original symphony.

09/16/2025
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.

09/16/2025
How the 1812 Overture Became Music for the Fourth of July

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.

09/15/2025
The Story Behind “The Star-Spangled Banner”

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.”

07/01/2025
Open Ears: Eva Jessye and the Harlem Renaissance

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.

03/26/2025
Women Who Made (Musical) History

Women Who Made (Musical) History

Celebrating Women's History Month with a look at influential women in classical music, from Hildegard Von Bingen to Dr. Lucy Jones, who broke barriers and made history.

03/01/2025

Shows

Women in Classical Music image

Women in Classical Music

Women have shaped and changed music for centuries, making all kinds of breakthroughs that bring us to the music we have today.

Classical Americana image

Classical Americana

From jazz to bluegrass, from gospel to rock and roll - America has created so many kinds of music. Today we're taking a musical road trip across the country, starting with one of the most important American songs ever written.

The Violin image

The Violin

Whether a particular violin is worth a fortune or not, its true value isn't in its price tag—it's in the way the violin whispers, soars, and tell stories that stir our souls.

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MORE TO DISCOVER

Finding Beauty in Historical Ruins

Finding Beauty in Historical Ruins

Explore how ancient ruins inspire classical music, from Felix's Scottish Symphony inspired by Holyrood Palace to Zipoli's works found in decaying South American churches.

09/27/2025
Mozart Hurls Thunderbolts From Jupiter

Mozart Hurls Thunderbolts From Jupiter

Explore Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony, its origins, and how Bach's influence led to the masterpiece of counterpoint in its final movement.

09/19/2025
The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

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.

09/19/2025
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.

09/18/2025
The Poetic Inspiration Behind Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”

The Poetic Inspiration Behind Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”

Explore the inspiration behind Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, a violin piece based on an 1880s British poem. Discover why this music continues to captivate listeners.

09/18/2025
Around the World with Bach’s Cello Suites

Around the World with Bach’s Cello Suites

"Yo-Yo Ma's global tour, showcasing Bach's Cello Suites, aims to unite communities through music. The tour, interrupted by Covid-19, also highlights the cultural expressions of 36 countries."

09/17/2025