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Tchaikovsky

The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”

The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”

Explore the history of the celesta, a unique instrument used in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and Harry Potter's theme. Discover how it went from obscurity to symphony staple.

12/29/2025
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.

12/17/2025
A Playlist to Celebrate All Things Fall

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.

11/12/2025
How the 1812 Overture Became Music for the Fourth of July

How the 1812 Overture Became Music for the Fourth of July

Explore the history of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture's popularity in 4th of July celebrations, its association with fireworks, and its original context in this insightful blog.

09/15/2025
Love in the Shadows: Tchaikovsky's Censored Letters

Love in the Shadows: Tchaikovsky's Censored Letters

Many of Tchaikovsky's letters with and about male lovers were suppressed by Russian censors, as well as his family.

06/17/2024
What Do Kim Kardashian and Peter Tchaikovsky Have in Common?

What Do Kim Kardashian and Peter Tchaikovsky Have in Common?

Explore new video series on the Classical California YouTube Channel: 'In Times Like These' and 'Open Ears'. Discover under-recognized music and the blend of pop culture with classical music history.

05/10/2022
The Sugar Plum Fairy in the City of Angels

The Sugar Plum Fairy in the City of Angels

In 2013, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil performed Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. The recording, recently released, is now KUSC's album of the week.

04/01/2019

RELATED TOPICS

Pop CultureChristmasMusic HistoryHolidaysCulture

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Top albums of 2025 according to the music programmers at Classical California.

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These Rides Really Sleigh

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Brian Lauritzen gallops into the holidays with these compositions about sleigh rides.

12/25/2025
The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”

The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”

12/20/2025
A Classical California Holiday Sing-a-Long Special | Saturday, December 20, 7-9PM

A Classical California Holiday Sing-a-Long Special | Saturday, December 20, 7-9PM

Saturday, December 20, 7-9PM: A Classical California Holiday Sing-a-Long Special hosted by Jennifer Miller Hammel – From your favorite carols to Handel’s Messiah, tune in and follow along with the lyrics below (as well as the score for the Handel choruses), so you can sing-a-long with the season!

12/19/2025
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.

12/18/2025
Harmonious Holiday Highlights

Harmonious Holiday Highlights

highlights from Classical California’s Harmonious Holidays 2025

12/18/2025