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10 Scary-Good Performances of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue
Explore the Classical California Ultimate Playlist's blog series, featuring awe-inspiring performances of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor on various instruments, from organ to glass harp.
Classical California Hits the Books: A Back-to-School Playlist
Music for brainpower, studying, and all things school.
The Real (House)wives of Classical Music: The Women Behind Bach, Schumann and Mahler
The wives of J.S. Bach, Robert Schumann, and Gustav Mahler were talented musicians, long unacknowledged.
How Johann Sebastian Bach Defined the Sound of His Era
Explore the legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, a defining figure of the Baroque era, whose influence was revived by another composer. Subscribe for more on our YouTube channel.
Around the World with Bach’s Cello Suites
"Yo-Yo Ma's global tour, showcasing Bach's Cello Suites, aims to unite communities through music. The tour, interrupted by Covid-19, also highlights the cultural expressions of 36 countries."
Pianist Simone Dinnerstein Finds “Pure Music” in Bach
Pianist Simone Dinnerstein discusses J.S. Bach's Inventions and Sinfonias, highlighting their role as teaching tools and their unique place in Bach's works due to their pure musical lines.
A Brief History of Composers Sneaking Their Names into Their Music
Explore the intriguing world of musical cryptograms, where composers like Bach and Shostakovich cleverly embed their names into their compositions using note sequences.
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".
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 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.
What Makes a Christmas Concerto a Christmas Concerto?
In this Chapman Challenge, Alan explains that a Christmas concerto is a type of concerto grosso from the Baroque period, characterized by a Pastorale movement.
A Playlist to Celebrate All Things Fall
Explore the beauty of autumn through music with this curated list of compositions inspired by the season's warm colors, chilly weather, and melancholic mood.
