We’re a whole week into January now, but really, do those best-of lists from the end of the year ever get old? No, not really. And with the various music lists floating about, one could fuel months of listening from a comprehensive selection of genres! All thanks to the glorious best-of list.
Music and Data Visualization, part 5
Turn your computer keyboard into a musical instrument with these 3 tools to discover your inner musician!
Lisztomania
Did you know? The band Phoenix wrote Lisztomania in honor of composer Franz Liszt’s stud factor. As for the term itself, “Lisztomania” was first coined by German critic/poet/journalist Heinrich Heine as he discussed the fanaticism and fandom surrounding virtuosic pianist and composer Franz Liszt.
Salon97 Podcast: Autumn Classical Music from Toru Takemitsu
Autumn fever came early this year with Starbucks’ early release of the PSL. While this podcast is not laden with pumpkin spice, it does offer some autumn classical music!
Classical Music Insults
Throwing shade, tossing zingers, lobbing jabs. It’s always entertaining to hear about a superbly-delivered insult. Especially when we aren’t at the brunt of it! Here are 10 truly delightful classical music insults and music by the composers that inspired them:
Ferde Grofe: The King of Jazz Won’t Shoot Your Eye Out! Latest Podcast.
In this month’s podcast, we highlight the life and music of American composer Ferde Grofe. Many aren’t aware of the enormous contributions Grofe made to classical music (and jazz!) in this country, but you’ll learn all about it here! His music was featured in one of the most famous scenes in the beloved film, “A Christmas Story.”
Music and Data Visualization, part 4
Are you ready for more music and data visualization? We sure are! This time we have a fun selection of interactive musical data visualization. You’ll want to bookmark this page for later, as you are likely find yourself slipping down a music and data visualization rabbit hole!
Classical Music Fans in Interesting Places: Susan Orlean
We recently caught up with author (The Orchid Thief, Rin Tin Tin) and New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean to ask her thoughts on classical music. She happens to be a big fan! What is your favorite composer or piece of classical music and why? ​Handel’s Messiah. It’s gorgeous, stirring, classic, and majestic but human.… Continue reading Classical Music Fans in Interesting Places: Susan Orlean
Also Sprach Zarathustra: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
In honor of Richard Strauss‘ 150th birthday, we compiled a selection of tributes to one of his most famous works: Also Sprach Zarathustra! We know Also Sprach Zarathustra best from the opening sequence in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, but did you know that Strauss’ music was originally intended to serve solely… Continue reading Also Sprach Zarathustra: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Latest Podcast: Richard Wagner, a Bunch of Drama, and Ride of the Valkyries
We’re highlighting Richard Wagner this month since his birthday was last week! His life was full of drama and his music was no less interesting. This episode is packed with trivia and a look at a very famous piece of music that now permeates popular culture. Get ready for some fun!