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In 1882, Émile Waldteufel spent hours observing elegant Parisians gliding across frozen ponds—then transformed that winter magic into one of the most beloved waltzes ever written. Discover the story behind the music.
Discover the surprising story behind Puccini's tender aria from Gianni Schicchi (1918). A teenage girl's dramatic ultimatum to her father became one of classical music's most recognized pieces, featured in everything from Room with a View to Disney's Luca.
Discover the untold story behind Schumann's most joyful symphony, composed in just 5 weeks in 1850. How the Rhine's beauty inspired musical triumph before tragedy struck.
In 1832 Paris, young Franz Liszt witnessed Paganini's demonic violin and emerged obsessed. The result? A piano piece that still terrifies performers nearly 200 years later.
Discover the remarkable story of Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 1, composed around 1765 and rediscovered in 1961. A guide to its elegant first movement with recommended performances by Rostropovich and du Pré.
Discover the surprising origin of Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring from Cantata BWV 147. Originally composed for a 1723 church feast, this transcendent melody found its true calling at wedding ceremonies centuries later.
Discover the 5-minute orchestral explosion that launched Russian classical music in 1842. Learn why double bassists fear it, TV shows love it, and why Glinka allegedly wrote it in just 24 hours.
December 1893: audiences erupted before the orchestra finished playing. Discover why Dvořák's fiery finale still ignites concert halls 130 years later—and how a homesick Czech composer captured America's soul.
Discover why Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor (RV 531) stands apart from his 500+ works—a tempestuous 1720s masterpiece written for talented female musicians at a Venetian orphanage.
Discover the heartbreaking truth behind Beethoven's most beloved piano piece—written as he lost his hearing and fell in love. A guide to hearing the real emotion beneath the famous melody.