For his newest recording, lutenist Paul O’Dette delves into the music of 16th-century France to unveil the miniature masterpieces of Albert de Rippe, and WCRB has chosen it as our CD of the Week!

Neglectful parents, an evil witch, and children who don't know the risk of taking candy from strangers -- all things considered, Hansel and Gretel is a pretty sinister story. So why is it so popular during the holidays?

Witches, sorcery, and the devil aren’t often part of the tales we hear around Christmas time. But when it comes to Russian fairy tales, nothing is off the table — not even on Christmas Eve.

Editing magic makes the Prague train system into an orchestra. Plus, scientists confirm music really is the universal language, and Britney Spears gets the lute treatment, all in this link roundup!

Traditions worth saving still need need practitioners and advocates who are willing to propel them forward. Classical music boasts a long, rich history — about 1000 years — of transformation, adaptation, tumult and triumph. From radical, boundary-bashing composers to brave and bold interpreters, the music has remained vibrantly alive even as prognosticators routinely forecast its demise.

One of classical music's most beloved conductors has died: Latvian-born Mariss Jansons, who was age 76 at his death on Saturday in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Jansons had long had a heart condition, which first became known when he collapsed on the podium while conducting in Norway more than 20 years ago.

Cecilia Bartoli isn't your average opera star. She doesn't sing many of the popular 19th century operas. Instead, she prefers to explore the dusty, little-known corners of the 18th century.

Bartoli's new album is devoted to music written for a single artist of the Baroque era named Farinelli. He was the most acclaimed opera singer of the mid-1700s, the rock star of his day, singing some of the most virtuosic music ever written for the human voice.

WCRB and Aeronaut Brewery want you to experience something different: the pindrop sessions! One-of-a-kind concerts in a taproom, the first Sunday of the month at Aeronaut in Somerville, in partnership with WCRB.