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

Vaughan Williams

Ralph-Vaughan-Williams.jpg

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
Thomas-Tallis.jpg

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

RELATED TOPICS

The Ultimate 101PoetryNatureBritish Music

MORE TO DISCOVER

lightning-v2.jpg

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.

10/30/2026
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
johannes-Brahms.jpg

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.

10/29/2026
iStock-1055676462-fall-autumn-leaves-wine-country.jpeg

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.

10/28/2026
Clara-Schumann-9x6-v2.jpg

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.

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