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Beethoven

The Many Lives of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

The Many Lives of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

01/25/2026
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
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
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. III

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. III

In his later years, Beethoven had a lot of problems, including complete deafness and stressful family issues, which only deepened the emotion in his music. This week, we’ll explore his third and final period, filled with great sorrow and great joy.

05/17/2025
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. II

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. II

Dun dun dun DUNN! This week, Beethoven's middle period takes center stage, where he truly starts sounding like, well, Beethoven. Heroes, symphonies, and most of the orchestral music are spotlighted.

04/19/2025
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. I

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. I

Before Beethoven became a wild-haired, world-changing composer, he was a rebellious piano prodigy shaking up Vienna. He wasn’t just the next Mozart—he was out to prove he was something new. From his pianos sonatas to his very first symphony, hear how Beethoven’s journey kicked off!

04/05/2025
A Heroic Piece in Hard Times: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

A Heroic Piece in Hard Times: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

Explore the history of Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, nicknamed "Emperor", composed during Napoleon's invasion of Vienna in 1809, reflecting the composer's resilience amidst chaos.

09/21/2024

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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
At the Movies: Alexandre Desplat's Frankenstein Score

At the Movies: Alexandre Desplat's Frankenstein Score

Composer Alexandre Desplat, speaks with Brian Lauritzen about his Oscar nominated work on 'Frankenstein'.

02/21/2026
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.

02/18/2026
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
Peach Melba and Melba Toast: The Story of a Chef and an Opera Diva

Peach Melba and Melba Toast: The Story of a Chef and an Opera Diva

Explore the culinary legacy of French chef Auguste Escoffier, his work at grand hotels, and his unique dishes named after opera singer Nellie Melba.

02/05/2026
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