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Tchaikovsky

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
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.

12/23/2024
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.

12/17/2024
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 CultureMusic HistoryChristmasHolidaysCulture

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Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”

Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses Handel's journey with oratorios, from his first encounter in Italy to his profitable English oratorios, culminating in the creation of Messiah.

12/15/2025
Harmonious Holiday Highlights

Harmonious Holiday Highlights

highlights from Classical California’s Harmonious Holidays 2025

12/05/2025
These Rides Really Sleigh

These Rides Really Sleigh

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

12/02/2025
Beethoven’s Quartet of ‘Thanksgiving’

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.

11/25/2025
The Story Behind “Appalachian Spring,” the Ballet

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.

11/22/2025
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!

11/20/2025