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Playlist for the Great Outdoors
Nine tracks that go beyond walls, these Great Outdoors selections were chosen by the music programmers at Classical California.
5 Pieces Perfect For a Stroll in the Woods
Explore five classical music pieces inspired by nature's beauty, from Strauss's ode to Vienna Woods to Vaughan-Williams's celebration of pastoral harmony in The Linden Tree.
A River Runs Through This Music
Explore the stories behind classical compositions inspired by rivers, from Smetana's The Moldau to Beglarian's BRIM: The River Project, and their transformative power.
A Closer Look at Music Inspired by Rain
Explore music inspired by rain, from Chopin's Raindrop Prelude to Ryuichi Sakamoto's Oscar-winning Rain. Discover how various instruments, including piano and cello, evoke rainfall.
Two Finns and Some Birds
Explore how composers like Vivaldi, Sibelius, and Rautavaara drew inspiration from birds and nature for their music in KUSC Great Outdoors Week series.
5 Great Moments of Opera in the Great Outdoors
Explore KUSC Great Outdoors Week with blogs on composers inspired by nature. Enjoy 5 operatic pieces reflecting the beauty of the outdoors, from Handel to Massenet.
The Great Outdoors
Grab your trail mix and put your sunglasses on, we're taking a hike!
Farewell Herbert Blomstedt
Dianne Nicolini's tribute to conductor Herbert Blomstedt, former Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony
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 Ride of the Golden State Valkyries!
Dianne Nicolini roots for WNBA's Gold State Valkyries, a team full of Brünnhildes!
The Spookiest Melody in History
Solomon Reynolds illuminates an ancient musical death code.
Trippy Tales in Classical Music
Explore the connection between altered states of consciousness and music composition, featuring works by Berlioz, Hildegard of Bingen, and Schumann.
10 More Composers With Latin American Roots You Should Know
Explore the lives and works of ten influential female composers from Latin America, spanning various genres and periods, from opera to electronic music.