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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.
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.
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.
Your Playlist for Hangin’ in the Hammock
Explore Rik Malone's recommended playlist for a perfect California summer experience. From relaxing hammock tunes to music that transports you to distant places, enjoy your summer with these iconic pieces.
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".
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.
Finding Inspiration in Birds: Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony
Explore how composers like Vivaldi, Sibelius, and Rautavaara have incorporated birdsong into their music, from The Four Seasons to Cantus Arcticus.
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.
Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays
Explore the history of the popular holiday song 'Sleigh Ride', from its creation by Leroy Anderson in 1946 to various renditions by artists like Mozart, Delius, and Mahler.
Classical Californians: Irene Messoloras
Irene Messoloras is a member of the University of California, Irvine music faculty, the conductor of Meridian, and this week's Classical Californian.
A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9
Brian Lauritzen dives deep into Beethoven's timeless 9th Symphony
Classical Californians: USC President Beong-Soo Kim
This week’s Classical Californian is cellist and the University of Southern California Interim President Beong-Soo Kim.
George Gershwin Captures the Sounds of Paris
Explore the inspiration and creation of George Gershwin's symphonic poem, An American in Paris, its initial reception, and its enduring popularity in music and film.
