Arts Alive Blog

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.

John Carpenter, “Halloween” Composer for Hire

Renowned director John Carpenter discusses his journey from filmmaker to musician, his approach to scoring his own films, and his experience working on the Halloween series.

The Secret Love Affair Hidden in Alban Berg’s “Lyric Suite”

Explore the hidden love story in Alban Berg's Lyric Suite. Discover how Berg used musical references, initials, and numerology to encode his affair with Hanna Fuchs-Robettin.

Chapman Challenge: What Exactly Are Köchel Numbers?

This article explains Köchel numbers, a catalog system for Mozart's works created by Ludwig von Köchel in the 19th century, and its significance in musicology.

A Sampling of Birdcalls in the Concert Hall

Explore how composers like Beethoven, Handel, and Respighi have imitated bird songs in their works, from the cuckoo's call to the nightingale's song.

The “Defiant Requiem” Explores the Power of Music in the Darkest of Times

"Defiant Requiem," a concert by Murry Sidlin, commemorates Verdi’s Requiem performances by Terezin camp prisoners in the 1940s. Upcoming shows in California.