Tchaikovsky’s Patroness
Madame von Meck offered Tchaikovsky her generous patronage, but spoke to him only through letters.
Out of Black Liberation, Asian American Jazz
Inspired by Black artistic and political movements, musicians from diverse communities began expressing pan-Asian cultural belonging and freedom.
When Paid Applauders Ruled the Paris Opera House
Professional applauders, collectively known as the “claque,” helped mold the tastes of an uncertain audience.
What’s the Difference between a Shanty and a Sea Song?
“Soon May the Wellerman Come” is the heart of ShantyTok—but it’s not a sea shanty at all. Two authoritative essays roil the waters.
When Mambo Was King, Its Creators Were Stereotyped
As a style of Afro-Cuban music and dance, mambo was considered "primitive." And not just by white North Americans.
John Adams’ “On the Transmigration of Souls,” After 9/11
How to memorialize a national tragedy in music?
A Bag of Old Songs from Elsewhere
Sidney Robertson Cowell might be starting to get the attention her rich life, first-rate writing, and broad work as an ethnomusicologist deserve.
More Than an Aria Written Over Rice: Rediscovering a Lost Rossini Opera
Rossini's "lost opera," Aureliano in Palmira is making a comeback with a new production. The opera's history involves antiquity, archeology, and Bugs Bunny.
A Conversation with Alexander Chee
While fact-checking his critically acclaimed novel about an enigmatic soprano of the Paris Opera , Chee happened upon a piece of information on JSTOR he could not ignore.
Do We Overstate Miles Davis’ Genius?
There are things about Miles Davis we never discuss. Maybe it's time we did.