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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.
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.
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 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.
The World’s Top 5 Classical Music Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List
Explore the rich musical history of Vienna, Salzburg, Milan, Leipzig, and London. Discover iconic venues, museums, and homes of legendary composers in these classical music cities.
Classical Californians: Jefferson Mays & Sam Clemmett
Tony Award-winner Jefferson Mays (I Am My Own Wife) and Sam Clemmett (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) from Pasadena Playhouse’s Amadeus join us as this week's Classical Californians!
Crossings: 6 Pieces By Black Composers Whose Inspirations and Innovations Have Helped Define Our American Sound
Explore the rich history and contributions of Black composers in American music, from pioneers like Florence Price to contemporary artists like Kris Bowers and Jon Batiste.
Peach Melba and Melba Toast: The Story of a Chef and an Opera Diva
Explore the culinary legacy of French chef Auguste Escoffier, his work at grand hotels, and his unique dishes named after opera singer Nellie Melba.
How Does One of the Most Famous Composers of the Late 1700s Just Disappear from History?
Explore the life of Joseph Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a prominent 18th-century musician, fencer, and revolutionary, whose legacy was nearly lost to history.
Classical Californians: Austin Wintory
This week on Classical Californians, Grammy‑nominated multi‑media composer Austin Wintory.