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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
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.

12/15/2021
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

RELATED TOPICS

Pop CultureChapman ChallengeFilm/TVMusic HistoryMusic Theory

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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
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.

09/23/2025
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.

09/19/2025
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.

09/17/2025
Did Anybody Ever Finish Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony?

Did Anybody Ever Finish Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony?

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses attempts to complete Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, including a 1928 competition that ultimately awarded an original symphony.

09/16/2025
An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life

An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life

Explore the dramatic tale of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, an autobiographical piece reflecting his obsessive love for actress Harriet Smithson and his descent into madness.

09/16/2025