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Brahms

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How Brahms Captured the Rowdiness of Youth in His Graduation Anthem

Explore the story behind Johannes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture, a unique composition inspired by student drinking songs, created as a thank you for his honorary doctorate from the University of Breslau.

10/29/2026
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Johannes Brahms

Brahms the pop star? His melodies show up in movies, cartoons, even pop songs, because he loved popular music too! Tune in this week for a lullaby, a Hungarian dance, student drinking songs, and Frank Sinatra.

08/22/2026
A stack of books, an apple, and a set of pencils sits on top of a teacher's desk

Classical California Hits the Books: A Back-to-School Playlist

Music for brainpower, studying, and all things school.

08/21/2024
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The Story Behind the “Borrowed” Melodies of Brahms and Liszt

This article explores how composers Brahms and Liszt incorporated Hungarian folk music into their works, sometimes mistakenly using other composers' pieces.

03/01/2020
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The Five Ophelia Songs of Johannes Brahms

Explore the connection between Shakespeare's Ophelia and Johannes Brahms' Five Ophelia Songs. Discover how Brahms captured Ophelia's madness in his music.

04/01/2019

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With Fall Upon Us, Discover the Poetry in Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”

Explore Vivaldi's Four Seasons concertos, each inspired by a sonnet possibly penned by Vivaldi himself. Discover how each sonnet perfectly fits the music's rhythm.

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Clara Schumann Returns to the Limelight

Explore the life of Clara Schumann, a leading pianist of the Romantic era, who defied norms, balanced family and career, and whose work is gaining recognition.

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10 Scary-Good Performances of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue

What goes through your mind when you hear those opening notes?

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