Amanda Angel

Youth orchestras are by no means a new invention and -- despite a challenging job market for musicians -- are responsible for ushering several great musicians into world-class careers. Here are five of the best:

Classical music is steeped in mythology -- from the Mozart Effect to the Curse of the Ninth Symphony. Here are five myths that continue to intrigue audiences.

Adios, Liszt and Mahler. With the New Year comes a new group of top composers (and one piece) that will be marking major milestones this year:

Throughout 2011 we’ve seen the inauguration of new festivals, the resuscitation of old ensembles and the collapse of much beloved institutions.

Here are our five favorite invocations of the famous "Hallelujah" chorus from film, television and YouTube, from hot dog commercials to flash mob renditions.

From Disney’s Fantasia to phone commercials, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite pops up frequently. Here are our top five alternative Nutcrackers.

Feuds exist in sport, politics and art: both on the stage and behind the curtain. We’ve collected our five favorite fights from the classical music world.

For a number of underprivileged children in New York the opportunity to learn an instrument or about Bach is limited. Likewise, aspiring musicians are struggling to pursue their careers in this shaky economy. Now that we’re in the gift-giving season, here are five charities that are devoted to instilling the love of music in children, and supporting future artists.

A few years ago, WQXR asked a number of musicians about who they are grateful for. Responses came from opera singers, clarinetists, composers and others.

While expensive concert tickets and galas might suit the upper crust, many composers would have sympathized with the protestors’  ideals. Here are our top five works for the Occupy Wall Streeters:

Classical music has been shown to lower stress, make people smarter and provide a homeopathic sleep aid. What other benefits are lurking out there? Here are our top five side effects.

The details of Ludwig van Beethoven’s life seem scripted for a movie and filmmakers have noticed. We’ve compiled our top five films featuring Beethoven.

Why blend into a crowd full of ghouls and goblins this Halloween when you can dress as a glamorous musician? Here are five options. And as a bonus: the top five costumes in opera.

Playing in venues from Avery Fisher Hall to Brighton Beach, here are our top five live-scored movies and where you can find them.

Even in tight economic times, some orchestras are finding a way to commission and premiere new music. Here are the top five.

Maestros, masterpieces, a minimalist and a modern instrument aren’t just highlights of the new classical music season — they’re subjects of a crop of new books about classical music.

From fastest fingers to best-selling albums to the longest careers, we’ve compiled our five favorite classical record holders.

Foliage turning colors, the shortening of days and harvest celebrations full of good food and drink: In honor of Friday’s autumnal equinox, we’ve compiled our top five odes to the fall.

Now that Mercedes Benz Fashion Week has moved its tent from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center, the relationship between classical music and style seems closer than ever. Here five fabulous fashion statements in music.

Between earthquakes and hurricanes striking the East Coast, events have become somewhat apocalyptic lately. Coincidentally, there’s quite a playlist to accompany such tumultuous disas...