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Poetry

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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.

11/17/2025
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The Inspiration for Vaughan Williams’s “Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis”

Explore the origins of Ralph Vaughan Williams's Fantasia, inspired by Thomas Tallis's melody from the 1567 psalm settings for Archbishop Parker's Psalter.

09/15/2025
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Celebrating the Power of Poetry!

This article celebrates National Poetry Month, exploring the magic of poetry set to music. It features works from James Joyce, Octavio Paz, Shakespeare, and more.

04/01/2023
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A Halloween Poem from Alan Chapman

Celebrate Halloween with a festive poem by Alan Chapman. Dive into the spooky spirit with this unique literary piece.

10/31/2022
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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.

11/04/2021
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Music and Poetry Meet in “Just Like a Woman”

Bay Area pianist Lara Downes launches "Just Like a Woman" project, pairing music from female composers with women authors' words for International Women’s Day.

03/08/2017

RELATED TOPICS

The Ultimate 101Vaughan WilliamsCultureNatureBritish Music

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Celebrating Classical Music with Pride!

Celebrating Pride month, this article highlights the contributions of LGBTQ+ composers in classical music, including Handel, Tchaikovsky, Angela Morley, Billy Strayhorn, Wendy Carlos, and Rufus Wainwright.

06/29/2026
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A Playlist for Lounging by the Pool

Explore Brian Lauritzen's poolside playlist featuring classical pieces like Ravel's Jeux d’eau, Strauss's Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, and more, perfect for a sunny, relaxing day by the pool.

06/29/2026
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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.

06/05/2026
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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".

05/30/2026
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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.

05/22/2026
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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.

05/13/2026