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Gerstein on Gershwin…
Kirill Gerstein blends classical and jazz in 'The Gershwin Moment', featuring the St. Louis Orchestra and guests. He discusses his jazz influence and careful improvisation approach.
Return of ‘Black Odyssey’ at Cal Shakes
"Black Odyssey" at Cal Shakes reinterprets Odysseus' journey. The play features Ulysses Lincoln, an African-American soldier returning home from Iraq, traversing through African-American history.
Shakespeare
The Bard! William Shakespeare. Composers have been setting his stories to music for centuries, creating everything from delicate fairy music to passionate love themes.
George Gershwin Captures the Sounds of Paris
Explore the inspiration and creation of George Gershwin's symphonic poem, An American in Paris, its initial reception, and its enduring popularity in music and film.
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.
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.
The Mystery Behind Scriabin’s Mystic Chord
Explore the life of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, his obsession with the occult, and his creation of the "mystic chord" used in his compositions.
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.
A Playlist to Celebrate All Things Fall
Explore the beauty of autumn through music with this curated list of compositions inspired by the season's warm colors, chilly weather, and melancholic mood.
