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Instruments

Chapman Challenge: What’s the Spookiest Instrument?

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.

10/31/2024
Get to Know the Quintessential Underdog of the Orchestra: The Viola

Get to Know the Quintessential Underdog of the Orchestra: The Viola

Explore the unique role of the viola in orchestral music, often overlooked but crucial in connecting melodies. Discover five standout viola moments in orchestral literature.

11/22/2019
Why Don’t Trombones Have Valves Like Trumpets?

Why Don’t Trombones Have Valves Like Trumpets?

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan Chapman explains why trombones use slides instead of valves like trumpets, tracing back to their 15th-century ancestor, the sackbut.

10/08/2019
Don’t Underestimate the Tuba

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.

09/26/2019
Theremin, Harp, and Shaky Strings: The Golden Globe Winning Music of “First Man”

Theremin, Harp, and Shaky Strings: The Golden Globe Winning Music of “First Man”

"Justin Hurwitz won the 2019 Golden Globe for Best Original Score for 'First Man'. The article discusses his collaboration with director Damien Chazelle and their journey from jazz to space."

04/01/2019
Chapman Challenge: Do Composers Write for Each Instrument?

Chapman Challenge: Do Composers Write for Each Instrument?

Explore the process of symphony composition in this Chapman Challenge. Learn how composers craft each note for every instrument, and the role of orchestrators in Broadway and film music.

04/01/2019
Playing the Flute During Brain Surgery

Playing the Flute During Brain Surgery

Professional flutist Anna Henry played her instrument during her own brain surgery to treat a tremor disorder. The successful procedure allowed her to return to work.

04/16/2018

Shows

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.

The Lullaby image

The Lullaby

Some famous - and surprising - examples of music to make you sleepy.

The Celesta image

The Celesta

Let's dig into some seriously mysterious music.

RELATED TOPICS

Pop CultureArts Alive BlogChapman ChallengeBrassSpooky Music

MORE TO DISCOVER

Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Explore the life and music of Teresa Carreño, a South American composer and pianist, and her significant influence from Frédéric Chopin.

04/26/2025
Fanny Mendelssohn Finally Gets Her Due

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.

03/08/2025
The Sounds of Sunrise

The Sounds of Sunrise

Explore the beauty of sunrise through music with this list of compositions inspired by dawn, from Haydn's "Sunrise" Symphony to Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe".

01/19/2025
Meet the Mozart of Spain, Sweden, and More

Meet the Mozart of Spain, Sweden, and More

Explore the lives of composers dubbed as the "Mozarts" of their countries, including Joseph Martin Kraus of Sweden, Juan Arriaga of Spain, and two English contenders.

01/19/2025
Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”

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.

12/16/2024
What Makes a Christmas Concerto a Christmas Concerto?

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.

12/13/2024