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Americana

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.

09/19/2025
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.

07/08/2025
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

AmericaPop CultureThe Ultimate 101GershwinDance

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A Playlist to Celebrate All Things Fall

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.

11/12/2025
Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin

Explore the life and music of Teresa Carreño, a South American composer and pianist, and her significant influence from Frédéric Chopin.

10/14/2025
10 More Composers With Latin American Roots You Should Know

10 More Composers With Latin American Roots You Should Know

Explore the lives and works of ten influential female composers from Latin America, spanning various genres and periods, from opera to electronic music.

10/10/2025
10 Composers From Across Latin America We’re Celebrating This Month!

10 Composers From Across Latin America We’re Celebrating This Month!

Explore the rich heritage of Hispanic music through these 10 influential composers, from Teresa Carreño to Gabriela Ortiz.

10/01/2025
Finding Beauty in Historical Ruins

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.

09/27/2025
Mozart Hurls Thunderbolts From Jupiter

Mozart Hurls Thunderbolts From Jupiter

Explore Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony, its origins, and how Bach's influence led to the masterpiece of counterpoint in its final movement.

09/19/2025