Learning and stuff.

There’s a rumor going around that classical music is hoity toity. At the Classical Classroom podcast, we beg to differ. Come learn with classical music newbie Dacia Clay and the music experts she invites into the Classical Classroom.
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Classical Classroom, Episode 31: The Music of Hanukkah (Chanuka? Hanuka?) with Cantor Benjamin Matis

Happy Thanksgivukkah everyone! That's right: the Julian and the Hebrew calendars have aligned this year to create a day even more amazing than Hanukkah and more delicious than Thanksgiving. There won't be another until the year 79811! To honor this rare occasion, Cantor Benjamin Matis of the Shelter Rock Jewish Center in Roslyn, NY in Long Island schools us on the history and music of Hanukkah.

November 27, 2013

John

A little history on this one: Listener John S. has written in a couple of times wanting to know why we weren't covering Beethoven!? When we posted last week's episode, I had a feeling I might hear from him. 🙂

Hey Dacia,
 
Congrats! I was so excited to find the Beethoven episode. And that was an excellent choice– the 7th symphony 2nd movement is very famous, and rightly so I think! I'm glad you were able to get a sense of Beethoven's depth, or profundity. I hope there will be many more– you have so much good music to get to know!!
 
Regards,
 
John S.
Galveston, Tx
PS– too bad you didn't have more time. The whole 7th symphony is full of wonderful melodies and rhythms, and the last few seconds are like pure joy.

November 22, 2013

Classical Music in the News

John Tavener, a classical music composer who recorded on the Beatles Apple label, passed away earlier this week.

November 15, 2013

Classical Classroom, Episode 29: Wesley Horner on the intimate conversation of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony

Beethoven's 7th Symphony (Yes! We finally talk about Beethoven!) is one of independent producer, author, documentary filmmaker, and Peabody Award-winner, Wesley Horner's favorite pieces of music. In this episode, Wes takes us on an emotional journey through this masterful musical conversation. Caution: you may want to dance or weep – or dance and weep – when you listen to this.

November 15, 2013

Election music!

Election day was yesterday. Results are still trickling in from some polling locations, and run-off elections are in motion. Candidate yard signs are everywhere. The news is chock full o' who won what office and who lost. It all makes me wonder: What would Beethoven do? Or Mozart? Or Tchaikovsky? What does classical music have to say about poltics? As it turns out, a lot. Check out these resources to find out more!

November 6, 2013

Classical Classroom, Episode 26: Ragging on Chopin with Richard Dowling

How ragtime killed the classical star! Concert pianist and entrepreneur, Richard Dowling illuminates some of Chopin's pieces by "ragging" them on the piano. It's a lesson in classical music and ragtime all rolled up in one, topped with live performances, and served with a side of fries.

October 25, 2013

Spoooky Classical Music!

Happy Halloweeeeen everyone! Here at Classical Classroom, we really get in to the holidays. We just love this time of year. Mostly because it is no longer 100 degrees outside and we can wear long sleeves again. But also because everybody gets so festive. It's so awesome to see everyone get into the spirit of things that it makes us want to listen to music! I found some great articles about spooky classical music for Halloween that will help you get your creep on. Check it out!

October 18, 2013

Hey there! Glad you made it.

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