Music history
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Few pieces of classical music have achieved the universal recognition and enduring popularity of Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Für Elise.” Composed on April 27 1810, but not published until 1867, decades after Beethoven’s death, “Für Elise” stands today as one of the most iconic piano pieces in history. Its simple, haunting melody has transcended time, finding…
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The song with the best opening line in Music history. “I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand” “Werewolves of London” began as a joke by Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers, who suggested the idea to Warren Zevon in 1975—more than two years before the recording sessions for Excitable Boy. After…
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Act I, Scene I Enter Chorus. Chorus:Hark! Attend, good people, to a tale most dire,Of conflagration fierce and lute’s sweet lyre.Beside fair Geneva’s tranquil lake it fell,A tragedy where smoke and water tell. Enter noble musicians: Lord Ritchie, Sir Ian, Sir Roger, and Sir Jon. Lord Ritchie:Upon the glassy shore we’d planned our art,A hall…
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Just a few musical history facts for February 26 1955 — February 26 On this date, 45 rpm records outsold 78 rpm discs in the United States for the first time, marking a major shift in recorded music consumption. The “45” speed originated from the difference between Columbia’s 33⅓ rpm long-playing format and the older…
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On , June 27, 1994, Geffen Records and Aerosmith made history when “Head First” became the first major-label song made available for exclusive digital download. An unused cut from the Get a Grip session, it was part of a week-long promotion by CompuServe during which fans could download Aerosmith music from the net. Download speeds…
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The Background of Chattanooga Choo Choo Few songs define the sound and optimism of early-1940s America as vividly as “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Performed by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra, the 1941 recording became one of the most recognizable swing-era hits and earned a unique place in music history as the first recording ever to be…
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Elvis Presley: The King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley, known as the “King of Rock and Roll,” was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was the only surviving child of Vernon and Gladys Presley, as his twin brother, Jesse Garon, was stillborn. Growing up in a modest, working-class household, Elvis was…
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BBC 4 was showing ‘Beethoven’s Ninth Unwrapped’ last night to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Ludwig van Beethoven’s extraordinary piece. Aurora Orchestra took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall with a signature memorised performance, led by conductor Nicholas Collon, and a dramatic exploration into the intricacies of the music and the maestro. The…
History of Sorts 