Of the thousands of people who passed Moondog as he stood, dressed as a Viking, on his customary Manhattan street corner, few realized that they were walking by one of the great minds of 20th-century music.

Many composers have also answered the call of springtime’s riotous colors during this, the blooming season.

In operatic, vocal, and instrumental selections , we pay tribute to the influential maternal figures in all of our lives.

Looking for the perfect accompaniment for your Easter Sunday? We’ve got you covered with this playlist with everything from Bach to Irving Berlin.

From folk and traditional to punk, rock, and pop, Ireland is the source of much incredible music. But the Emerald Isle has played host to no shortage of classical music ranging from the 16th century to today.

From medieval times to modernity, women have made important contributions to all aspects of music, including as composers.

Marching bands are art in motion. But you have to see the intricate formations – moving images, clever phrases, and more – to truly believe their artistic capabilities.

For many of us, the ‘L’ is more than just a means of getting around the city. It’s a social network, concert venue, observation deck, and roving reading room, uniting Chicago’s cosmopolitan mix over 224 miles of track.

Explore Chopin’s études – some of the most beloved works in the piano repertoire – by listening to some of our favorites and learning more about them.

The classical crossover has not always had the best reputation, but there’s no shortage of ambitious, energizing takes on genre-mixing. Composer and conductor Teddy Abrams, who collaborated with indie-rocker Jim James on a recent album, breaks down the perils and payoffs of the crossover.

Brilliant animation and slapstick humor certainly define the Looney Tunes, but it is impossible to imagine the images on screen without classical music. Emmy-winning conductor George Daugherty shares the inspiration behind the live program “Bugs Bunny at the Symphony,” now celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Composer and percussionist Glenn Kotche is a force in both the classical music and rock worlds: his energetic performance, rhythmic intelligence, and inventive style set him apart.

It’s that time of year where kids are on their best behavior (gotta be on the “Nice” list!), building gingerbread houses, and making sure to update their holiday lists: paint sets, Legos, and maybe even a toy piano.

The recorder may call to mind tortured performances of “Hot Cross Buns” or “Jingle Bells” from your elementary school days, but these pieces make use of the instrument’s virtuosic potential.

Chicagoans really know how to celebrate the holidays! Here’s a playlist of Christmas favorites as performed by Chicago-area artists and ensembles.

Listening to classical music can provide a general sense of peace and tranquility, but many great works promote pacifism as their central theme.

Every morning, host Lisa Flynn shares the best new classical recordings to share with WFMT listeners, and now, you can take her selections with you wherever you go!

There are baritones, and then there are Verdi baritones. They are the elite performers, athletes among baritones, thrilling their fans with blazing top notes and plumbing the depths of some of the most dramatically complex roles in opera.

Frédéric Chopin is one of the most beloved composers of all time. Here are 10 jazz versions of Chopin that will have you listening to old favorites with new ears.

In the gap between a languid summer and a long winter, there’s just enough room left for fall. It’s a season for transformation, comfort, reflection, and growth. In other words, it’s the perfect time to grab some cider, take in that brilliant fall foliage, and enjoy this playlist created for you by WFMT staff and hosts!

Clara Schumann was one of the 19th century’s most celebrated composers and performers for the piano. Ahead of the 200th anniversary of her birth, celebrate her with a playlist of some of her greatest compositions.

Since there is a type of musical composition named for studying — études, for you non French-speakers — we have the perfect musical accompaniment while you hit the books.

Just because the school year is right around the corner doesn’t mean that you have to stop playing (or writing) music. As proof, here are 16 pieces from composers written when they were still students!

Regardless of his relationship to Mozart, Salieri was a successful composer in his own right, and we should not forget his music – particularly his operas!

Brace your ears: the Chicago Air and Water Show is upon us! But there’s more to hear than the roars of the Blue Angels and Red Arrows — take in the excitement while listening to music inspired by aviation and nautical navigation!