music
Everything from 80s to 21st century music
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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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For as long as there has been recorded music, there have been attempts to copy, share, and distribute it without paying for it. Music piracy is often painted as a villain in the story of the modern music industry—accused of draining billions in revenue, shuttering record stores, and crippling artist careers. But is that the…
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The 1965 film The Sound of Music immortalized the story of the von Trapp family as they fled Nazi-occupied Austria. With its sweeping landscapes, memorable songs, and emotional core, it remains one of the most beloved films of all time. But while the movie is inspired by real events, the true story behind the von…
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Alfred Hitchcock’s directorial debut, made at age 25, traces the intertwined love lives of two dancers at a London nightclub. At just 25, Alfred Hitchcock had already worked in nearly every role on the studio floor before being offered his first directing assignment by Gainsborough studio head Michael Balcon. He had designed title cards, written…
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When you first look at the picture, there may seem to be nothing extraordinary about it. However, even a brief glance into its history reveals just how remarkable it truly is. The photograph shows a Jewish male choir from the Great Synagogue in Amsterdam. It was taken in March 1942. Although the deportations of Dutch…
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This is going to be a short blog. There really isn’t that much I can say about the musical genius that was Prince. The picture at the top is a ticket of Prince’s first performance with his band in January 1979. The title of the blog is from the ballad “Sometimes it Snows in April”…
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George Beilin continues to redefine the boundaries of modern composition with Moshe, an ambitious Hebrew opera currently in development that draws deeply from spirituality, psychology, and cultural heritage. Already known for his prolific output and emotionally resonant songwriting, Beilin uses this project to move beyond the conventions of pop and into a more expansive, contemplative…
History of Sorts 