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The Great Outdoors

5 Pieces Perfect For a Stroll in the Woods

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.

07/06/2023
A River Runs Through This Music

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.

09/19/2022
A Closer Look at Music Inspired by Rain

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.

10/21/2021
Two Finns and Some Birds

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.

04/24/2020
5 Great Moments of Opera in the Great Outdoors

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.

04/24/2020

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The Great Outdoors image

The Great Outdoors

Grab your trail mix and put your sunglasses on, we're taking a hike!

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The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”

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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.

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Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays

Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays

Explore the history of the popular holiday song 'Sleigh Ride', from its creation by Leroy Anderson in 1946 to various renditions by artists like Mozart, Delius, and Mahler.

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The Lesser-Known History of “Jingle Bells”

The Lesser-Known History of “Jingle Bells”

Explore the history of the iconic Christmas song "Jingle Bells," from its creation by James Lord Pierpont in 1850 to its evolution and various renditions by famous artists over the years.

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A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9

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Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”

Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses Handel's journey with oratorios, from his first encounter in Italy to his profitable English oratorios, culminating in the creation of Messiah.

12/15/2025