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Americana

George Gershwin Captures the Sounds of Paris

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.

12/08/2025
The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

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.

11/22/2025
The Story Behind “The Star-Spangled Banner”

The Story Behind “The Star-Spangled Banner”

One of this year's more surprising news stories was around the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, named for the famed poet whose words became the lyrics of our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

07/01/2025
Celebrate The Fourth With Gershwin and Dianne's Favorite Side Dish

Celebrate The Fourth With Gershwin and Dianne's Favorite Side Dish

Dianne's All American Potato Salad

07/03/2024
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: American Instruments

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: American Instruments

A look at some instruments that were born in America, as we approach July 4

06/29/2024
George Gershwin Changes American Music Forever with the One and Only “Rhapsody in Blue”

George Gershwin Changes American Music Forever with the One and Only “Rhapsody in Blue”

Explore the life and impact of George Gershwin, the composer who revolutionized American music by blending jazz and classical genres in his iconic work, Rhapsody in Blue.

09/13/2021
Wish Aaron Copland Happy Birthday with a Musical Quiz

Wish Aaron Copland Happy Birthday with a Musical Quiz

Celebrating Aaron Copland's birth anniversary, this article explores his iconic American classical music works, from concert hall pieces to film scores, reflecting his unique sound.

12/17/2019

Shows

Classical Americana image

Classical Americana

What’s the defining sound of American classical music? What people, stories, sights and sounds throughout American history built our unique classical tradition, and where does it go from here? On Classical Americana, iconoclastic pianist Lara Downes drives you down the highways and byways of American music, with roadside discoveries and detours to the crossroads where musical traditions merge and transform. Tune in each Saturday 5PM-6PM.

RELATED TOPICS

AmericaThe Ultimate 101GershwinPop CultureFrench Music

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A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9

A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9

Brian Lauritzen dives deep into Beethoven's timeless 9th Symphony

12/16/2025
The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”

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.

12/02/2025
Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’

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.

11/25/2025
The Mystery Behind Scriabin’s Mystic Chord

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.

11/17/2025
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
Elgar’s “Enigma Variations”

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.

11/15/2025