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The Ukrainian Folk Tune Behind “Carol of the Bells”
The Lesser-Known History of “Jingle Bells”
Explore the history of the iconic Christmas song "Jingle Bells," from its creation by James Lord Pierpont in 1850 to its evolution and various renditions by famous artists over the years.
13 Days of Spooky Classical
Countdown to Halloween with 13 Days of Spooky Classical
Five Classical Pieces to Add to Your Hanukkah Playlist
Dianne Nicolini’s Bay Area Holiday Highlights
Explore holiday events in the Bay Area, from Zachary Quinto narrating Peter & the Wolf, to SF Ballet’s Nutcracker, and the Oakland Symphony’s tribute to Prince and Leonard Cohen.
The Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker”
Explore the origins of the classic Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker, from Tchaikovsky's inspiration to its journey to the US. Click to listen to a brief history.
The Holidays
A tribute to that special time of year.
A Playlist to Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy
This article explores the significant role of music in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and presents various compositions that honor his legacy and the causes he championed.
Meet the Mozart of Spain, Sweden, and More
Explore the lives of composers dubbed as the "Mozarts" of their countries, including Joseph Martin Kraus of Sweden, Juan Arriaga of Spain, and two English contenders.
The Sounds of Sunrise
Explore the beauty of sunrise through music with this list of compositions inspired by dawn, from Haydn's "Sunrise" Symphony to Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe".
Beyond the Classics: 12 More “Sleigh Rides” For the Holidays
Explore the history of the popular holiday song 'Sleigh Ride', from its creation by Leroy Anderson in 1946 to various renditions by artists like Mozart, Delius, and Mahler.
The Secret Story Behind Tchaikovsky’s Mysterious Celesta in “The Nutcracker”
Explore the history of the celesta, a unique instrument used in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker and Harry Potter's theme. Discover how it went from obscurity to symphony staple.
Chapman Challenge: The Story Behind Handel’s “Messiah”
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan discusses Handel's journey with oratorios, from his first encounter in Italy to his profitable English oratorios, culminating in the creation of Messiah.
