Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Martinu's Symphony 1/1



As a whole, Martinu's Symphonies rank as one of my very favourite cycles of symphonies all time. Many symphonic cycles have good and bad points but the cycles of Martinu and Mahler, to name just two, have only great moments(face it, I'm picky). Every Martinu Symphony is a joy to listen to. This Symphony is however my favourite in the cycle....it is full of joy and delight.

Please listen, discover and enjoy!!

Martinu Symphony 1/2

Martinu Symphony 1/3

Martinu Symphony 1/4

Martinu's Toccata e due Canzoni



Written about the same time Martinu wrote his wonderful and ever popular Fifth Symphony(1946). He wrote five magnificent Piano Concertos and in all but name, this work is also a concerto for piano and orchestra.

Toccata e due Canzoni/2

Toccata e Due Canzoni/3

Prokofiev's fireworks for the piano....Sonata no.7



I still wish I could play like her because then I.....oh well, you know the story!

Prokofiev's Piano Concerto 3/1



Damn, can she play. I wish I could play like her then I wouldn't be sitting here typing away at this stupid key board. I love this concerto....really exciting!

Prokofiev Piano Concerto 3/2

Prokofiev Piano Concerto 3/3

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Schoenberg opus 16/1



This music that really should be known by everybody. It won't hurt your ears as it is quite expressive. Spend some time listening to this work, the rewards are plentiful!

Enjoy!

Schoenberg Opus 16/ 2

Monday, September 20, 2010

Higher learning?

This is school spirit?

This is fair play?

This is Mozart?

This is Shakespeare?

A Great recording of Piston's Second/1



This is one of the greatest symphonies written by an American! The recording made by Deutsche Grammophon back in the seventies is beyond reproach. It was released coupled with William Schuman's Violin Concerto performed by Paul Zukovsky. They are truly outstanding recordings of both works. Listen to the theme that starts at 2:04....damn, I love this work....great fun!

Please enjoy!

Piston Second/2

Piston's Second/3

Friday, September 10, 2010

Gade's Seventh.....a Masterpiece



Just listen to this imaginative music from the pen of Niels Gade. This is one of my favourite symphonies of the Romantic Period!

A great Ninth from Denmark



I'll never understand how Langgaard's music is not better known. It is completely accessible and imaginative. I have been told that his music is hardly known in the composer's home country. This music should be better known by everyone who has an interest in Twentieth Century music! Denmark is a remarkable land that has given us Dietrich Buxtehude, Carl Nielsen, Niels Gade, Ludolf Nielsen and Rued Langgaard.

Langgaard's Tenth


Truly amazing music from a too little known composer.

ENJOY!

More great music form the pen of Rued Langgaard



As always: ENJOY and discover the music of this remarkable Danish master!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

A quiet moment in Berlioz's Te Deum



Listen and enjoy!

A favourite Sanctus



The Requiem by berlioz has always been my favourite in the genre. Berlioz's work is a loud and bombastic as Faure's is quiet and gentle. The French certainly know how to write Requiems!

Gloriously civilized music!



The Agnus Dei from Faure's Requiem. Words fail to describe such heavenly music.

Enjoy!

Once hated but now loved



Until last week when I bought a CD of this work I basically hated Faure's Requiem. The recording features the full orchestra version of 1900 which I never knew existed. Now I adore the music and especially the Sanctus, Introit and Agnus Dei.