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The Wheel of Fortune: Spring, Spirits, and Seeking Love in “Carmina Burana”
Explore the history and significance of Carl Orff's 1936 choral masterpiece, Carmina Burana, from its Latin origins to its global recognition today.
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.
John Carpenter, “Halloween” Composer for Hire
Renowned director John Carpenter discusses his journey from filmmaker to musician, his approach to scoring his own films, and his experience working on the Halloween series.
The Secret Love Affair Hidden in Alban Berg’s “Lyric Suite”
Explore the hidden love story in Alban Berg's Lyric Suite. Discover how Berg used musical references, initials, and numerology to encode his affair with Hanna Fuchs-Robettin.
How Classical Music Powers a Child’s Brain
A study by USC's Brain and Creativity Institute reveals that classical music training in kids enhances brain function, boosts cognitive, social, and emotional development.
How Do You Loan a Stradivarius?
Explore how rare Stradivarius violins, often owned by foundations or wealthy individuals, are loaned to musicians through intermediaries like the Stradivari Society of Chicago.
The Story Behind the “Borrowed” Melodies of Brahms and Liszt
This article explores how composers Brahms and Liszt incorporated Hungarian folk music into their works, sometimes mistakenly using other composers' pieces.
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.
A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9
Brian Lauritzen dives deep into Beethoven's timeless 9th Symphony
Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses Handel's journey with oratorios, from his first encounter in Italy to his profitable English oratorios, culminating in the creation of Messiah.
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.
