These weeks in the semester are rather crazy- first a parental visit which was wonderful, and midterms this week which keep me busier than I’ve been in a couple of years. For a new an interesting post I will share some of my favorite recordings that I have listened to recently on commutes and probably when I should be doing some more homework…
Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto Pianist Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Conductor Celibidache
15 October 1992 TOKYO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JPIIorP47I&fbclid=IwAR3Xgl503IEEVM5zLfzmugvOISkurdmK30eGnJhlVMEAbzffpvjplFCkjdE
This performance was made just about six months before Arturo Beneditti Michelangeli’s last performance. Just listen, love and enjoy these two wonderful artists collaborating with the Munich Philharmonic. My first time listening, the first movement took me to thousands of worlds with all of the interesting ideas and beauty created at the piano and orchestra(especially piano). I hope you find this magical- but only you can be the judge.
Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No.4 Conductor Claudio Abbado Mezzo-Soprano Magdalena Kožená, Orchestra Lucerne Festival Orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnfhInZLmUQ&t=228s
If you are or aren’t familiar with Mahler, it is time. Give it a warm embrace and enjoy. This piece contains so many ideas. From the roaring gypsy melodies, to dark episodes, to beautiful orchestral sounds. Somehow, they all collide in this amazing journey that lasts for just an hour of your precious time. Mahler is considered a staple of the Viennese literature, and living in Vienna now, I feel a real connection to this music with my “Spidey Sense”. Maybe I’m biased because this piece has such an amazing clarinet part, but you again be the judge.
Haydn Sonata in E minor Pianist Martin Hughes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLB_f8r-28I
Living in Vienna, I am finding a new appreciation for the Vienna Classics(Composers who worked and lived in Vienna from late 1700’s to 1850 or so) with all of their major magic, power, and beauty. Haydn just becomes more and more wonderful the more one studies him. Maybe that is true with many things in life, but for now just enjoy becoming familiar with Haydn. This is performed by my teacher here in Vienna- enjoy!
Billy Joel’s Vienna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZdiXvDU4P0
Continuing the streak of Vienna, here is an amazing piece with a powerful message of slowing down here in Vienna. The main chorus “Vienna Waits for You?”, is a call for people to live their life, slow down and enjoy the moment. This idea is so strong in Vienna with the norm of sitting at a coffee shop and sipping coffee for hours. Just sit back, book your flight to Vienna, and come and experience this!
Jacob Collier’s version of Michael Jackson’s original “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC3GrzoQG9U
As some of my friends consider him the Mozart of the modern age, Jacob Collier is such a talented, creative genius. His music comes from a genuine place of curiosity, innovation and fun. There is something so honest about his playing, that although he is talented and plays with great virtuosity, I think it is not for show. Deep down, I know he truly loves the music which is so so so special. This man does not stop…
Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata 62 “Nun Komm, der Heiden Heiland”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3b33sX4m9nk
Music History classes sometimes brings to attention great pieces of music. Although this is popular, and although if you have heard a Bach Cantata, you have heard this one, this cantata is great for a reason. Studying this work in a historical perspective in my Music History 401a course, this piece contains drama, beauty, complexity and power all in one work. A fun fact that always surprises me is that Bach wrote one of these 20-30 minute long works almost every week for more than three years, amassing over 150 that have survived today. This is just incredible. But even more incredibly, this output did not affect the quality- enjoy! Update: visited the Bach museum in Leipzig, just so incredible- pictures below.
Comment below to let me know if you have any suggestions for my listening pleasure!
Thoughts with David 