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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.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: American Instruments
A look at some instruments that were born in America, as we approach July 4
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: The Celesta
Today, the celestially-inspired keyboard instrument called the Celesta
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Celesta
Let's dig into some seriously mysterious music.
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.
How the 1812 Overture Became Music for the Fourth of July
Explore the history of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture's popularity in 4th of July celebrations, its association with fireworks, and its original context in this insightful blog.
A fond farewell from "Lueth in the Booth”
A fond farewell from San Francisco Classical California President, Bill Lueth.
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".
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.
A Hometown Tribute to Michael Tilson Thomas
This article celebrates the career of conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, highlighting his 25-year tenure with the San Francisco Symphony, his early years in LA, and his contributions to classical music.
Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Johann Sebastian Bach, Pt. III
Hakuna matata, here's a Bach cantata! Tune in this week to learn more about the most important form of Baroque vocal music (outside opera and oratorio).
