Hungarian musician Béla Bartók was one of the world's first ethnomusicologists. He roamed the Eastern European countryside, recording folk tunes all across Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria with his Edison phonograph. Let's listen to some of Bartók's actual field recordings! Now listen to...
Smartsy Blog
Meet the Theremin
Invented by the scientist Leon Theremin, the theremin is an instrument that uses two antennas and an electromagnetic field to create sound. One antenna controls which notes the instrument plays, while the other affects the volume. Playing the theremin requires...
Stravinsky's Firebird
The Modernist composer Igor Stravinsky wrote music for several ballets. One of his most famous ballets was The Firebird, based on an old Russian legend. In the story, the firebird is a spirit who protects Prince Ivan as he battles an evil sorcerer...
Kandinsky's Colors
Do you remember learning about Scriabin, the composer who was fascinated by synesthesia? Synesthesia: A condition that causes people to see colors when they hear sounds The artist Wassily Kandinsky had synesthesia, and like Scriabin, he was inspired by the connection between...
Listen to Silly Satie!
There's a good chance you've heard this famous piano piece before. Take a listen and see if it sounds familiar! Gymnopédie No. 1: Written by Erike Satie in 1888 Gymnopédie No. 1 was written by the French composer Erik Satie. It is...