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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.
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".
The Many Lives of the “The Flower Duet”
Explore the Flower Duet from Delibes' opera Lakme. Discover its use in TV, film, and creative remixes.
Playlist for the Great Outdoors
Nine tracks that go beyond walls, these Great Outdoors selections were chosen by the music programmers at Classical California.
The Poetic Inspiration Behind Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “The Lark Ascending”
Explore the inspiration behind Ralph Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending, a violin piece based on an 1880s British poem. Discover why this music continues to captivate listeners.
Finding Beauty in Historical Ruins
Explore how ancient ruins inspire classical music, from Felix's Scottish Symphony inspired by Holyrood Palace to Zipoli's works found in decaying South American churches.
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.
Classical Californians: John Mario Di Costanzo
This week's Classical Californian is is conductor, pianist, and educator John Mario Di Costanzo, Music Director of the Temecula Valley Symphony and the Coachella Valley Symphony.
Mozart Hurls Thunderbolts From Jupiter
Explore Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony, its origins, and how Bach's influence led to the masterpiece of counterpoint in its final movement.
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.
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.
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.
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.
