CC Logo A Public Service of USC
Schedule
HostsWays to Give
Donate
Loading profile
HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsEventsOn DemandOur StoryOur TeamWays to Give Become a Sponsor
How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media

CC Logo White Horizontal A Public Service of USC

Download Our Mobile App

Google Play Icon

About

HomePlaylistSchedule
HostsOn DemandOur StoryOur Team

Community

EventsWays to Give Become a SponsorPressDiversity StatementCareersKUSC EEO ReportKDFC EEO ReportDigital Accessibility

Help

How to ListenVisit Help CenterContact Us

Find Us on Social Media

Sweepstakes RulesKUSC Local Public FilesKDFC Local Public FilesPrivacy PolicyCode of Integrity

©2026 Classical California

Violin Image

Spooky Music

divine-inspiration-of-music-nicolas-regnier-6x9-1.jpeg

Trippy Tales in Classical Music

Explore the connection between altered states of consciousness and music composition, featuring works by Berlioz, Hildegard of Bingen, and Schumann.

10/26/2026
Organ-e1548466757597.jpg

10 Scary-Good Performances of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue

What goes through your mind when you hear those opening notes?

10/26/2026
Adobe-Stock-spooky-film-spider.jpg

A DIY Spooky Film Festival for Classical Fans

Explore 10 iconic horror films known for their classical music scores, including Jaws, Psycho, and The Shining. Discover where to stream or rent these spine-chilling classics.

10/23/2026
Movie-Theater.jpg

WATCH | The Secret Behind the Spooky Sounds in Horror Movies

Discover the role of sound in horror movies and explore the spookiest musical instruments ever. Confront your fears and learn more on our new YouTube channel.

10/22/2026
iStock-1329308497-eye-light-heart.png

An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life

Explore the dramatic tale of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, an autobiographical piece reflecting his obsessive love for actress Harriet Smithson and his descent into madness.

10/14/2026
Arnold_Böcklin_-_Die_Toteninsel_I_Basel_Kunstmuseum-9x6.jpg

A Perilous Playlist of the Most Macabre Music

Explore a Halloween playlist, featuring macabre music chosen by hosts and staffers. From Verdi’s Requiem to John Williams’ Jaws theme, prepare for a harrowing holiday.

10/31/2024
Spooky-Woods-Halloween.jpg

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

Shows

Credit: 	Paper Trident / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Spooky Surprise

For the week of Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos, Glissando has a couple of "Spooky Surprises" for you! At the top of each 20-minute segment of Glissando, get ready for ghosts, ghouls, and jump-scares.

RELATED TOPICS

HalloweenPop CultureCultureFilm/TVOrgan

MORE TO DISCOVER

The Danse Macabre

Saturday Morning Car Tunes: Death

Death can be sad and scary. But as John Dowland said, “no doubt pleasant are the tears which Music weeps, neither are tears shed always in sorrow, but sometimes in joy and gladness.” Tune in this week to hear what death can sound like: spooky, silly, and bittersweet.

10/31/2026
aaron-copland-1970-6x9-1.jpg

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.

10/29/2026
avery-cocozziello-RQYfV9GjHQ8-unsplash-spooky-halloween-moon-fog.jpeg

The Haunted Halls and Theaters of California

Explore the eerie side of U.S. music venues, from LA's Avalon Hollywood to SF's Curran Theatre, known for their haunted histories and chilling paranormal activities.

10/20/2026
gabriela-lena-frank.jpg

10 More Composers With Latin American Roots You Should Know

Explore the lives and works of ten influential female composers from Latin America, spanning various genres and periods, from opera to electronic music.

09/30/2026
mariachi-wikimedia-16x9

Bridging Traditions: Mariachi and Classical Music

The intersection of Mexican popular music and Classical traditions

09/23/2026
teresa-carreno-cameo-6x9-1.webp

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