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Instruments

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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.

10/31/2024
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: American Instruments

A look at some instruments that were born in America, as we approach July 4

06/29/2024
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: The Celesta

Today, the celestially-inspired keyboard instrument called the Celesta

06/22/2024
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A Whirlwind Tour Through the Woodwinds

Explore the unique characteristics and roles of wind instruments in an orchestra, including the practice of musicians doubling on different instruments.

03/06/2020
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Get to Know the Quintessential Underdog of the Orchestra: The Viola

Explore the unique role of the viola in orchestral music, often overlooked but crucial in connecting melodies. Discover five standout viola moments in orchestral literature.

11/28/2019
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Why Don’t Trombones Have Valves Like Trumpets?

In this Chapman Challenge, Alan Chapman explains why trombones use slides instead of valves like trumpets, tracing back to their 15th-century ancestor, the sackbut.

10/08/2019
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Don’t Underestimate the Tuba

Explore the depth and range of the tuba beyond its stereotype as an "oom-pah machine". This article highlights five orchestral pieces that showcase the tuba's versatility.

09/26/2019

Shows

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The Celesta

Let's dig into some seriously mysterious music.

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The Violin

Whether a particular violin is worth a fortune or not, its true value isn't in its price tag—it's in the way the violin whispers, soars, and tell stories that stir our souls.

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Pop CultureArts Alive BlogChapman ChallengeSaturday Morning Car TunesMusic Theory

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10 Composers From Across Latin America We’re Celebrating This Month!

Explore the rich heritage of Hispanic music through these 10 influential composers, from Teresa Carreño to Gabriela Ortiz.

09/18/2026
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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Classical California | September 15 – October 15

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Classical California, exploring the impact of Latin American composers on classical music. Enjoy free streams, blogs, and videos all month long.

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Rachmaninoff + Fast Cars

Classical California's Brian Lauritzen lives vicariously through Rachmaninoff's obsession of driving fast cars fast.

09/09/2026
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Deep Cuts for a Classical Summer

Explore lesser-known classical music pieces that celebrate summer, from composers like Copland, Zaimont, Delius, Mazzoli, Melartin, Prokofiev, Beach, Webern, and Still.

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A Tribute to Home

Classical California's Brian Lauritzen counts down Gustavo Dudamel's last concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as his tenure as .Music and Artistic Director concludes.

07/29/2026
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Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Clara Schumann

From child prodigy to one of Europe's greatest pianists, composers, and teachers—this Wieck, find out if the Schu fits.

07/25/2026