Yes, it’s true! Martin Luther King Jr. studied classical music as a child and had a special place in his heart for the genre. We uncover the details in this podcast and also highlight a famous classical work that played a prominent role in King’s life. Do you know which piece it is?
Category: Trivia
The best of classical music trivia! Yes, there is a lot of it. And yes, it is entertaining!
Happy birthday, Stravinsky!
Once again the world is aflutter with all things Stravinsky. This time we celebrate his birthday!
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.”
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!
Latest Podcast: Night on Bald Mountain
Halloween is nearly here! Ready to be spooked? Modest Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain will help with that! Our latest podcast explores the life of Mussorgsky and one of his most famous works.
Happy 100th, Rite of Spring!
May 29, 2013 marks the centenary of Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Whether you love it or hate it, Rite of Spring paved the path of classical music in the 21st century. It’s a roller coaster ride of a piece, so if you are unfamiliar with it, today is a great day to give it… Continue reading Happy 100th, Rite of Spring!
Stravinsky! What up?!
Igor Stravinsky was quite the character. Perfecting armpit farts as a child, sea drunk as an adult. Oh, how wonderful it would have been to know him! We featured him in our weekly Classical Trivia Text Message this week because HE RULES. So did his music. His Firebird Suite premiered 102 years ago this week!… Continue reading Stravinsky! What up?!
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Michael Jackson of the 18th Century
You have likely never considered the similarities between Michael Jackson and Mozart. And given that they were born centuries apart and therefore have completely different musical styles, why *would* you have considered these two virtuosi to be similar? Despite the many years between them, the resemblance between Mozart and Michael Jackson is uncanny. Both were… Continue reading Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: The Michael Jackson of the 18th Century