New Releases May 13: Dreams, Skies, Fantasies
A particularly evocative group of releases this week features tributes to the night sky (and British women composers), dearly beloved family members, opera fantasies, and dreams. Plus, surveys of music by Johannes Brahms and Errollyn Wallen.
Don't Miss a Beat
Learn to play harpsichord repertoire on piano with Jory Vinikour
Grammy-nominated Jory Vinikour shares his advice for how to capture the magic of the harpsichord on the piano.
Hear the Symphony Mohammed Fairouz Composed as a Response to the 9/11 Attacks
When composer Mohammed Fairouz isn’t busy writing symphonies or operas, he’s likely writing about international politics for the Huffington Post, On Being, or Foreign Policy.
The Surprising True Origins of Gershwin’s Classic ‘Summertime’
“Summertime” from George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess is one of the one most popular songs in the Great American Songbook. But did you know that neither the tune to “Summertime” nor the lyrics are by George Gershwin?
Hear music inspired by some of Chicago’s most extraordinary buildings
Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture. Take a walk around the city, and chances are that you’ll encounter at least a few fantastic buildings. But did you know that Chicago’s architectural legacy has inspired music, too?
How Chicago Cubs Organist Gary Pressy Made It to the Big Leagues
Gary Pressy, an organist and lifelong Cubs fan, has been a signature part of games at Wrigley Field for over 30 years.
Meet Organist Lori Moreland, One of the Chicago White Sox’s Most Valuable Players
When organist Lori Moreland grew up rooting for the White Sox, she never thought that one day she would be one of the team's most valuable players.
Poland holds 1st Chopin contest on historical instruments
Thirty pianists from the U.S., Japan, China, Russia, and across Europe will perform works by Chopin and other Polish composers of his time, as well as by Johan Sebastian Bach.
How a Bach Minuet Got a Motown Makeover
Bach’s Minuet in G major from the Notebooks for Anna Magdalena Bach is famous enough today that you may have had it as your cell phone ringtone. One arrangement, recorded by a '60s girl group called The Toys, was a #1 single in the US and reached #5 on the UK Global charts.
Playlist: Classical Music for Pumpkin Spice Season That’s Anything but Basic
While we all love the classics like the “Autumn” concerto from Vivaldi’s "Four Seasons," here are some works that are a little less… common to cozy up with this fall.
Quiz: Which Mozart Opera Are You?
Mozart's 22 operas each have their own unique personalities. Are you fun and lovable like The Magic Flute? Are you passionate and dark like Don Giovanni? Find out what Mozart opera YOU are!
