Classical Basics

If you like these popular musical selections from the ‘Star Wars’ films, you’ll probably enjoy our recommendations for similarly styled classical works. May the 4th be with you!

The world of classical music can be intimidating for a new listener. Where do you start? Here are one young listener’s suggestions for five contemporary and classic pieces to help you dip your toes in the water.

What kinds of different sounds can be coaxed from a piano? Extra Eclectic host Steve Seel answers this question in the first hour of the show with the help of some 20th and 21st century composers such as Stephen Scott and Sophia Subbayya Vastek. In the show's second hour, Steve unapologetically shares an hour of "lovely" modern classical music, from the likes of George Pelecis, Hugi Gudmundsson, and Reena Esmail.    

Video games and classical music might not share an obvious connection, but they have a surprising relationship. In this episode of YourClassical Adventures, we look at how video game music has evolved from its simple 8-bit tones to including and eventually inspiring and becoming classical music masterpieces.

When you think of Renaissance choral composers, names like Josquin des Prez and Thomas Weelkes come to mind. Here are 5 lesser-known -- but equally great -- composers from this golden age of choral music.

Early American composers could have shaken off their European sound and mined the rich trove of African American music. They didn't. And one historian believes we're worse off because of it.

When you hear the term 'film score,' perhaps the themes from your favorite movie come to mind -- the suspenseful bass melody from 'Jaws' or the magical 'Hedwig's Theme' from 'Harry Potter,' both by John Williams. But here are other film composers you might not know as well.

The concert band is an ensemble that goes by many names: wind ensemble, wind symphony, wind band, wind orchestra, symphonic band — or just plain "band." But what exactly is a concert band?

Do you know what instruments play in a concert band? Here's your guide to the ensemble.

When life is hectic or you need a break from the news, feel better and live bigger with classical music. This week, Classical MPR host Scott Blankenship shares a playlist full of "Nature and Nostalgia."