A collaboration of: “The Classic Music Mafia”
nkit, Austrian Peter, and Steve C.
Every Sunday morning we present selections for our TBP family to enjoy.
We present symphonies, ensembles, quartets, octets, etc.
Not all of our music is strictly ‘classical’. We may stray a little, but we strive to make all of our selections ‘classy’.
We offer tips on proper ‘symphony etiquette’ and even some selections that are a bit light-hearted and fun aimed at a younger audience. Those pieces will be so designated, and might be a good way to introduce kids to a world of music that they might not have been exposed to or think of as old and ‘stuffy’.
A full symphony will run as long as it will. We don’t want to cut a symphony short. However, we also include some shorter pieces that we try to keep under fifteen minutes in length. You can sample each and hopefully find one or more that pleases you.
We hope that you enjoy our Sunday selections.
Debussy : Images pour orchestre (Orchestre national de France / Emmanuel Krivine)
Détails de l’oeuvre :
I. Gigues (Modéré)
II. Iberia
1. Par les rues et par les chemins (Assez animé)
2. Les Parfums de la nuit (Lent et rêveur)
3. Le Matin d’un jour de fête (Dans un rythme de marche lointaine, alerte et joyeuse)
III. Rondes de printemps (Modérément animé)
The Godfather Main Title Theme
Since he was such a SMC success a few weeks back, I want to revisit the beautiful music of Andre Rieu. I did enough biography on him last time, so I won’t double down on that.
What I did want to address is something that came up in the comments section, and that would be the wood used by Antonio Stradivari to make his incredible instruments. Those comments got me thinking and researching the subject. I came across something very interesting.
It seems that recently scientists using Sold State (to the 13th power) C NMR Spectroscopy determined that the wood used for these instruments was chemically treated. Chemicals used were Aluminum, Copper, Sodium, Calcium, Potassium and Zinc. (I’m no chemist but I believe all of these are below the amphoteric line.)
The act of infusing chemicals into the wood was done to prevent rot by removing any excess sap, and other wood extractives which may reduce mechanical damping. The scientists believe that this chemical treatment may alter the acoustical properties of the wood.
Anyway, you may read more about this here:
The Secret Of The Stradivarius Is (Partly) In The Wood – Asian Scientist Magazine
Let’s hear some of that beautiful Strad.
On this first one, Andre makes that Strad gently weep. A gorgeous version of Ennio Morricone’s “The Godfather Main Title Theme” live in Italy.
Once Upon A Time In The West
Next Andre Rieu plays yet another Morricone piece titled “Once Upon A Time In The West” live in Cortona Italy.
The lovely Soprano voice is that of Carla Marffioletti sing from above.
Gabriels Oboe
To finish off this little Morricone run I want to play “Gabriels Oboe” by Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra.
A simply gorgeous video.
Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet
Next, Andre plays the Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet.
Ballade pour Adeline
One of my favorite Rieu pieces remarkably showcases the great talent of pianist (and excellent violinist) Stephanie Detry and little to none of Rieu’s Strad.
However like Rieu’s production of “You Raise Me Up”, this too is worth the price of admission..
Quite a few misty eyes here.
Adagio In G Minor
Lastly, a beautiful piece titled “Adagio In G Minor.”
I could keep on picking up the stylus and playing this one over and over and over.
Simply heavenly.
Some gorgeous music for a Sunday.
Enjoy, and have a great day.
Wagner: Tristan und Isolde
Vorspiel und Liebestod hr-Sinfonieorchester
Frankfurt Radio Symphony
Andrés Orozco-Estrada, Dirigent
hr-Sinfoniekonzert
Alte Oper Frankfurt
7 September 2018
The Blue Danube (Waltz), Op. 314
The BUDAPEST SCORING SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA in
The Blue Danube (Waltz), Op. 314.
Conductor: Laszlo Kovacs
Recorded in Budapest at Magyar Radio, Studio 22
The Classic Music Mafia – Adding some class to this joint one Sunday at a time.
Heaven help us…
The linked-article about the treatment for the wood used to make a Stradivarius…a great feature today.
It’s an educational add-on, which always has been a noble goal of these posts, when the concept launched.
Great job yet once again, Steve, Peter, and Nkit. Kudos.
On another note, Misty Eyes are mentioned, and seen in the audience on the Ballade pour Adeline selection.
{The emotional reaction of appreciation for a melody that triggers something for certain people.}
Some people are so affected by a given tune; it touches their soul, and their tear ducts release.
For me, there are a few pieces of music that have that effect. Sometimes goosebumps, too.
I think it’s what is meant, when a musical selection “takes your breath away.”
And the purest form of appreciation is gratitude, to the source of the tune,
and to our Creator, for the gift of hearing, which can be so easily taken for granted.
The gleeful laughter of children is another strong trigger, for me at least. Wonderful to hear it. Smiles all around.
Enjoy your Sunday, All.
Glad that you enjoyed the offerings today, SMC. I truly enjoyed reading about the chemical treatment of the wood used to make Stradivarius stringed instruments. Amazing.
Ballade pour Adeline is a favorite of mine, and you are correct about how a certain melody can evoke emotion. It is the signature hit of the great pianist Richard Clayderman. I have submitted a number of his pieces for an upcoming Sunday Morning Classics – keep an eye out as he is one heck of a piano player.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Many thanks SMC – it gladdens my heart to know that we are bringing pleasure and solace. 🙂
Andre Rieu is a favorite of mine. I tend to keep that info to myself, as I have found it often is met with derision from those who consider themselves afficionados of classical music. Whatever – I just like what he produces.