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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Felix Mendelssohn, Pt. II
Symphonies, overtures, Songs Without Words, oratorios with words, and one of the greatest violin concertos ever written—tune in this week for Felix Mendelssohn, Part Two!
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Felix Mendelssohn, Pt. I
Felix Mendelssohn was a child prodigy who became one of the great Romantic composers. Drawing on Bach’s counterpoint, Mozart’s grace, and Beethoven’s drama, his music marries Classicism and Romanticism.
Finding Beauty in Historical Ruins
Explore how ancient ruins inspire classical music, from Felix's Scottish Symphony inspired by Holyrood Palace to Zipoli's works found in decaying South American churches.
Chapman Challenge: The Mystery of Mendelssohn’s Bach Revival
This article discusses how Felix Mendelssohn revived interest in Bach's music in 1829, leading to a renewed appreciation for the Baroque period.
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 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.
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.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Fanny Hensel
This week, meet Fanny Hensel! She wrote over 450 works, including one of the first string quartets by a woman. She only published her music a year before she died, and now it's finally getting the attention it deserves.
