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Waltzing from the Blue Danube to Outer Space
Explore the history of Johann Strauss II's Blue Danube Waltz, from its initial reception as a choral piece to its iconic use in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Chapman Challenge: Why Is Vienna So Famous for the Waltz?
"Alan Chapman explains why Vienna is famous for the waltz in KUSC's Chapman Challenge. He discusses the dance's origins, its promotion during the 1815 Congress of Vienna, and notable Viennese waltz composers."
Beware the Waltz
Explore the controversy of the 1790's waltz, from health concerns due to its speed, to moral objections over partner closeness, and its defense by Thomas Wilson.
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.
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.
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.
