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Category: NLS Music Section

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Hidden Gems of the NLS Collection: Francis “Frank” Johnson

Posted by: Brian McCurdy

For this week's NLS Music Notes blog post, we look at the incredible life of Francis "Frank" Johnson (1792-1844). Celebrate Black History Month with us as we pay tribute to an African American composer, band leader, and pioneer.

Hokusai's “Laughing Demon,” depicts an evil looking, wrinkled woma laughing while crushing the head of a small person in her right, long-nailed hand, held up to her right ear. She points with her left long-nailed index finger to the little bleading head. The woman is boney, wrinkled, has long fingernails, brown hair, and small horns on her head.

Seeing Music: Gnomus and Baba Yaga from Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition”

Posted by: Juliette Appold

Who are Baba Yaga and Gnomus? This blog shows how Mussorgsky represents them in his piano suite "Pictures at an Exhibition," and what kinds of related NLS materials you may be interested in.

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American Music from A to Z in the NLS Music Collection: H—Hazel Dickens

Posted by: Katie Rodda

This blog post continues the NLS Music Section's series of American Music from A to Z. This week, we take a look at the life and music of Hazel Dickens.

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New BARD Additions: December 2021

Posted by: Brian McCurdy

In this week's NLS Music Notes blog post, we bring you the latest offerings that have been added to BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download). Please enjoy this musical feast, and Happy Holidays from the NLS Music Section!

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Folk Music and Music Education: Zoltán Kodály

Posted by: Katie Rodda

Today we celebrate the birthday of Hungarian composer, ethnomusicologist, and music pedagogue Zoltán Kodály. We take a look at his life and his works available in the NLS Music Collection.

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Progressive Rock, Classical Influences

Posted by: Brian McCurdy

Progressive Rock drew its inspiration from a number of influences. For this week's NLS Music Notes Blog post, learn more about the classical music that inspired Rush, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, and many others!

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New BARD Additions: October 2021

Posted by: Katie Rodda

Today's blog post rounds up all the new digital acquisitions and digitized items added to BARD in October 2021 by he NLS Music Section.