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The Mystery Behind Scriabin’s Mystic Chord
Explore the life of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, his obsession with the occult, and his creation of the "mystic chord" used in his compositions.
Alexander Borodin Goes to Broadway
Explore how Borodin's Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor made Broadway history in Kismet, winning multiple Tony Awards, including a posthumous one for Borodin.
Lara Downes Takes a Broad Look at the American Dream
Lara Downes' new CD, "America Again," explores the American dream through diverse American composers, inspired by the Charleston shootings.
“Rake’s Progress” at Merola
Merola Opera Program's young singers present Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. Tenor Christopher Oglesby, who's been singing for three years, plays lead role Tom Rakewell.
Exploring Shostakovich’s Quartets
The Alexander String Quartet and Robert Greenberg explore Dmitri Shostakovich's complete string quartets over two seasons at the Mondavi Center, providing context to the music.
Karen Gomyo on Shostakovich’s Powerful Violin Concerto
Violinist Karen Gomyo to perform Shostakovich's Violin Concerto with the San Francisco Symphony, exploring its secret narrative and emotional depth, in a program titled 'Banned and Boycotted'.
Symphony Parnassus Plays Pyotr, Preben, and Prokofiev
Symphony Parnassus features Tchaikovsky, Antonsen, and Prokofiev's violin concerto by Pierce Wang, a two-time winner of the Parnassus Conservatory Competition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
10 Scary-Good Performances of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue
What goes through your mind when you hear those opening notes?
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.
