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Finding Inspiration in Birds: Sibelius’s Fifth Symphony
Explore how composers like Vivaldi, Sibelius, and Rautavaara have incorporated birdsong into their music, from The Four Seasons to Cantus Arcticus.
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.
Sibelius’s Sixteen Swans
Explore the story behind Jean Sibelius' Symphony of Swans and Silence, inspired by a memorable encounter with 16 swans on his 50th birthday.
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.
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.
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.
