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The Classical Music You Heard at the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony
The 2024 Paris Olympics got off to a spectacular start with the Opening Ceremony, featuring the sights and sounds of French national treasures, from the Seine and the Eiffel Tower to the country’s rich heritage of classical music. Here are some of the selections played during the Opening Ceremony.
George Gershwin Captures the Sounds of Paris
Explore the inspiration and creation of George Gershwin's symphonic poem, An American in Paris, its initial reception, and its enduring popularity in music and film.
Erik Satie’s Gymnopédies: A Composer Ahead of His Time
Explore the life of Erik Satie, an influential yet overlooked French composer, known for his eccentric lifestyle and pioneering minimalist music, rediscovered in the 1960s.
A Perilous Playlist of the Most Macabre Music
Explore a Halloween playlist, featuring macabre music chosen by hosts and staffers. From Verdi’s Requiem to John Williams’ Jaws theme, prepare for a harrowing holiday.
An Obsessive Love that Mirrored Life
Explore the dramatic tale of Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, an autobiographical piece reflecting his obsessive love for actress Harriet Smithson and his descent into madness.
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.
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.
A Heroic Piece in Hard Times: Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto
Explore the history of Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto, nicknamed "Emperor", composed during Napoleon's invasion of Vienna in 1809, reflecting the composer's resilience amidst chaos.
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.
