The “Shepard Tone,” also known as the “Shepard Scale” or “Shepard Illusion,” is an auditory…
Remember the Rounds We Sang as Kids? They’re Actually ‘Canons,’ and Canons are Awesome
A canon (or round) is a single melody line that provides a counterpoint to itself. Canons…
An Introduction to the Prepared Piano and How to Notate It
American composer John Cage was arguably the most prolific composer of prepared-piano music and is…
Putting the Maelstrom of Politics to Song: PUBLIQuartet’s Live Score of the Final Debate
Last Wednesday, October 19, presidential candidates Donald J. Trump and Hillary R. Clinton faced off…
Loud Silence & Quiet Sound: The Illuminating Music of Toru Takemitsu
Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996) was arguably the most well-known and influential Japanese composer of the 20th…
14 of the Most Influential Latin American Composers of the 20th Century
The music of South and Central America, for all intents and purposes, is pretty neglected…
Breaking Down Radiohead’s Orchestration in “Burn the Witch”
Radiohead’s new release “Burn the Witch” marks the end of a long period of silence…