When you hear the name Antonio Stradivari, you most likely think of the finest violins in the world, selling for millions of dollars. However, the legendary luthier also produced a handful of guitars — only one of which remains playable today. 


Hear a 1679 Stradivarius guitar — the Sabionari

How is it that Ludwig van Beethoven -- one of history's most celebrated and revered composers -- wrote so many wonderful pieces as he spent most of his career going deaf? As Natalya St. Clair suggests in the Ted-Ed video, 'Music and math: The genius of Beethoven,' the answer may be revealed in the connection between music and math.


Music, math, and... Beethoven?

In honor of Halloween, let's take a quick look at 10 different American concert halls, music venues, opera houses, and theaters believed to be haunted.


10 Haunted American Music Venues

Highlights from June 13 to 19 Tuesday, 1 p.m. Performance Today. 7:30 p.m. Yo-Yo Ma and the Minnesota Orchestra, live in concert. Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. & 5:15 p.m. New Classical Tracks with Julie Amacher. 1 p.m. Performance Today. 10 p.m. Extra-Eclectic with Steve Seel (Bill Morelock subs) 12 midnight Euro Classics: Mozart: Fantasia in c, K.475; Francesco … Continue reading On The Air This Week →


On The Air This Week

June’s composer of the month is Robert Schumann.   Born: June 8, 1810 Died: July 29, 1856   Five facts: • Schumann’s first known work was a piece for piano, written in 1830. • In an effort to be a better piano player, he built a device from a cigar box and wire that was meant to strengthen his fingers. Instead, … Continue reading Composer Corner: Schumann →


Composer Corner: Schumann

May’s composer of the month is Johannes Brahms.   Born: May 7, 1833 Died: April 3, 1897   Five facts: • As a young man, Brahms was required to play piano in area dance halls, inns, and brothels to make money for his family, as they were very poor. • The composer began writing his First Symphony in 1854, but it … Continue reading Composer Corner: Brahms →


Composer Corner: Brahms

On April 30, Classical MPR's Minnesota Varsity completed its seventh season with the annual Showcase Concert and live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater, spotlighting the talents of seven top classical musicians from area high schools.


Minnesota Varsity: Showcase Concert

April’s composer of the month is Sergei Prokofiev.   Born: April 23, 1891 Died: March 5, 1953   Five facts: • Prokofiev was a child prodigy, composing his first piano piece at age five and his first opera at nine. • He was an accomplished chess player, beating future world champion José Raúl Capablanca in 1914 (and later defeating fellow … Continue reading Composer Corner: Prokofiev →


Composer Corner: Prokofiev

After running our feature on composers and dogs last year, we decided to give equal time to our feline friends. Here are 15 photos of famous composers and their cats.


Composers and their felines

The Hupfeld Phonoliszt-Violina was once dubbed "the eighth wonder of the world. See this incredible instrument in action, performing three different pieces of music.


Daniel Nass

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