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A Closer Look at Music Inspired by Rain
Explore music inspired by rain, from Chopin's Raindrop Prelude to Ryuichi Sakamoto's Oscar-winning Rain. Discover how various instruments, including piano and cello, evoke rainfall.
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.
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.
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.
Your Playlist for a Summer Kayak Paddle
Explore California's summer with KUSC's music recommendations for kayaking adventures. From L. Peter Deutch's Ocean Air to Mendelssohn's Midsummer Night's Dream Overture, enjoy the journey!
Rainy Classics…
Explore how composers like Chopin, Debussy, and Beethoven have used music to depict rain and storms, from light drizzles to thunderous downpours.
Using Waterfalls and Lakes to Teach Musical Dynamics…
The Friction Quartet used water metaphors to teach musical concepts to students at Cleveland Elementary School in Oakland during a KDFC Playground Pop-Up Concert.
Water Music
Let’s go dip our toes into music inspired by water.
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.
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.
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.
Classical Californians: Steven Schick
This week on Classical Californians, Percussionist, conductor, educator, and contemporary music pioneer Steven Schick shares a playlist featuring works by Iannis Xenakis, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, John Luther Adams, and Olivier Messiaen.
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.
Classical Californians: Alexander Shelley
This week on Classical Californians, conductor and Music Director of Pacific Symphony, Alexander Shelley, shares a special recording of his parents, pianists Hilary Macnamara and Howard Shelley.
