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5 Pieces Perfect For a Stroll in the Woods
Explore five classical music pieces inspired by nature's beauty, from Strauss's ode to Vienna Woods to Vaughan-Williams's celebration of pastoral harmony in The Linden Tree.
A River Runs Through This Music
Explore the stories behind classical compositions inspired by rivers, from Smetana's The Moldau to Beglarian's BRIM: The River Project, and their transformative power.
A Closer Look at Music Inspired by Rain
Explore music inspired by rain, from Chopin's Raindrop Prelude to Ryuichi Sakamoto's Oscar-winning Rain. Discover how various instruments, including piano and cello, evoke rainfall.
Two Finns and Some Birds
Explore how composers like Vivaldi, Sibelius, and Rautavaara drew inspiration from birds and nature for their music in KUSC Great Outdoors Week series.
5 Great Moments of Opera in the Great Outdoors
Explore KUSC Great Outdoors Week with blogs on composers inspired by nature. Enjoy 5 operatic pieces reflecting the beauty of the outdoors, from Handel to Massenet.
The Great Outdoors
Grab your trail mix and put your sunglasses on, we're taking a hike!
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.
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.
The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”
Explore the Flower Duet from Delibes' opera Lakme. Discover its use in TV, film, and creative remixes.
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.
The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”
Explore the history of the celesta, a unique instrument used in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and Harry Potter's theme. Discover how it went from obscurity to symphony staple.
The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”