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Beethoven

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The Many Lives of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

01/25/2026
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A Deep Dive into Beethoven's Beloved Symphony No. 9

Brian Lauritzen dives deep into Beethoven's timeless 9th Symphony

12/16/2025
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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.

11/25/2025
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. III

In his later years, Beethoven had a lot of problems, including complete deafness and stressful family issues, which only deepened the emotion in his music. This week, we’ll explore his third and final period, filled with great sorrow and great joy.

05/17/2025
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. II

Dun dun dun DUNN! This week, Beethoven's middle period takes center stage, where he truly starts sounding like, well, Beethoven. Heroes, symphonies, and most of the orchestral music are spotlighted.

04/19/2025
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pt. I

Before Beethoven became a wild-haired, world-changing composer, he was a rebellious piano prodigy shaking up Vienna. He wasn’t just the next Mozart—he was out to prove he was something new. From his pianos sonatas to his very first symphony, hear how Beethoven’s journey kicked off!

04/05/2025
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A Heroic Piece in Hard Times: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

Explore the history of Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, nicknamed "Emperor", composed during Napoleon's invasion of Vienna in 1809, reflecting the composer's resilience amidst chaos.

09/21/2024

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A Playlist for Lounging by the Pool

Explore Brian Lauritzen's poolside playlist featuring classical pieces like Ravel's Jeux d’eau, Strauss's Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, and more, perfect for a sunny, relaxing day by the pool.

06/29/2026
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Celebrating Classical Music with Pride!

Celebrating Pride month, this article highlights the contributions of LGBTQ+ composers in classical music, including Handel, Tchaikovsky, Angela Morley, Billy Strayhorn, Wendy Carlos, and Rufus Wainwright.

06/29/2026
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Your Playlist for Hangin’ in the Hammock

Explore Rik Malone's recommended playlist for a perfect California summer experience. From relaxing hammock tunes to music that transports you to distant places, enjoy your summer with these iconic pieces.

06/05/2026
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A fond farewell from "Lueth in the Booth”

A fond farewell from San Francisco Classical California President, Bill Lueth.

06/02/2026
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The Sounds of Sunrise

Explore the beauty of sunrise through music with this list of compositions inspired by dawn, from Haydn's "Sunrise" Symphony to Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe".

05/30/2026
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LA Philharmonic is Soaring with Daniel Harding

Conductor and commercial airline pilot Daniel Harding is announced as the 12th music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

05/27/2026