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Poetry

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.

11/17/2025
The Inspiration for Vaughan Williams’s “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis”

The Inspiration for Vaughan Williams’s “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis”

Explore the origins of Ralph Vaughan Williams's Fantasia, inspired by Thomas Tallis's melody from the 1567 psalm settings for Archbishop Parker's Psalter.

09/15/2025
Celebrating the Power of Poetry!

Celebrating the Power of Poetry!

This article celebrates National Poetry Month, exploring the magic of poetry set to music. It features works from James Joyce, Octavio Paz, Shakespeare, and more.

04/01/2023
A Halloween Poem from Alan Chapman

A Halloween Poem from Alan Chapman

Celebrate Halloween with a festive poem by Alan Chapman. Dive into the spooky spirit with this unique literary piece.

10/31/2022
With Fall Upon Us, Discover the Poetry in Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”

With Fall Upon Us, Discover the Poetry in Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”

Explore Vivaldi's Four Seasons concertos, each inspired by a sonnet possibly penned by Vivaldi himself. Discover how each sonnet perfectly fits the music's rhythm.

11/04/2021
Music and Poetry Meet in “Just Like a Woman”

Music and Poetry Meet in “Just Like a Woman”

Bay Area pianist Lara Downes launches "Just Like a Woman" project, pairing music from female composers with women authors' words for International Women’s Day.

03/08/2017

RELATED TOPICS

The Ultimate 101Vaughan WilliamsCultureNatureBritish Music

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

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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.

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The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”

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

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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