Any classical music recommendations?
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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=99336
Printed Date: June 14 2025 at 15:57
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Topic: Any classical music recommendations?
Posted By: JupiterIsland
Subject: Any classical music recommendations?
Date Posted: August 15 2014 at 15:31
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My interest in classical music grew after I became familiar with RIO and the more avant-garde side of music. I enjoy listening to bands like Thinking Plague, Art Bears, STGM, Sunn O))), Ulver, etc. I've yet to develop a strong taste in classical music but i'm drawn to composers such as Bartok, Olivier Messiaen and more recently discovered Schnittke. Anyways i'm particularly looking for a dark, melancholic, interesting, piano driven music; but any recommendation will be appreciated! :) Hope you get the idea: http://youtu.be/iwKgR7eIKCk" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/iwKgR7eIKCk http://youtu.be/ymX3sIMhvFw?list=UUo_iONotKiqA5XQwpQAkC0w" rel="nofollow - http://youtu.be/ymX3sIMhvFw?list=UUo_iONotKiqA5XQwpQAkC0w Thanks!
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Replies:
Posted By: Hans il mercante
Date Posted: August 15 2014 at 18:15
| Hector Berlioz, Symphonie Fantastique, turn the lights off and dare to dive into a very particular piece of music, I don't wanna give you more details of it, the whole story is interesting, captivating in a way. try it and let me know what you think. |
Posted By: presdoug
Date Posted: August 15 2014 at 20:51
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The last three symphonies of Anton Bruckner, No. 7,8,9. Monumental and lyrical, he was the true inheritor of Beethoven 's symphonic mantle. Dark but spiritual in the same breath. |
Posted By: Atavachron
Date Posted: August 15 2014 at 21:20
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sounds like you're off to a good start-- Schoenberg
------------- "Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." -- John F. Kennedy |
Posted By: dr wu23
Date Posted: August 15 2014 at 22:05
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I really like Ralph Vaughn Williams....especially Fantasia on a Theme by Tallis and Fantasia on Greensleeves.
I also like the Bach Brandenburg Concertos....and most of the other baroque composers.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons is also very nice. ------------- One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin |
Posted By: Mirror Image
Date Posted: August 15 2014 at 22:09
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Some favorites of mine: Shostakovich, Schnittke, Hartmann, Ligeti, Dutilleux, Stravinsky, Ravel, Bartok, Szymanowski, Debussy, Martinu, Janacek, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Britten, Ives, Barber, Respighi, Bruckner, Prokofiev, Rubbra, Lutoslawski, Bacewicz, Schoenberg, Berg, Mahler, and the list goes on and on.
------------- “Music is enough for a lifetime but a lifetime is not enough for music.” - Sergei Rachmaninov |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: August 16 2014 at 01:08
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I love Messiaen. Probably my favorite composer along with Takemitsu. You may also like Penderecki: and Scelsi: Other favorites include: Brahms, Strauss, Shostakovich, Rautavaara, Satie, Debussy, Ravel, Webern, Berg, Ives, Cage, Xenakis, Reich, Adams, Adams (John Luther), Gesualdo, and as Mirror Image put it, the list goes on and on. ------------- https://dreamwindow.bandcamp.com/releases" rel="nofollow - My Music 
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Posted By: Prog 74
Date Posted: August 16 2014 at 15:59
| Mahler! |
Posted By: JupiterIsland
Date Posted: August 16 2014 at 16:59
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Thanks everyone! I listened to everything you guys suggested. I should mention that i'm mostly looking for piano pieces (slow, dark piano music). Also, you named tons of composers, if you could be more specific it would help.
I really liked the first one. Flute, harp, marimba and percussion makes an interesting combo! Thanks again :)
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Polymorphia wrote:Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: August 16 2014 at 17:30
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Well, I'll throw things at all possible meanings of the word dark: And this one by a composer whom I forgot to mention, Arvo Part: Henry Cowell: ------------- https://dreamwindow.bandcamp.com/releases" rel="nofollow - My Music
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Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: August 16 2014 at 18:02
Besides the ones in the previous post, I think there are some other really worth mentioning pieces if you are looking for melancholic piano driven music, I can assure you that there is an immense universe in the classical music genre. The ones I would suggest you to begin with are:
MOZART:
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No.21 - second movement;
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No.23 - second movement; Piano Sonata No.16 (Sonata Facile) - second movement. BEETHOVEN:
Piano Sonata No.8 'Pathétique' - second movement;
Piano Sonata No.2 - first movement;
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No.3 - second movement; Concert for Piano and Orchestra No.5 (Emperor) - second movement; Piano Sonata No.29 Op.106 ‘Hammerklavier’ - third movement (adagio sostenuto). LISZT:
Piano Sonata in Si menor - VI.quasi adagio; Concert for Piano and Orchestra No.1 - second movement. CHOPIN:
Marche Funebre; Concert for Piano and Orchestra No.1 - second movement; Concert for Piano and Orchestra No.2 - second movement;
Étude in E, Op.10 No.3; Nocturne No.2 Op 9; Andante Spianato in G major (just fantastic!) Variations, A major, Souvenir de Paganini; Waltz No.20 (Melancholique); Variations in B flat 'La Ci Darem La Mano' From Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' Fantasy On Polish Airs, in A major Op.13; Piano Sonata No.2; Impromptu No.4 (Fantaisie-Impromptu); Ballade No.4 in F minor Op.52; Ballade No.1 G in minor Op.23; Berceuse in D flat Op.57. Of course that when it comes to classical music the list will go on forever, I think this is the most vast genre to discover new music.
EDIT: I think it's always good to add some more suggestions for your request of melancholic piano driven music, so here I attach three more - Beethoven's Sonata nº2 - 1º mov.(adágio); Chopin's Nocturne Op 32 Nr 1 in B major and Nocturne Op 37 Nr 1 in G minor. These I also feel a really dark underlying atmosphere whilst a deep slow melodies flow by... -------------  "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Hans il mercante
Date Posted: August 16 2014 at 18:38
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The piano concertos by Beethoven will be more than pleasing for you, Number 1 and 3 are spectacular. you can try Gustav Holst, the planets, that one is breathtaking, It ends in a way that will leave you wanting for more, Neptune has something that goes beyond anything I've ever hear before. Try Vivaldi, the four seasons and let us know what you think.
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Posted By: Mirror Image
Date Posted: August 16 2014 at 21:07
Scelsi is so damn cool! That's a great piece right there. There's a box set with just his orchestral works that's an essential acquisition:  Highly recommended if you don't own it already.
------------- “Music is enough for a lifetime but a lifetime is not enough for music.” - Sergei Rachmaninov |
Posted By: Polymorphia
Date Posted: August 17 2014 at 03:51
^Sweet! I see that set in my future.  ------------- https://dreamwindow.bandcamp.com/releases" rel="nofollow - My Music
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Posted By: The Pessimist
Date Posted: August 17 2014 at 12:08
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Early Schoenberg (when he was still tonal), Scriabin, Stravinsky, Benjamin Britten... Maybe try some serialist guys too like Berg and Webern?
------------- "Market value is irrelevant to intrinsic value." Arnold Schoenberg |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: August 17 2014 at 13:08
I'd like to recommend http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHQVtYzjLao" rel="nofollow - Stabat Mater (1736) by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giovanni_Battista_Pergolesi" rel="nofollow - Giovanni Battista Pergolesi
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Posted By: tszirmay
Date Posted: August 17 2014 at 13:13
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Smetana- Moldau Kodaly- Hary Janos TUBE http://youtu.be/cQaEaVxJ57k
------------- I never post anything anywhere without doing more than basic research, often in depth. |
Posted By: gilgalad
Date Posted: September 19 2014 at 19:59
| Carl Vine - Piano Sonata #1 |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: October 19 2014 at 15:29
This is really an excellent place for groundbreaking music suggestions (classical music of course  ), and it is quite easy when it comes to suggest something for the thread's specific request. Here we go: there is a superb piece that can not miss here, even tough it features a deeply heartfelt violoncello melody, but accompanied brilliantly by such a delicate piano which enhances the atmosphere of this extremely cathartic music:Schumann - Five Pieces in Popular Style, Op.102 ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: November 06 2014 at 18:32
 ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: November 06 2014 at 19:01
Unfortunately I couldn't find yet in other music genres a composer with his greatness...  ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 06 2014 at 19:10
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I heard something on the road today at work that floored me, made me ignore DC traffic, my headache, my burning cigarette in my fingers and took me to another place.. great stuff. The problem.... I have NO clue who is was. I'll have to ask Raff, it is some Italian composer. I got that much, from my new assistant at work who is a classical nut and recognized it in less than 10 notes. I'm going to like working with him. A ethnic German, from Syria. asked the wife.. my layman description didn't help. I'll remember to ask him tomorrow who and what that was and hopefully remember to post it here. ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: King Crimson776
Date Posted: November 10 2014 at 04:36
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Ravel's Piano Concertos and Gaspard de la Nuit A list of my classical favorites: http://rateyourmusic.com/list/KingCrimson776/classical/" rel="nofollow - https://rateyourmusic.com/list/KingCrimson776/classical/
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Posted By: presdoug
Date Posted: November 12 2014 at 15:45
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Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: November 15 2014 at 21:34
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Yeah interesting indeed KC776! But I would have included some groundbreaking Tchaikovsky's masterpieces too, didn't see anything of him in those first 50 listed of your selection. I might include Rossini's Overtures as well, these are favourites of mine, along with Beethoven's of course - especial mention to the following fantastic overtures: Coriolan Op.62, King Stephen Overture Op.117, Overture In C Op.115 and Fidelio Overture Op.72c. These just take my breath away on such a perfect delight! Btw nothing better than this music to end my day, well tbh so far I didn't find other kind of music which might give me such an amazing and fullfilling listening experience. ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: presdoug
Date Posted: November 16 2014 at 00:31
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Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: November 16 2014 at 15:43
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^WOW this was actually a GREAT acquisition, congratulations my friend! At that time Karajan was the conductor of the fantastic Berliner Philhamoniker Orchestra till his resignation in April 1989, only months before his death. The Fourth Symphony has a more dark atmosphere in my point of view, but this is just what turns it even better for me, in the second movement for example there are such an intense and strong melodies, I think it is the most underrated symphony of him. My '9 Symphonien' Box-Set is the 1963 First Release (Premiere Edition) recording, with Karajan conducting the BPO, I bought it in 1996 the second and last time I traveled to Miami for my holidays - I recall (with some melancholy) that 'mega-store' as the biggest CD store I've ever known and ever been. ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Argonaught
Date Posted: November 16 2014 at 16:26
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Here is what I treat myself to in the “classical” category .. my sincere apologies for the occasional lack of accents and the frivolous spelling of some names J · Änglagård: Almost anything · Hector Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique and more · Igor Borodin: Almost anything · Mikaelas (?) Čiurlionis (some sonatas?) · Aaron Copland: Appalachian Spring · Claud Debussy: Almost anything · Antonin Dvoržak: Some · George Gerschwin: Almost anything · Edvard Grieg: Some · Georg Friedrich Händel: Some · Gustav Holst: The Planets · Zoltán Kodály: Some · Anatoly Liadov: Almost anything · Mendelssohn: Some · Modest Moussorgsky: Some · Rimsky-Korsakov: Some · Jacques Offenbach: Almost anything · Sergei Prokofiev: Some · Maurice Ravel: Some · Sergei Rachmaninoff: Some · Renaissance: Scheherezade and more · Respighi: Pines and Fountains of Rome · Anton Rubinstein: The Ocean symphony · Camille Saint-Saëns: Almost anything · Tchaikovsky: Almost anything · Yes: Fragile |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: November 20 2014 at 13:33
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^Seeing you enjoy listening to prog artists' classical works, then I would suggest you any of Steve Hackett's fantastic classical albums, here is one of my very favourites of him: ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: uduwudu
Date Posted: November 21 2014 at 02:42
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A pretty fantastic piece of piano music Franz List - The Dante Sonata... for structure, detail, variety and all round spell binding fascination Bruckner's 4th. I particualrly like finding music in hi res. Recently a whole lotta stuff got itself made available SACDs going for $5. Stocked up and replaced some 16 bit. What a difference in quality, I had a few - The Planets on DVD Audio, Ludo's incomparable 3rd Symphony (plus the 4th and 5th but a more expensive but worthwhile inclusion. The 7th and 8th are old recordings by Brenboim but on DVD Audio they really come out. The hi res 24 bit format really makes a difference, - My analogy between the two is watered down versus undiluted if that makes sense. But what a sonic difference. LvB's Tempest (SACD) sonata has such detail in the arpeggios especially near the end, a nuance, pianists delicacy that was really evident. Still subtle but all the more prevalent for the file size. NP: The Thunder and Lightning polka in 16 bit which now sounds like a bootleg compared to the sonic difference between the two. |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: November 23 2014 at 17:51
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^If you meant this Liszt 'oeuvre d'art' below you are absolutely right, a fantastic piano composition off the masterpiece Annees De Pelerinage that shows his strong character: ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 14:30
| bump |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 14:32
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I'm just starting to really enjoy classical music, more than at any other time in my life. Current favorite so far is Mahler, I've consumed quite a lot of his works and his Second is one of the most impressive, emotional pieces of music I've ever encountered. I'm often close to tears at the conclusion of it. |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 14:33
I heard the first movement of Bruckner's 8th on the way to work this morning - it was excellent! |
Posted By: presdoug
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 16:32
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Posted By: presdoug
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 16:35
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Posted By: jacksiedanny
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 16:48
Gaspard is in three pieces. One - Scaramouche??? - is notorious for being fiendishly difficult to play. |
Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 17:48
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Many of my classical music favourites are well known to prog fans because they have inspired some of the classic bands of the Seventies. However, they are still worth mentioning: Mussorgsky - Night on Bald Mountain, Pictures at an Exhibition (both the piano-only original and the Ravel-orchestrated version) Rimsky-Korsakov - Scheherazade Stravinsky - Rite of Spring Orff - Carmina Burana Smetana - Ma Vlast (the whole cycle) Grieg - Peer Gynt De Falla - El Amor Brujo Ravel - Bolero Debussy - Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun Dvorak - New World Symphony To those who love choral music, I would also warmly recommend late Renaissance composers of polyphonic music such as Orlando di Lasso, Tomas Luis da Victoria and, of course, our very own Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 18:01
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^ peer gynt is nice but Greig's Piano Concerto in A minor has to be one of my absolute alltime favorite classical pieces. haha... I'm zapping that damned Camel album you put on.. and putting that on. Hah.. ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: LearsFool
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 18:14
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I dig a lot of the orchestral avant-garde from last century, though that's about it. Some pieces I'm really keen on: Deserts - Varese Konkrete Etude - Stockhausen Hymnen - Stockhausen "Revolution 9" - Lennon Music For 18 Musicians - Steve Reich The Rite of Spring - Stravinsky
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Posted By: TeleStrat
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 18:31
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The Fantasy Film World Of Bernard Herrmann Bernard Herrmann conducting the National Philharmonic Orchestra side one Journey To The Center Of The Earth The Seventh Voyage Of Sinbad side two The Day The Earth Stood Still Fahrenheit 451
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Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 19:14
There's a box set of the complete symphonies with von Karajan...on my amazon wish list it goes |
Posted By: TeleStrat
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 19:53
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Rubinstein and Barenboim Beethoven The Five Piano Concertos RCA Red Seal label 5 lp box set
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Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 20:18
I've got the recording of the amazing Ma Vlast by Berliner Philharmoniker and conducted by a especialist on that composer: FERENC FRICSAY, it's awesome ! one of my beloved classical pieces. Hell yeah Great Grieg composition, but just as with Micky, E. Grieg - Concert for Piano & Orchestra Op.16 is perhaps my long time favourite from this great composer!
------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 20:33
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Here I give a honourable mention to a quite interesting article that brilliantly explains the varied, diverse ways of performing a little but great classical Chopin's composition, though not in its entirety - lacks the final part and its climax. Such a great experience listening to this accessible and even kind of simple piece, but of utterly profound impact in my soul, being performed by 5 renowned and stunning classical pianists - one of them, Rosenthal, got some training from one of Chopin's pupils: http://www.sinfinimusic.com/uk/listen/guides/comparing-notes/chopin-nocturne-opus-9-no-2" rel="nofollow - For whom it might concern, this article also helps to realize the differences and the difficulties found by a performer when performing classical piano music on the modern keyboards. One view that is often taken is that early Romantics classical composers such as Chopin, Schumann etc. (but even still later composers), were dissatisfied with their pianos, and in fact were writing visionary "music of the future" with a more robust sound in mind. This view is perhaps plausible in the case of Beethoven, who composed at the beginning of the era of piano growth. However, many aspects of earlier music can be mentioned suggesting that it was composed very much with contemporary instruments in mind. It is these aspects that raise the greatest difficulties when a performer attempts to render earlier works on a modern instrument: the modern piano, for example, has a considerably greater sustain time than the classical-era piano. Thus, notes played in accompaniment lines will stay loud longer, and thus cover up any subsequent melodic notes more than they would have on the instrument that the aforementioned composers had used. This is felt to be a particular impediment to realizing the so characteristic textural clarity of Classical-era works, where lines can emerge more clearly, rapid passages and ornaments are more easily enunciated by instruments whose main purpose is not volume and power, what turns out giving them a rather different approach btw.
------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: siLLy puPPy
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 20:48
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Hey JupiterIsland! Check out this site. On the bottom is a handy "Must-Know/Must-Have" Works" list. I've have used this site's recommendations as a guideline in the past for my own interest in classical music and have found it fairly spot on. It is not all comprehensive but i have discovered a lot of great music just beginning with the list. Unfortunately classical music is extremely convoluted in how many different artists perform these works. I would love to see a site that compares the different recordings of all these works. Anyway, great place to get your feet wet. I have heard 75% of these must-have works and have not been disappointed by any. http://www.classicalarchives.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.classicalarchives.com
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Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: February 12 2015 at 22:13
Excellent, evocative list, Raff. I would add: Prokofiev - Scythian Suite Saint-Saëns - Danse Macabre Mozart - Requiem in D minor Vivaldi - L'inverno Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Bouree in E minor, Brandenburg Concerto #3 ------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: presdoug
Date Posted: February 13 2015 at 06:52
I'm a big Bernard Herrmann fan, myself. I also like "Vertigo". Such an atmosphere he creates in his sound.
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Posted By: presdoug
Date Posted: February 13 2015 at 06:54
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Posted By: tamijo
Date Posted: February 13 2015 at 07:06
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Scriabin Sonata No 9 Op. 68 ‘Black Mass’ .( 1912–1913)------------- Prog is whatevey you want it to be. So dont diss other peoples prog, and they wont diss yours |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: February 13 2015 at 07:12
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I'm surprised no one mentioned Rachmaninov, his piano concertos are amazing. |
Posted By: TeleStrat
Date Posted: February 13 2015 at 08:25
This is a great album, I just listened to it yesterday. On the back of the album cover he talks about how he composed each piece. |
Posted By: Argor
Date Posted: February 13 2015 at 09:41
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In my humble opinion, you won't find any piano-driven compositions as melancholic and dark as Rachmaninovs piano concertos and preludes. Especialy I suggest listening piano concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op.18 and prelude No.2 in C sharp minor, Op.3. Also, Chopin's piano concerto No.1 in E minor, Op.11 and Liszt's Mephisto Waltz No.1 in A major are musts. |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: February 13 2015 at 15:31
hah... those go without saying actually... though my favorite of his has always been Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini. Amazing man. ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: AEProgman
Date Posted: February 13 2015 at 15:38
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Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet is one I often turn to when the Classical bug strikes. Lot of things by Mahler, #8 and #3 off the bat. ------------- 
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Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: February 21 2015 at 13:44
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Chopin - Grande Polonaise Brillante in E flat major Op.22 THIS is really FANTASTIC MUSIC! It has been some while since I last listened to it, enough to bring me tears to my eyes again! Oh my... Guess I'm gonna travel away again in a Chopin cycle... ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: February 21 2015 at 13:51
Don't know yet Rachmaninoff's preludes, that piano concerto is a great suggestion indeed, a "must have" from Rach  . That Chopin's is one of my all time favourite piano concertos, a great hit on the spot for this thread's purpose.
------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: February 22 2015 at 11:13
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Mozart - Piano Concerto No.20 In D minor, K.466 - 2. romance Sometimes I have a feeling that these movements above have everything to do with Mozart himself from his own REAL life, it's Mozart's music at its purest! ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: February 22 2015 at 14:03
 ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: dr wu23
Date Posted: February 22 2015 at 14:03
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Probably mentioned this before but I love R Vaughan Williams piece Fantasia On A Theme by Thomas TALLIS. ------------- One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin |
Posted By: Kayleur
Date Posted: February 22 2015 at 14:21
In my top 3 classicals EVER. |
Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: February 22 2015 at 14:35
I remember watching this at my granddad's when I was a small boy, and no it wasn't live Carl Nielsen's third conducted by Leonard Bernstein: ------------- “The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” - Douglas Adams |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: March 17 2015 at 20:25
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I've been recently intrigued by the controversial history of the very same theme melody that Chopin used for two of his famous Variations, both stunning for their such an emotive effect and great impact: Chopin - Variations on A Major, "Souvenir de Paganini" https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Av6PF-LsRYE" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Av6PF-LsRYE Chopin - Variations, Introduction and Theme in D Major on a Theme of T. Moore (In 4 Hands), Op. Posth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FHFx74kEJzo" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FHFx74kEJzo None of these works were intended for publication by Frederic Chopin, and in fact didn't come to light until after his death, as he considered them too poor for publication. But unfortunately the history of the theme used by him on both Variations remains incomplete, as its composer is unknown up to date: Chopin's "Souvenir de Paganini" are variations on an Italian tune made popular throughout Europe by Paganini with the name Le carnaval de Venise. The great Italian violinist gave concerts in Warsaw in 1829, hence the assumption that these ‘variants’ date from that time. On the other hand, even more unusual is the history of Chopin's Variations (for 4 hands) on a theme of Moore. Chopin found the theme so pleasing that he wished to measure up to the master that the German composer Ferdinand Ries was considered to be. Ries, by his turn, had found this melody (which had interested him too) in a songbook by the Irish poet Thomas Moore, published at the beginning of the century in London. That was a collection of melodies from various nations, which Moore put English words to. The melody in question appears there as a Venetian air, yet further research has led not to Venice, but to Naples. The song still functions today, as La Ricciolella – a traditional napolitan folk song about a charming lass with wonderful curly locks, which was notated, arranged and published by Guillaume Louis Cottrau. I reckon that neither Nicolò Paganini knew who composed that song, given that apparently it was not from Venice, who knows anyway? If someone already knows further facts, please post them here and I will be very greatful! ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: April 26 2015 at 15:25
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Not so dark, but such a perfect consolation when I'm feeling that everything is like the sunday sunset arriving... Mozart - Divertimento B Flat Major KV287 - Adagio https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=hdZsSQWjNuI" rel="nofollow - - https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2AjY7tGZg4s ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Green Shield Stamp
Date Posted: April 28 2015 at 15:49
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Have you heard the Requiem by Ligeti (used to great effect in the film 2001)? It is very dark and brooding. Take a listen to the clip below (but not on your own in the dark!!!) ------------- Haiku Writing a poem With seventeen syllables Is very diffic.... |
Posted By: dr wu23
Date Posted: April 29 2015 at 09:32
I recall that from the film...always wondered where it was from. Thanks. ------------- One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: April 30 2015 at 13:01
This was EPIC |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: May 10 2015 at 12:27
Holy Mother!... Firstly, I just couldn't dig as much into the deeply intimate atmosphere of Beethoven's Leonore Overture (especially No.1 Op.138)... but then today.. WOW!.... just a total extasis! No words can desbribe such an intense jorney into the sheer magnificence of Beethoven's... So much glourious art in such a majestic music!
 ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Rick Robson
Date Posted: June 14 2015 at 19:08
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I'd like to point out the sublimely unique atmosphere of the Beethoven's Piano Sonata No.30 in E major, Op.109 third movement (andante molto cantabile ed espressivo), so damn amazed by this movement from such a groundbreaking and original work, full of character – God what a wonderful piece to listen to is this sonata! Personally I sense that this movement hits the most bottom emotionally, a no-brainer indeed. Yes, I'm actually feeling that I am comencing an incredible and life-changing journey with his 32 Piano Sonatas, which for sure span most of the composer’s creative life. And this movement feels to me a very especial darker tone like no other from the early Sonatas that I happened to know so far, which I found often having a wonderful and essential sense of enthusiasm and joy. But the late ones (I only know the 29, 30 and 31 so far) literally transcend this sense imo, the third movement of the Piano Sonata No.29 ‘Hammerklavier’ (adagio sostenuto) is another incredible experience. ------------- "Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy." LvB |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: June 14 2015 at 19:13
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Debussy, Mussorgsky, and Holst. If I were to limit my classical collection to three decomposing composers it would be them. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened... 
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Posted By: Skalla-Grim
Date Posted: July 08 2015 at 09:04
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At the moment I don't listen to classical music that much because I listen to so much prog and post rock. But I enjoy many styles of classical music from the renaissance vocal polyphony to Hindemith, Britten and Orff. One particular field of interest for me is the British music from the late 19th and early 20th century with composers like Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Bax. To anybody who don't know these composers, I can recommend Elgar's Enigma Variations, Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending and Bax's Tintagel. I imagine that these composers did not only rely on the late romanticism but also reflect their relationship to nature and domestic landscapes in their music. Well, some of their works are even named by places and events in nature, but I think these impressions are also reflected in their other works. By the way I think Tony Banks's orchestral music (which I enjoy very much) is also based on that tradition. Other composers I like very much are Wagner, Puccini, Brahms, Bruckner, Schubert, Beethoven and Bach. |
Posted By: Triceratopsoil
Date Posted: August 19 2015 at 20:28
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old thread but lately I've been really getting into Saint-Saens, Holst, Debussy, and Wagner Is there a more general classical discussion topic around here somewhere? |
Posted By: Padraic
Date Posted: August 20 2015 at 12:16
http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=94874" rel="nofollow - Here , I guess, although probably not much wrong with having conversations in this thread. Classical makes up about 99% of my current listening. Heavy on Mahler and Bruckner. Love Wagner but I haven't made it through a full opera yet.  |
Posted By: Ivan_Melgar_M
Date Posted: August 20 2015 at 14:47
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I'm a fan of Wagner Pilgrim's Chorus from Tanhauser always gives me goosebumps And of couse Carl Orff's Carmina Burana Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi...Not a fan of Riu, but thgis is a great job ------------- 
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Posted By: Kati
Date Posted: August 20 2015 at 16:15
This is pushing the envelope a bit but awww  so beautiful makes me cry really  so beautiful this is Jeff Beck playing the most beautiful bleeding leading notes of Nessun Dorma also well known due to being Luciano Pavorotti's best Operatic performance song. Have a listen and you too I believe will feel what I feel too.  Crossroads Guitar 2010 - Jeff Beck - Nessun Dorma
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Posted By: Triceratopsoil
Date Posted: August 21 2015 at 12:51
I haven't checked out Bruckner yet, probably should |
Posted By: tszirmay
Date Posted: August 21 2015 at 12:55
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Zoltan Kodaly and his Hary Janos Suite . ------------- I never post anything anywhere without doing more than basic research, often in depth. |
Posted By: DDPascalDD
Date Posted: August 21 2015 at 16:06
Ummm I don't have much classical music knowledge, but isn't Rachmaninov dark, melancholic, piano-driven music? ------------- |
Posted By: Svetonio
Date Posted: August 24 2015 at 12:09
Posted By: Green Shield Stamp
Date Posted: August 25 2015 at 03:10
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I am currently listening to classical music far more than prog. I am working my way through Shostakovich's complete symphony cycle (conducted by Bernard Haitink). At present I am listening to the 6th symphony. On first listen Shostakovich can seem a little difficult, but at the heart of his music there is a profound melancholy beauty that is always engaging and rewarding. I have also just bought the complete string quartets by Beethoven (Gewandhaus quartet - box set). So far I have only listened to the first string quartet which is very beautiful. These string quartets are considered by many critics to be a high water mark in musical achievement, where Beethoven first masters the form (established in the 18th century) and then extends its possibilities through his brilliant innovation. The later quartets push beyond the boundaries of 19th century Romanticism and Beethoven's tonal and harmonic experimentation almost anticipate the more avant garde musical language of the 20th century. I look forward to getting to know these works. ------------- Haiku Writing a poem With seventeen syllables Is very diffic.... |