Andrew McIntyre

Writer and concert producer

Andrew McIntyre is an American writer and concert producer living on the East Coast. He studied musicology at Northwestern University, where he specialized in opera and queer popular music. Since 2013, he has written concert program notes for classical music presenters including the Celebrity Series of Boston, UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Inside the score

Serge Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes: The Groundbreaking World of Modern Ballet

Impresario Serge Diaghilev brought together some of the 20th century’s greatest artists. Celebrate International Dance Day with the composers, choreographers, and designers who brought the world of the…

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 12min read
Inside the score

Leitmotif Explained: From Wagner’s Ring to John Williams’ Star Wars

A leitmotif is a recurring musical idea that represents a character, place, object, or concept—and evolves as the story changes. From Berlioz’s idée fixe and Wagner’s Ring cycle to the film scores of Max Steiner, John…

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 20min read
Inside the score

Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique

Dive into Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique: a love obsession spirals into hallucination, execution, and witches’ sabbath. This guide follows the idée fixe from first sight to final parody, revealing how Berlioz’s…

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 26min read
Inside the score

What Are You Laughing At? Humor in Classical Music

Classical music possesses the power to move us to heights of joy or the depths of despair. But its power to amuse often goes overlooked.

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 9min read
Inside the score

Classical Music on Ice: The Soundtrack of Olympic Figure Skating

As the world’s best skaters compete for the gold in Milan, we explore the role classical music plays in bringing their artistry to life.

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 13min read
Inside the score

From Holst to Hogwarts: Music of the Harry Potter Film Series

For twenty-five years the blockbuster Harry Potter film series has cast its spell over audiences worldwide. Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore called music “A magic…

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 23min read
Inside the score

Bach’s Six Cello Suites

Bach’s Six Cello Suites have challenged performers and captivated listeners for 300 years — here’s how to listen deeply to their dance forms, emotional breadth, and enduring interpretive questions.

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 21min read
Inside the score

“But is it Classical?” Shining a Light on Rosalía’s LUX

LUX, the classical-infused album from Spanish pop star Rosalía, has dominated the musical landscape since its release in November. But do these lush orchestrations, fierce choral…

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 16min read
Inside the score

Cracking The Nutcracker

Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has long cemented itself as a Christmastime staple. The ballet’s fantastic candy set pieces, elaborate dances, and iconic tunes are a…

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 13min read
Inside the score

Beethoven’s Deafness: Myth, Reality, and Perception

Two centuries after his death, Ludwig van Beethoven remains one of the pillars of classical music. Despite progressive hearing loss he continued to make music, creating some of…

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By Andrew McIntyre

Reading time estimated : 15min read