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Arts Alive Blog

The Wheel of Fortune: Spring, Spirits, and Seeking Love in “Carmina Burana”

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.

09/17/2025
Chapman Challenge: What’s the Spookiest Instrument?

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.

10/31/2024
John Carpenter, “Halloween” Composer for Hire

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.

10/30/2021
The Secret Love Affair Hidden in Alban Berg’s “Lyric Suite”

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.

02/11/2021
How Classical Music Powers a Child’s Brain

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.

03/23/2020
How Do You Loan a Stradivarius?

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.

03/03/2020
The Story Behind the “Borrowed” Melodies of Brahms and Liszt

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.

03/01/2020

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Pop CultureChapman ChallengeFilm/TVMusic HistoryMusic Theory

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The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List

Explore the rich musical history of Vienna, Salzburg, Milan, Leipzig, and London. Discover iconic venues, museums, and homes of legendary composers in these classical music cities.

03/12/2026
Open Ears: Eva Jessye and the Harlem Renaissance

Open Ears: Eva Jessye and the Harlem Renaissance

This article explores the life of Eva Jessye, a key figure in American music and the Harlem Renaissance, who made significant contributions to civil rights and classical music.

02/08/2026
Crossings: 6 Pieces By Black Composers Whose Inspirations and Innovations Have Helped Define Our American Sound

Crossings: 6 Pieces By Black Composers Whose Inspirations and Innovations Have Helped Define Our American Sound

Explore the rich history and contributions of Black composers in American music, from pioneers like Florence Price to contemporary artists like Kris Bowers and Jon Batiste.

02/07/2026
How Does One of the Most Famous Composers of the Late 1700s Just Disappear from History?

How Does One of the Most Famous Composers of the Late 1700s Just Disappear from History?

Explore the life of Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a prominent 18th-century musician, fencer, and revolutionary, whose legacy was nearly lost to history.

02/01/2026
The Many Lives of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

The Many Lives of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

01/25/2026
Chapman Challenge: The History of Handbells

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.

12/30/2025