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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.
Trippy Tales in Classical Music
Explore the connection between altered states of consciousness and music composition, featuring works by Berlioz, Hildegard of Bingen, and Schumann.
A Perilous Playlist of the Most Macabre Music
Explore a Halloween playlist, featuring macabre music chosen by hosts and staffers. From Verdi’s Requiem to John Williams’ Jaws theme, prepare for a harrowing holiday.
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.
13 Days of Spooky Classical
Countdown to Halloween with 13 Days of Spooky Classical
10 Scary-Good Performances of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue
Explore the Classical California Ultimate Playlist's blog series, featuring awe-inspiring performances of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor on various instruments, from organ to glass harp.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: The Organ
Tune in for a special Halloween edition of Saturday Morning Car Tunes featuring the spookiest instrument, the organ! Enjoy works by Bach, Widor, Saint-Saëns, and a surprise from Phantom of the Opera.
Spooky Surprise
For the week of Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos, Glissando has a couple of "Spooky Surprises" for you! At the top of each 20-minute segment of Glissando, get ready for ghosts, ghouls, and jump-scares.
Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’
Beethoven's String Quartet in A Minor, Op. 132, features a movement expressing gratitude for recovery from illness. It alternates between prayerful chorales and lively sections, reflecting his mortality.
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.
The Mystery Behind Scriabin’s Mystic Chord
Explore the life of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, his obsession with the occult, and his creation of the "mystic chord" used in his compositions.
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.
Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”
Explore the intriguing history of Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations, composed in 1898-99. Discover how this piece, inspired by Elgar's friends and personal experiences, established his fame.
A Playlist to Celebrate All Things Fall
Explore the beauty of autumn through music with this curated list of compositions inspired by the season's warm colors, chilly weather, and melancholic mood.
