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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.
Bolero, Obsession, and the Brain
"Unraveling Bolero" artist Anne Adams and composer Maurice Ravel's shared experience with progressive aphasia is explored at a San Francisco symposium on arts and brain science.
A Sampling of Birdcalls in the Concert Hall
Explore how composers like Beethoven, Handel, and Respighi have imitated birdcalls in their works, from the cuckoo to the nightingale, in this tribute to 'Birds in the Orchestra'.
Movies About Composers
Explore how films like Amadeus, The Great Waltz, A Song to Remember, and Copying Beethoven depict the lives and works of famous composers, often prioritizing drama over historical accuracy.
A Tour Through All of Beethoven’s Quartets
The Alexander String Quartet collaborates with music historian Robert Greenberg for a series exploring Beethoven's quartets. The series, marking Beethoven's 250th birth anniversary, runs from October to May.
A New Home for KDFC in the Civic Center
KDFC is moving to the heart of the Civic Center’s Arts District, in the new Ute and William K. Bowes, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, enhancing its community presence.
This article explores how composers like Beethoven, Handel, and Messaien have imitated bird songs in their works, using instruments or actual bird recordings to enhance their compositions.
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.
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.
Something Old, Something New
Alan Chapman shares the best of baroque to modern music.
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.
Virtuosity and Nostalgia: Teresa Carreño and Chopin
Explore the life and music of Teresa Carreño, a South American composer and pianist, and her significant influence from Frédéric Chopin.
