Huang Ruo, a Chinese-born New York-based composer, edited the anthology Selection of Classic Chinese Folk Songs. He shares his five favorites in this video.

Lang Lang's flamboyant performing style has earned him frequent comparisons to Franz Liszt, so it's telling that he has staked out that composer's work as a specialty. He explains why in this video.

Chinese lore claims that the Year of the Dragon will be an auspicious one, full of particularly favorable happenings. We’ve gathered our favorite musical appearances of the mythological beast.

Youth orchestras are by no means a new invention and -- despite a challenging job market for musicians -- are responsible for ushering several great musicians into world-class careers. Here are five of the best:

Classical music is steeped in mythology -- from the Mozart Effect to the Curse of the Ninth Symphony. Here are five myths that continue to intrigue audiences.

Every so often, anarchy is unleashed across the carefully-preserved countryside of classical music. Here are five highlights.

When dining out the violinist Joshua Bell enjoys burgers, sushi and the occasional steak. Find out more in this video of his top five dining experiences in New York.

Adios, Liszt and Mahler. With the New Year comes a new group of top composers (and one piece) that will be marking major milestones this year:

Throughout 2011 we’ve seen the inauguration of new festivals, the resuscitation of old ensembles and the collapse of much beloved institutions.

Here are our five favorite invocations of the famous "Hallelujah" chorus from film, television and YouTube, from hot dog commercials to flash mob renditions.

"In The Bleak Midwinter" is the world’s greatest Christmas carol, according to WQXR.org's poll of leading choirmasters and choral experts from the US and the UK.

From Disney’s Fantasia to phone commercials, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite pops up frequently. Here are our top five alternative Nutcrackers.

Feuds exist in sport, politics and art: both on the stage and behind the curtain. We’ve collected our five favorite fights from the classical music world.

For a number of underprivileged children in New York the opportunity to learn an instrument or about Bach is limited. Likewise, aspiring musicians are struggling to pursue their careers in this shaky economy. Now that we’re in the gift-giving season, here are five charities that are devoted to instilling the love of music in children, and supporting future artists.

While expensive concert tickets and galas might suit the upper crust, many composers would have sympathized with the protestors’  ideals. Here are our top five works for the Occupy Wall Streeters:

Classical music has been shown to lower stress, make people smarter and provide a homeopathic sleep aid. What other benefits are lurking out there? Here are our top five side effects.

The details of Ludwig van Beethoven’s life seem scripted for a movie and filmmakers have noticed. We’ve compiled our top five films featuring Beethoven.

Jacques Pépin is a food icon, cookbook author, and one of the people who helped invent the very concept of "TV chef." He shares his top five music and food pairings.

In Beethoven's day, variations on a popular tune -- especially one from a favorite opera or oratorio -- sold well to the burgeoning home music-making market.