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An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life
Explore the dramatic tale of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, an autobiographical piece reflecting his obsessive love for actress Harriet Smithson and his descent into madness.
Chapman Challenge: What’s the Spookiest Instrument?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses the spookiest instruments in honor of Halloween, highlighting the eerie sounds of the theremin and the scary potential of violins.
A Perilous Playlist of the Most Macabre Music
Explore a Halloween playlist, featuring macabre music chosen by hosts and staffers. From Verdi’s Requiem to John Williams’ Jaws theme, prepare for a harrowing holiday.
Trippy Tales in Classical Music
Explore the connection between altered states of consciousness and music composition, featuring works by Berlioz, Hildegard of Bingen, and Schumann.
13 Days of Spooky Classical
Countdown to Halloween with 13 Days of Spooky Classical
10 Scary-Good Performances of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue
Explore the Classical California Ultimate Playlist's blog series, featuring awe-inspiring performances of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor on various instruments, from organ to glass harp.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: The Organ
Tune in for a special Halloween edition of Saturday Morning Car Tunes featuring the spookiest instrument, the organ! Enjoy works by Bach, Widor, Saint-Saëns, and a surprise from Phantom of the Opera.
Spooky Surprise
For the week of Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos, Glissando has a couple of "Spooky Surprises" for you! At the top of each 20-minute segment of Glissando, get ready for ghosts, ghouls, and jump-scares.
The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List
Explore the rich musical history of Vienna, Salzburg, Milan, Leipzig, and London. Discover iconic venues, museums, and homes of legendary composers in these classical music cities.
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.
Crossings: 6 Pieces By Black Composers Whose Inspirations and Innovations Have Helped Define Our American Sound
Explore the rich history and contributions of Black composers in American music, from pioneers like Florence Price to contemporary artists like Kris Bowers and Jon Batiste.
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.
