Tag Archives: classical music

Classical Music at the Library, Opera Edition

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soundsOpera is one facet of classical music in which I’ve never indulged. I’m a patient man, but I don’t have the endurance for a composer like Wagner, whose Ring Cycle lasts roughly eighteen hours (seriously). And then there are the over-the-top melodramatic beltings, the proverbial fat ladies singing, which seem ridiculous to me. That isn’t to say that opera is trivial; you’ll find many devotees. Like those freaks on NPR’s Opera Quiz who are able to identify an aria by hearing half a note. So, yes, I’m not exactly the biggest fan of opera.

I say “not exactly,” because behind those warblings, you’ll find some great classical music. Take for example, Verdi Without Words, an arrangement of his best-known themes by former Cincinnati Pops conductor Eric Kunzel. Even for the uninitiated, you are likely recognize the Anvil Chorus from Il Trovatore, which is often parodied in popular culture (just think of Looney Tunes). And then there’s “La donna è mobile,” whose melody has become for many the epitome of Italian opera. My personal favorite piece is the “Egyptian March” from Aïda.

Put on your Viking helmet complete with horns for the Overtures and Preludes from the operas of Richard Wagner (pronounced vahhhg-ner, not wag-ner). Sure, the man’s legacy isn’t exactly without tarnish, but the music is brilliant and you won’t be subjected to eighteen hours of Germanic mythology in song form. Who can’t resist banging their head to The Ride of the Valkyries? A favorite from this album is the Prelude from Act III of Lohengrin, which puts me in the mood to be heroic.

Until next time–may your personal rite of spring not be riotous.

Classical Music at the Library, Part the Third

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As promised, I have summoned my colleague Philip Koro for a further adventure in the wide world of classical music. This time around, we’ll have a look at his cd picks. In chronological order by date of composition, we’ll begin with:

Bach Sonatas for Recorder (BMV 1030-1035, for all of you Baroque nerds)-

“If you love the recorder, you can’t go wrong with these six sonatas, beautifully performed by Michala Petri, perhaps the foremost soloist in the world on this particular instrument. She is joined on the harpsichord by Keith Jarrett, who is actually better known as a jazz pianist. As far as Bach, we are all familiar with some of his orchestral works (Brandenburg Concerti, Suites), his organ music (Toccata & Fugue in D Minor) and his vocal works (Cantatas & Masses), but listening to this CD, we hear his mastery of chamber music as well. Five stars!”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream-

“The overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream was written when Mendelssohn was just 17 and it is truly one of the great masterpieces of the Romantic era. Much later in Mendelssohn’s short life, he was commissioned to write the incidental music to Shakespeare’s play and the result is a number of memorable pieces, none more so than the Wedding March , played every day all over the western world as a recessional in weddings. Outstanding performance by the Boston Symphony under the direction of Seiji Ozawa.”

Carmina Burana-

“Carl Orff may be known for only this one work, but what a work it is! Even if you are not attuned to listening to 20th century classical, this music is very approachable. Sung in Latin and Middle High German, Orff finished this cantata in 1936 and it is based on poems found in the medieval collection of the same name. The opening piece entitled “O Fortuna” should be immediately recognizable as it has been featured in numerous commercials and motion pictures. The performance by the San Francisco Symphony is absolutely spectacular and one the greatest I have ever heard.”

This concludes Mr. Koro’s broadcast. Tune in next time when we explore your humble dilettante’s dvd picks.

 

Classical Music at the Library, Part the Second

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classical music reviewIn the first part of this series, we scrutinized Philip Koro’s classical music on DVD picks. Now for my picks–this time, in the CD collection. Here they are, in no particular order:

Flute Sonatas- Joachim Quantz is not the first name that comes to mind when you think of Baroque composers (more likely it is J.S. Bach), but he deserves his recognition, too. This recording not only gives you a feel for his style, but the sound quality is amazing. Go for baroque.

The Complete Works for Piano- Today, the Debussy piece “Clair de Lune” is so commonplace that even someone without a background in classical music would immediately know the tune. It’s hard to believe, but in the rough-and-tumble world of nineteenth century Paris, Claude was a rebel–complete with disheveled beard. Expand your appreciation of this genius with Geiseking’s interpretation! Although an older recording of Debussy’s complete catalog of solo piano compositions, it still will provide hours of listening pleasure.

The Planets- Gustav Holst’s perennial favorite is one of the classical pieces that first got me hooked.  Chances are, you’ve probably heard some of the compositions from this suite. The popularity of this work, while definitely deserved, obscures his other works, which are just as noteworthy. Try out his First and Second Suites for Band after you return from outer space.

Le Sacre Du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) – This is the other work that made me an aficionado. Stravinsky’s ballet score is still as sublimely atavistic as it was back in 1913, where the opening night led to a riot by offended Parisians. Have your own riot at home or in the car (or even at work!). Not to be missed.

Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis- A long time ago, my grandmother told me that one of my distant relatives roomed with Ralph Vaughan Williams at university. Whether or not this is true, his compositions are lovely– the aural equivalent of dental floss. This compilation CD has one of his most well-known works, including The Lark Ascending.

Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio- I admit, this isn’t exactly “classical music” to the genre purist.  But bear with me. Claude Bolling’s piece is a rich blend of jazz and classical sensibilities, complete with some fancy work on the flute by Jean-Pierre Rampal, a noted classical flautist. It makes for a refreshing listen, one that yields more nuance with each new hearing.

 

 

Classical Music at the Library, Part the First

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music cdsPerhaps your idea of a vibrant start to the day is the ”Sunrise” movement from Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite. If you are rather pensive or just confused, perhaps you think there’s no better accompaniment to your brown study than Elgar’s Enigma Variations. But you need not despair! After the profusion of postmodern work and worry, there’s always Eine Kleine Nachtmusik to round out your day and return equilibrium to your soul.

Sure, classical music isn’t all about tranquility, but the library provides resources for the afficionado in whatever mood they might be in. And if you happen to be both an aficionado and a couch potato, the library offers a new collection of classical music performances on dvd!

Philip Koro, the adult reference librarian at Union Township and I, your humble author, will be reviewing some of our favorite classical works from our collection. Since Philip is the more sedentary of us two, he chose these following gems:

Mozart and the Dolomites- A “beautifully rendered” version of Mozart’s Requiem that uses time-lapse film to match the mood of Philip’s favorite vocal work.

Homage to Claude Debussy- Aldo Ciccolini’s performance for Italian Television, although obviously dated, has both a great interpreter and excellent sound quality. Includes such well known works as Sarabande, Claire de Lune and selections from Children’s Corner.

Ode to Freedom- A historic performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in Berlin after the fall of the Wall. Most notable is the replacement of the word ”freude” (“joy”) with “freiheit” (“freedom”) in the final movement.

Join us soon as we take a look at some of your humble author’s picks. Until then, we hope you’ll find the time for a fugue, but not of the sort where you lose your memory.