Happy national Bloggers Day! As we celebrate today, August 5, we’re excited to spotlight the top five blogs from our 2023–24 Season. These posts offer a deeper glimpse into the music and stories that brought them to life.
Read more from the highlights of last season:
On March 29, 1934, Carl Orff received a book that inspired him to create his renowned work, Carmina burana. This book, an anthology of medieval poetry called Carmina burana, featured themes that resonated deeply with Orff, leading him to compose music that evoked primal and intense emotions. The piece, characterized by its simple modal harmonies and driving rhythms, became a massive success. Despite its controversial origins in Nazi Germany, Carmina burana remains a powerful and enduring piece of musical theater, influencing future generations and musical movements. Orff’s vision of a theatrical, communal musical experience lives on through this masterpiece.
In February 1964, The Beatles made their iconic appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, captivating 73 million viewers and an in-studio audience of 700. Their energetic performance of songs like “She Loves You” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” sparked Beatlemania, uniting a nation still mourning the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This moment marked the beginning of the British Invasion, influencing countless future musicians and becoming a cultural phenomenon. The Beatles’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show remains a timeless symbol of music's power to bring joy and inspiration across generations.
Pop music has always been a creative blend of genres, with classical music being a surprisingly rich source of inspiration. Alan Walker and Sophie Simmons’s “Lovesick” cleverly samples Brahms’s Hungarian Dance No. 5, bringing a classical touch to contemporary pop. Maroon 5’s “Memories” breathes new life into Pachelbel’s Canon in D, showcasing its timeless chord progression. Celine Dion’s “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” subtly incorporates Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, Resurrection, creating a powerful fusion of classical and pop elements. Perry Como’s “Till the End of Time” transforms Chopin’s Polonaise in A flat major, Op. 53, into a contemplative pop arrangement, while Billy Joel’s “This Night” pays homage to Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 8, Pathétique. John Denver’s “Annie’s Song” was unknowingly inspired by Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, and Nas’s “I Can” samples Beethoven’s Für Elise. These examples highlight the enduring influence of classical music on modern pop, bridging the gap between centuries and genres.
Gustav Mahler (1860–1911) was a key figure in the late Romantic Era, known for his expansive and emotionally charged symphonies. His Symphony No. 6, Tragic, composed between 1903 and 1904, reflects his personal and philosophical struggles, incorporating themes from Nietzsche and Wagner. The symphony features the poignant "Alma theme," representing his conflicted feelings toward his wife, Alma, and the dramatic "hammer blows of fate," symbolizing life's inevitable challenges. Despite initial criticism, Mahler's work has earned widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and innovative structure, influencing generations of musicians.
Handel's Messiah, first performed in Dublin in 1742, is renowned for its Hallelujah Chorus and is one of the most frequently performed classical works. Composed during a period of personal and professional decline, Handel was inspired by Charles Jennens’ scriptural text, completing the piece in just 24 days. Its premiere in Dublin was a great success, and despite myths about royal involvement, the tradition of standing for the Hallelujah Chorus began in the 1770s. Handel's Messiah has remained a beloved staple of the Christmas season and is celebrated as possibly the most performed classical piece in history.
