Cynthia Collins 
The music of composer Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) reflects a combination of traditional European and native Brazilian influence. He was exposed to classical music at an … Read more
Jug bands got their name from using instruments that were either homemade or household items such as a jug. They originated in the South in … Read more
One of the most popular and frequently performed operas is Carmen by Georges Bizet (1838-1875). That was not the case during the composer’s lifetime and … Read more
One of the most popular pieces of classical music for the Fourth of July fireworks is Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Its full name: 1812 Festival Overture, … Read more
Children’s songs and folk music are often handed down through an oral tradition. They seem to spring up without any specific composer yet survive numerous … Read more
There is a connection between Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and the Morse code. Although approximately 30 years separated the creation of this particular symphony and the … Read more
The familiar sound of pitched buzzing comes from a popular American toy and a musical instrument called a kazoo. Children and adults alike hum into … Read more
Toy pianos originated in Germany during the mid-19th century as toys and musical instruments for young children. Immigrants brought them to North America as part … Read more
The compositions of Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) reflect the bridging of traditional, tonal music with the avant-garde styles of the 20th century. He was born in … Read more
The French composer, Louis Vierne (1870-1937), wrote six symphonies as large-scale concert works for pipe organ. He studied with French composer-organists César Franck and Charles-Marie … Read more
In addition to being one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) made a significant impact as an author, inventor, scientist, … Read more
“Hail to the Chief” is the official anthem announcing the arrival of the president of the United States at formal events. It has been used … Read more
Manuel de Falla’s El Amor Brujo, or Love, the Magician, is a ballet but not in the traditional sense. It uses flamenco steps instead of … Read more
Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, was written for the 1951 Christmas Eve live broadcast that was the premiere of an NBC … Read more
The Vienna Philharmonic welcomes New Year’s 2016 in grand style with its traditional celebratory concert held in the Musikverein, in Vienna, Austria. Julie Andrews returns … Read more