Top 5 @ 105
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Five Famous Orchestra Tours in the Name of Diplomacy
The Pittsburgh Symphony is considering a return trip to Iran. If accomplished, it would be just the latest of goodwill tours that orchestras have taken to hostile nations, acting as cultural ambassadors.
Jan 23, 2014 -
An Eyeful of Sound: Top Five Multisensory Performances
Throughout human history, cultural thinkers have tried to find connections between the five senses. Now, some musicians are trying to intermingle sound, colors and scents.
Jan 17, 2014 -
Top Five Flying Disasters for Musicians
Anyone traveling with an instrument, especially an expensive one-of-a-kind type model, knows the perils of flight. Here are five devastating accounts of air travel.
Jan 9, 2014 -
Top Five Notable Composer Anniversaries in 2014
The year 2014 brings about a new crop of honorees. Here are five anniversaries that classical music lovers should mark on their calendars.
Jan 1, 2014 -
Top Five Musical Pieces for Toys
For more than two centuries, composers have been writing children’s playthings into their scores. Here are five pieces that incorporate non-traditional instruments.
Dec 17, 2013 -
Top Five Expressions of Thanks in Classical Music
Expressing thanks through music requires nuance — a challenge for any skilled composer. Luckily, there have been plenty of composers up to the task. Nov 25, 2013
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Top Five Ways to Commemorate the Britten Centenary
On Friday, Benjamin Britten would have turned exactly 100 years old. Here are five ways to celebrate his life and legacy, including special programming on WQXR.
Nov 19, 2013 -
Top Five Longest-Serving Music Directors
Despite the trend towards youth, these five conductors have shown both longevity and loyalty, becoming synonymous with the major ensembles they’re still leading.
Nov 14, 2013 -
Top Five Encores that Overshadowed the Performance
Sometimes the encore overshadows the scheduled performance. Here are five noteworthy encores that eclipsed their programs.
Nov 7, 2013 -
Top Five Pieces to Raise the Dead (or Undead)
It’s not pure coincidence that classical composers wind up on soundtracks to horror flicks and slasher movies. Their music can raise the hairs of listeners even without scary special effects.
Oct 24, 2013