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Classical Music: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
The Nutcracker Ballet Story
Unsure of the story of The Nutcracker? This easy to read synopsis of The Nutcracker will tell you everything you need to know.
Nessun Dorma Lyrics
"Nessun Dorma" lyrics and text translation from Puccini's Turandot.
Top 10 Known-but-Unknown
People all over the world are more familiar with classical music, but they lack the facts necessary to help them find the pieces they love. Here are the top requested and inquired about classical music pieces I continually receive.
Andrea Bocelli Profile
World famous operatic singer, Andrea Bocelli has enjoyed worldwide success. Learn more about the life of Andrea Bocelli in this profile.
O Sole Mio Lyrics
Eduardo di Capua's O Sole Mio lyrics and English translation.
Habanera Text and Translation
The text and english translation of Habanera from Bizet's Carmen.
Best Original Film Soundtracks
Top 10 Best Original Film Soundtracks include works by Thomas Newman, Howard Shore, and Harry Gregson-Williams.
Baroque Period Composers
The Top 10 Baroque Period Composers. From Bach to Monteverdi, see where your favorite Baroque composers rank.
Symphonies You Should Own
Want to start a symphony collection, but don't know where to begin? Are you looking to expand upon what you already have? This list of symphonies will provide you with a variety of musical styles upon which to build or add to your symphony collection.
The Story of Swan Lake
Swan Lake is a very famous ballet and its music is easily recognizable, but does everyone know what its story is? Discover the story of Swan Lake!
Top 8 Renaissance Composers
These top 10 Renaissance composers helped mold and define the Renaissance Period.
Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata
Notes and background information on Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons
Notes and historical information on Vivaldi's Four Seasons, including Vivaldi's Sonnet texts.
Intro to Classical Music
Classical music is a generic term applied to a style of music which covers over 700 years. Learn the very basics of classical music and where to begin.
Classical Music Christmas CDs
Almost every popular recording artist has a Christmas album, and almost everyone owns one. But do you own a classical music Christmas CD? Classical music Christmas CDs are great to play while celebrating the holiday. This year, add a symphonic Christmas album (or choir or brass) to your holiday traditions and playlists!
"La donna e mobile" Lyrics
Lyrics and English Translation of "La donna e mobile" from Verdi's Rigoletto.
Mozart Concertos
Top 10 list of popular Mozart Concertos.
Ludwig van Beethoven
Born in Bonn in 1770, Ludwig van Beethoven began learning music at an early age. He studied with many well know musicians including Hadyn and Salieri. Beethoven is most famous for his symphonics works. Discover the life of Beethoven, including his works and achievements.
Bach Profile
This profile of Johann Sebastian Bach will give you the information you need to understand the life of the "father of counterpoint".
Handel's Messiah
Composed in 1741, Handel's Messiah has become Handel's most famous work. Learn more about Messiah in this classical music profile.
Gloria Translation
The "Gloria" of the ordinary of the mass is translated from Latin to English.
Mozart Profile
This Classical Music profile of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will provide you with the information you need to learn about the life of this magnificent composer.
Flower Duet Lyrics
Lyrics and text translation for Delibes' Flower Duet "Sous le dôme épais" from Lakmé.
The Nutcracker Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet is perhaps the most famous of all ballets. Since its original creation, The Nutcracker has gone through its fair share of changes. Marius Pepita, world renowned choreographer, staged the production, but complained that Tchaikovsky's music was too complex to dance too. Tchaikovsky's music was ahead of its time. It wasn't until George Balachine re-staged The Nutcracker in 1954; that it became widely popular. Discover more history about the famous Nutcracker Ballet.
"Un bel di, vedremo" Lyrics
Text and English translation of Puccini's "Un bel di, vedremo" from Madama Butterfly
Scary Music for Halloween
Although the music on this list is far from high pitched screams, shrilling cats, chains, and creaky doors, the scary music from these movies will surely send chills down your back.
Antonio Vivaldi Profile
A profile of Antonio Vivaldi, a great barogue composer.
Handel Profile
George Frideric Handel was a remarkable composer. Did you know he created the English oratorio? Handel's "Messiah" is probably his most famous work and is performed every year during the holiday season. Handel was born in Germany in the same year as Bach, but later moved to London. Come discover how different the two composers were.
The Synopsis of Carmen
Learn the story of Bizet's famous opera, "Carmen", in this synopsis.
Agnus Dei Translation
The "Agnus Dei" from the mass is translated from Latin to English.
Intro to Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the world's most famous and influential composers of classical music. His music has been played all over the world for over 180 years. However, there are many people out there left in the dark about the facts, life, and music of Beethoven. In this Beginners Guide to Beethoven, you'll find links to biographies, histories, CD recommendations, and sound clips of Beethoven's music.
World's Best Concert Halls
From Lincoln Center to Vienna and Boston to Sydney, these fantastic concert halls, famous for their beauty, history, and incredible sound, are among the world's best.
A Profile of Haydn
Haydn, unlike most composers, had a "reliable and steady" job composing music, directing, teaching, performing, and managing musicians from the royal Esterhazy family. During this time, Haydn composed many pieces of music for the courtly orchestra to perform. Did you know Haydn composed over 100 symphonies? Haydn, aside from Mozart, is the pinnacle of classical form.
Nessun Dorma by Pavarotti
"Nessun Dorma", Calaf's aria from Puccini's opera, Turandot, became hugely popular after Luciano Pavarotti's performance of the piece in 1990, at the FIFA World Cup. Learn more about Pavarotti's performance of "Nessun Dorma" and why it has become so successful.
Beethoven Eroica Symphony
Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, the Eroica Symphony, is known for its innovative features, heroic style, and influence on subsequent composers. This article discusses the performances, key, structure, and historical background of Beethoven's Eroica Symphony.
Beethoven Symphonies
Beethoven Symphonies are among the most popular in the world. Brief Histories of Beethoven Symphonies is an easy way to learn about and compare all nine symphonies.
The Three Tenors
A profile of the Three Tenors - Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, and Jose Carreras. Learn about the creation of the Three Tenors and why they were loved by millions of people.
Composer Picture Gallery
If these popular composers were alive today, would you be able to recognize then when passing them on the street? If not, stop by this classical composer picture gallery.
Frederic Chopin
Frederic Chopin lead an increadible life. Unable to further his talent, he moved to Paris away from his parents in Poland, never to return again. He yearned to be with them, but couldn't. He was an extraordinary pianist and teacher. Discover the life of this truley amazing composer, Frederic Chopin.
Brokeback Mountain
2006 Oscars - Best Original Film Score Nominees
Antonio Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi wrote an extraordinary amount of music. He composed 500 concertos, 21 operas, and 90 sonatas. Vivaldi, taught by his father, learned to play the violin as a child. Of his 500 concertos, 230 are for solo violin and strings.
Classical Music for Halloween
Want to get away from ghosts, chains, creaking doors, thunder, and screams without losing the spirit of Halloween? Here are a few classical works that are sure to keep Halloween alive without giving you a headache.
Puccini's Famous Aria
Learn about the details and facts of Puccini's famous aria, "Nessun Dorma" from the opera 'Turandot'.
Classical Music Gift List
Handpicked by classical music guide, Aaron Green, these classical music gifts for Christmas and other holidays are sure to please. If you have no idea what gifts to get your classical music loving friends this holiday season, look no further.
Top Ten Yo-Yo Ma
Yo-Yo Ma boasts an incredibly large repertoire library, so it can be hard to choose which album you should buy (unless you have the option of buying them all). This top ten list of Yo-Yo Ma albums will help you decide which album suites you best.
Beethoven's Love Letter
Beethoven's love letter, found after his death, is very famous and often quoted. Read Beethoven's love letter to learn about Beethoven's character.
The Sleeping Beauty Story
The Sleeping Beauty is an age old tale portrayed in many story books, movies, cartoons, television, and of course, ballet. If you are unfamiliar with the story of The Sleeping Beauty, then you are in luck. This easy to read synopsis of The Sleeping Beauty will fill you in.
Il dolce suono Lyrics
Lyrics and text translation of "Il dolce suono" from Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor.
Benedictus Translation
The "Benedictus" from the mass is translated from Latin to English.
Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti, world famous tenor, has a voice like no other. Born in 1935, Pavarotti discovered his passion for singing as a teenager after winning first place with his father in a singing competition. Luciano Pavarotti has since then sung numerous roles in many operas and given countless performances.
Josh Groban CDs
Josh Groban, a popular pop/opera singer, has enjoyed a fantastic career thus far. Here is a list of Josh Groban's CDs recorded throughout the years.
Beethoven Ode to Joy Text
The translation of Schiller's text 'Ode to Joy' from Beethoven's 9th symphony.
How many Movements
How many movements are in a symphony? Find the answer in this Symphony FAQ!
Popular Ballets of All Time
Here are the seven most popular ballets of all time. It's the ballets' timeless stories, flawless choreography and brilliant music that makes these the seven most popular ballets of all time.
Che gelida manina Text
"Che gelida manina" text and translation from Puccini's La Boheme.
Kyrie Translation
The "Kyrie" text from the Ordinary of the Mass is translated from Latin to English.
Sanctus Translation
The "Sanctus" of the mass is translated from Latin to English.
"Vissi d'Arte" Lyrics
"Vissi d'Arte" from Puccini's Tosca lyrics and text translation.
Brahms Profile
As a result of Brahms' extensive travels and eagerness to meet composers and musicians, Brahms gained a large circle of friends including the Clara and Robert Schumann, Wagner, and Liszt. His thirst for knowledge lead him to amass a library of over 800 books. He also collected rare manuscripts and autographed scores by many famous composers. Because of his vast resources of friends, talent, and knowledge, Brahms was able to create magnificent music.
5 Classical Guitar Albums
A list of five truly amazing classical guitar CD's.
2009 Grammys - Best Classical
The 2009 Grammy Award nominees for Best Classical Album.
The History of Swan Lake
Swan Lake is a famous ballet with music by Tchaikovsky. Undoubtedly most people know the music, but could not tell you where it was from. Swan Lake is the epitome of all classic ballets; the choreography demands dancers of the highest caliber. Swan Lake is over 100 years old, and will remain as the standard of classical ballet for many generations to come.
Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner was to opera as Beethoven was to symphony. Wagner, unlike any other composer of his time, was not formally trained in music as a child. However untalented he was playing instruments, his muscical genius within was able to create masterworks. Discover the interesting life of Wagner and his works of art.
Rite of Spring Riot
The "Rite of Spring" riot is a well-known event that occurred in 1913. Audience members were so shocked by Stravinksy's "Rite of Spring" ballet, violent rioting ensued. Learn more about the Rite of Spring riot.
What is opera?
The great question "what is opera?" is answered in this opera faq.
Credo Translation
The "Credo" from the ordinary of the mass is translated form Latin to English.
Catalog Aria Lyrics
Leporello's "Catalog Aria" lyrics and English translation from Mozart's opera Don Giovanni.
Romantic Piano Music
Nothing sets the romantic mood better than romantic classical music. Here are a few piano pieces I've picked out to help you get in tune with your romantic side.
Beethoven Music Used in Movies
Beethoven music is extremely popular not just in the music halls, but also on the silver screen. Beethoven's music is used extensively in movies and television. Here's a list of Beethoven music used in movies.
Gretchen am Spinnrade Text
The English translation of Schubert's Gretchen am Spinnrade.
A Profile of Mahler
Gustav Mahler was a passionate composer and an extremely talented conductor. His romantic period symphonies became personal statements of his innermost feelings. Because he was a perfectionist, many of the people he worked with, especially the musicians and performers, did not like him all too well. Nevertheless, Mahler's musical career was extremely successful.
Beethoven Music
Beethoven music is indeed very popular. Here are several recommended Beethoven music albums.
Dvorak Profile
Dvorak's musical talents and skills earned him honorary doctorates, prestigious awards, and other special honors. Despite his rough beginning, Dvorak was able to break through into international fame. With friends such as Brahms praising his music, nothing could truly get in the way of this great composer.
A Profile of "O Sole Mio"
"O Sole Mio" is popular classical music song made popular by the late Luciano Pavarotti. Learn more about "O Sole Mio" and its creation in this "O Sole Mio" profile.
Cinderella Story
There are over 1,500 versions of Cinderella today. Luckily, the story of the Cinderalla Ballet is one most people are familiar with. If you are unsure, or would just like to read the story again, this Cinderella Ballet synopsis is perfect for you.
Classical Piano Music
Classical piano music comes in a variety of musical genres. In this article, you'll find descriptions and recommendations of the different types of classical piano music.
Piano Classical Music
Piano classical music ranges in a variety of styles. From relaxing to invigorating, and everything in between, there is piano classical music for everyone and every mood. For you beginners out there, here's a great place to start finding fantastic piano classical music.
Eight Great Soprano Soloists
There have been many great soprano soloists, but only a few make it to the top. These leading sopranos have what it takes to outshine all the others.
Classical vs. Romantic
What is the difference between a classical symphony and a romantic symphony? Find the answer here in this Symphony FAQ!
A Profile of Claude Debussy
Claude Debussy was a key composer during the transition between the late Romantic Period to the 20th Century. Learn more about Claude Debussy in this classical music profile.
Carl Orff's O Fortuna
Notes and background information of Carl Orff's O Fortuna from Carmina Burana.
Erik Satie - Trois Gymnopedies
Erik Satie's Trois Gymnopedies are wonderful pieces of music for piano. Learn about the background of Satie's Gymnopedies.
2009 Grammy Awards
Here are the nominations for the 2009 Annual Grammy Awards for classical music.
Music for Romance
Finding romantic classical music can be a hard thing to do, especially if you are new to the style. Here is a list of romantic CD's that will help you, or at least lead you, in the right direction.
O Mio Babbino Caro Lyrics
Learn the lyrics to Puccini's famous aria, "O mio babbino caro" from his opera, Gianni Schicchi, as well as the English text translation.
Yo-Yo Ma
Yo-Yo Ma has an extraordinary career. His talents and skills have been perfected since he first started playing at the age of four. This profile will show you how Yo-Yo Ma became the worlds most famous, and undoubtedly best, cellist of our time.
Classical Music for Children
Children learn at a young age that classical music can be boring. Children don't quite comprehend the complexities and meanings of classical music. Here are five ways to introduce classical music to your children in exciting activities that they can relate to.
Thomas Newman
Thomas Newman, a Hollywood composer heavy weight, has composed the scores for many of Hollywood's best movies. His classical style of music is addicting. Thomas Newman has been nominated for four Academy Awards for Best Original Score and has also won a Grammy for composing the main theme of HBO's hit series Six Feet Under. Did you know several of his family members are also highly credited film composers? Find more about Thomas Newman, the great Hollywood composer.
Celeste Aida Lyrics
Celeste Aida lyrics and english text translation from Verdi's opera, Aida.
Biedermeier and Schubert
The Biedermeier period in 18th century Vienna had a profound impact on the works of composers such as Schubert. This article discusses the rise, causes and result of the Biedermeier period.
Requiem Mass
Requiem Masses are composed to honor the deceased. The evolution of the Requiem can be traced back all the way to the 2nd century. The most famous Requiems were composed by Mozart, Verdi, Brahms, Berlioz, Beethoven, Duruflé, Fauré and Britten. Discover the history of this unique mass.
Classical Musc for Your Life
If you're wanting to throw some classical music into your life's playlists, here are some suggestions.
Opera vs. Oratorio
Discover the difference between opera and oratorio in this opera FAQ.
What is opera buffa?
Learn the meaning of opera buffa.
Mozart Symphony 35, Haffner
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Symphony No. 35, also known as the Haffner Symphony, was written in 1782. Mozart's symphony was nicknamed Haffner because it was composed in order to be played at the enoblement of Sigmund Haffner, son of a Salzburg burgomaster, and friend of Mozart.
Quintessential Mozart
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the greatest classical composers of all time, yet there are many people unfamiliar with his works. This list of quintessential music by Mozart is sure to help the beginner expand their musical horizon.
Notes on Suite Bergamasque
Notes on Debussy's Suite Bergamasque including Clair de lune.
Finding Classical Music
Living in the age of information, buying, sharing, and listening to classical music is as easy as saying abra cadabra. With all the resources made available to us, why not take advantage of them? This step by step guide will help you find the classical music resources (free sheet music, classical music mp3s, satellite radio stations, downloads, etc...) necessary to make the dream of a life full of classical music a possibility.
Where did opera originate?
Discover the origins of opera in this opera FAQ.
Sempre Libera Lyrics
"Sempre Libera" lyrics and text translation from Verdi's La Traviata.
String Quartet 101
The definition, background, and uses of a string quartet.
Romantic Opera Music
Nothing sets the romantic mood better than romantic classical music. Here are a few operatic pieces I've picked out to help you get in tune with your romantic side.
Longest Symphony
What is the longest symphony? Find the answer here in this Symphony FAQ!
Hard to Find Classical Music
Let's face it, classical music can be hard to find. Where are you supposed to start searching for music? What if you don't know the name of the piece or the composer... or worse, BOTH? Well, here are a few tips to help you find that hard to find classical music.
Les Oiseaux Dans la Charmille
Lyrics and text translation of "Les Oiseaux Dans la Charmille" (Doll's Song) from Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann.
What is Perfect Pitch
Perfect pitch (or absolute pitch) is the ability to identify any musical note or notes without a reference pitch. Learn more about perfect pitch and find out if you have it!
What is a symphony?
What is a symphony? Find the answere here!
Caro Nome Lyrics and Text
Caro Nome lyrics and english text translation from Verdi's famous opera, Rigoletto.
Beethoven - EU National Anthem
Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' was adopted as the European National Anthem in 1972.
Habanera Profile
Habanera is a famous aria from Bizet's popular opera, Carmen. Learn about the creation of Habanera in this Habanera profile.
Review: Andre Bocelli, Amore
Andrea Bocelli's unique voice has become synonomus with romance, passion, and emotion. With guest appearances by Kenny G, Christina Aguilera, and Stevie Wonder, Andrea Bocelli's "Amore" offers its listeners a unique selection of songs.
Schubert Piano Trio No. 2
A beautiful, sublime trio for piano, cello, and violin.
A Great American Composer
Charles Ives, one of the greatest American composers of the 20th century, lead a very different life from that of other famous composers. Discover the history and life of this well known classical composer, Charles Ives.
Tchaikovsky Profile
Tchaikovsky was an extremely introverted person, despite his ability to hold incredibly animated conversations. Learn more about the life of Tchaikovsky, one of the great composers of the 19th century.
Classical Wedding Music
Classical music is a great choice for wedding songs. Though there are thousands upon thousands of different songs to play during weddings ranging from classical music to rock, for the purpose of this list, we'll stick to classical music. Find out the most popular classical music used as wedding songs.
Atonement
The 2008 Oscar Nominees for Best Film Score.
The Story Behind the Music
The story behind Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain is spooky indeed. Find out why this song is a Halloween favorite.
Medieval Music
The definition, characteristcs, composers, and other information about medieval music.
Ring Cycle Characters
A description and plot synopsis of the Fafner, Erda, Siegmund, Sieglinde and Brünnhilde characters in Wagner's Ring Cycle.
Renee Fleming Albums
The ten latest albums of Renée Fleming truly show you the extraordinary talent of this classical Diva. From Handel to Dvorak to Puccini, she delivers with remarkable clarity and tone. Let this be a guide for purchasing your next Renée Fleming album.
Best Classical Albums of 2005
Top 10 Classical Music Albums of 2005.
Classical Music and YouTube
Ever consider YouTube as a source for classical music? Learn how to use YouTube to search for classical music.
6 Gnossiennes
Composed in the 1890's, Erik Satie's Six Gnossiennes have become favorite pieces of music to many people. Learn about the creation and facts about Erik Satie's Six Gnossiennes.
What is a movement
What is a movement? Find the answer here in this Symphony FAQ!
Most perfomed opera
Discover what opera is most performed.
Musetta's Waltz
Learn about the scene and the lyrics of "Musetta's Waltz" from Puccini's opera "La Boheme".
History of Gloria
The Gloria dates back to the 2nd century. Its text was composed by a single person rather than being taken from the Biblical Psalter.
Agnus Dei History
The Agnus Dei, like the Credo, was one of the last things to be added to the Mass Ordinary.
What was the first opera?
Discover the first opera composed in this opera FAQ.
Video Game Music
Video game music is becoming increasingly popular among today's youth. It's no surprise as video games continue to evolve with enhanced software, lifelike computer graphic imagery, and surround sound.
Requiem Albums
The Requiem Mass is a highly recorded piece of work. Many composers wrote the Requiem Mass to their liking, so each one is as unique as their author. When searching for a great recording of the Requiem Mass, it often proves to be a difficult task, so I've compiled a list of Requiem albums to help make that search a little easier.
Ave Maria Text Latin Prayer
Learn the text and English translation of the Latin prayer, Ave Maria, which is used in many classical music works.
New York City Classical Venues
The prestigious Juilliard School of music offers "almost" daily classical music recitals and performances.
Orchestra Music for Romance
Nothing sets the romantic mood better than romantic classical music. Here are a few orchestral pieces I've picked out to help you get in tune with your romantic side.
The Constant Gardener
2006 Oscars - Best Original Film Score Nominees
Glossary: Movement
The definition of the classical term: movement.
Benedictus History
The Benedictus is actually part of the Sanctus, but for musical reasons, the Benedictus was seperated.
Kyrie History
The exact creation of the Kyrie is unknown to this day, but researchers have found evidence supporting its inclusion in the Mass.
Renee Fleming Biography
Born on February 14th, 1959, Renée Fleming has won the hearts of classical music lovers all over the world. The rich, lyric soprano from Indiana, PA began her collegiate musical studies in upstate New York. Many people are blessed with talent, but Renée has reached the top because of her utter commitment, exemplary dedication, and her genuine human nature.
Joshua Bell - Vivaldi
A classical music CD review of Joshua Bell - Vivaldi, The Four Seasons - Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
The Peter Pan Ballet Story
The highly energetic story of Peter Pan exists not only in movies, cartoons and musical theater, but also in ballet. Discover the synopsis of The Peter Pan Ballet.
Ultimate Classical Christmas
A classical music CD review of The Ultimate Classical Christmas.
Profile - Rigoletto
Verdi himself said that Rigoletto was revolutionary. Learn about the opera's plot, characters, and other useful information in this Profile of Rigoletto by Verdi.
Composer Symphonies
Which composers are famous for their symphonies? Find out in this Symphony FAQ!
Classical Music Road Trip
Going on a road trip with your family? Make sure you bring along a customized classical music CD of these recommended works. These classical music pieces will be enjoyed by everyone.
Halloween Classical Music
Popularity for scary classical music has increased in recent years. Here's a list of scary classical works you can play in your haunted houses and Halloween parties.
Defiance
Here are the nominees for the 2009 Academy Award for Best Film Score.
Classical DVD Music
Classical DVD music is growing in popularity. Now that many people people have surround sound home theaters and DVD audio systems, it only seems logical to take full advantage of your equipment. The classical music DVD's offer breathtaking, highly detailed, high quality surround sound classical music as well as video and limited interactivity. If you have the equipment, classical DVD music is the way to go!
Strauss' Voices of Spring
Notes and background information on the Voices of Spring Waltz by Johann Strauss II.
Trout Quintet Analysis
This article contains a structural analysis of the first movement of Schubert's Trout Quintet.

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