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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.
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.
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.
Opera’s Ultimate Five-Minute Interlude: The Meditation from “Thais”
Explore the enduring appeal of Jules Massenet's "Meditation from Thaïs", a five-minute interlude that has become a beloved piece in the classical music repertoire.
The Poetic Inspiration Behind Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”
Explore the inspiration behind Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, a violin piece based on an 1880s British poem. Discover why this music continues to captivate listeners.
Alexander Borodin Goes to Broadway
Explore how Borodin's Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor made Broadway history in Kismet, winning multiple Tony Awards, including a posthumous one for Borodin.
With Fall Upon Us, Discover the Poetry in Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”
Explore Vivaldi's Four Seasons concertos, each inspired by a sonnet possibly penned by Vivaldi himself. Discover how each sonnet perfectly fits the music's rhythm.
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.
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.
Fanny Mendelssohn Finally Gets Her Due
Fanny Mendelssohn's lost masterpiece, misattributed to her brother for 150 years, is finally recognized as hers, shedding light on her overlooked musical talent.
Bolero, Obsession, and the Brain
"Unraveling Bolero" artist Anne Adams and composer Maurice Ravel's shared experience with progressive aphasia is explored at a San Francisco symposium on arts and brain science.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Classical California | September 15 – October 15
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Classical California, exploring the impact of Latin American composers on classical music. Enjoy free streams, blogs, and videos all month long.
Classical Californians: Raynor Carroll
This week's Classical Californian is Percussionist Raynor Carroll
