Year of Wonder: Classical Music for Everyday (Part 1)

Tarantella 'La Carpinese

I really like this. A slightly slow and strange start on the Spotify version, but when it gets into the swing of things, it's a real joy. It reminds me of 'Bisogne Morire' too, which is brilliant as I loved that. I must look up that group again.

It's passionate and intense and it does transport you away to another place entirely; it's very mediterranean.

Good luck with the toddler's upset tummy Alias! I hope it's not too bad.

*someWHERE hot and sultry, though if someone fitting that description wanted to come along that would be very nice too!

I listened to a version Kashmiri Love Song with piano and a female vocalist which I didn’t really like (though could totally see featuring in a film set int be period - someone performing in a drawing room perhaps), then found Julian Lloyd Weber’s cello version which I did enjoy.

I really enjoyed the Tarantella and loved feeling transported to Southern Europe, someone hot and sultry with the scent of olive trees in the air. Which considering I spent my evening cleaning up the results of a toddlers upset tummy, I very much needed, and it will have to do until I can physically transport myself to such a place.

(As an added bonus the version I listened to on YouTube led straight into the same group performing the Landi one from last month so
I’ve got ‘bisogne morire’ going round my head again 👍 )

still listening daily, but neglecting to post.
The Sarasate I wasn't bothered by - felt flashy at the expense of being enjoyable, bit like Paganini always feels to me.
Loved the Zelenka - I found this oddly sexy for a piece of 300-odd year old sacred music.
The Kashmiri love song I like very much. However I didn't get much in the way of kashmiri vibes other than in the introductory bars.

Today's was Tarantella "La Carpinese". Not massively my cup of tea, or something I could see myself listening to regularly, but certainly very evocative - I felt parachuted to an Andalusian square in the height of summer.

I really liked Kashmiri Love Song. I thought it was very charming.

I liked the Zelenka but it went on a bit (Philistine that I am).

Today's was Pale Hands I loved Beside the Shalimar - I'm sure Bertie Wooster refers to it at some point so I'm pleased to have heard it. A proper period piece.

I loved today’s. Definitely felt urgent and quite thrilling.

Yes! I listened to all parts in one go. I totally agree, the first movement is wonderful and I love the return of the theme in the final part.

I hadn't heard of Zelenka either, but this is the kind of music that I would love to play again.

I absolutely loved the first and final parts of Zelenka's Miserere on the Spotify playlist. All the hairs standing up on the back of my neck. I had never heard of him (or anything by him) before, which feels almost criminal. My favourite discovery from this list so far.

Very enjoyable.

Enjoyed the tango and thanks for the Alison Balsom recommendation - I’m growing increasingly fond of the trumpet.
I also enjoyed the Ksenija Sidorova accordion version- she’s a joy to watch.

I love this piece too. I'm not keen on the percussive instrument at the start of the Spotify version, but it really picks up after that.

I bought a book of tangos last year which I really enjoy playing now and again.

Libertango Astor Piazzolla

I loved this. I love tango in general and this was great. I listened to various versions and some very much better than others, one I really liked was arranged for trumpet, played by Alison Balsam at Last Night of the Proms.

A friend of my aunt’s married an Argentinian tango teacher/ composer/ musician, they were both in their 60s I think at the time. They live quite an unconventional life but are apparently very happy, he composed and recorded an album inspired by her!

I know today's piece from hearing it often. I like it a lot. It's flamboyant, but has a wistful side; many contrasting moods as Alias said. Your description of 'hoedown' cracked me up, Alias but I agree with you! Just before the hoedown, three quarters of the way through, there is a melody of nine notes long which you can hear often in the context of someone playing their tiny violin in cartoons. Did anyone notice it? It is always funny when you recognise excerpts like this that are lifted out of classical music and used in popular culture. Overall, an enjoyable listen today.

Zigeunerweisen Pablo de Sarasate

There’s no getting away from the fact that the violin just doesn’t do it for me in the same way as, say, the piano does. There’s times when it sounds incredibly beautiful but sometimes - even played by the best, I just don’t think it sounds that pleasant! It’s clearly a me problem.

That said, I did enjoy this piece. It was quite varied I thought, I liked the contrasts. There was a section that sounded like a bit of a hoedown 😂 And other parts that were really moving.

Well I did do.a big catch up despite saying I wasn't going to - won't record my thoughts on each individual piece here except to say I really liked the Bizet and Ravel pieces. The Bizet from Carmen was just lovely and sunny, and looking back at comments it seems the Ravel wasn't well liked - maybe I had a better version as I don't use the Spotify playlist? Or maybe it was just fairly undemanding listening which fits with what I need right now, my brain is a bit frazzled.

Today's Barber was lovely, rich and uplifting without being 'fussy'.

I loved the Barber violin concerto (2nd movement) from start to finish. I don't know this piece at all or Samuel Barber either. My knowledge of twentieth century composers is a bit sketchy.

I'm listening to the first movement at the moment. It's interesting. It's like a hybrid of the romantic and modern. Big sweeping lyrical melodies but with a modern feel when it comes to harmony. I can sense the influence of Bruch and Sibelius. I'll definitely listen and get to know this concerto.

Mini catch-up. Loved the Ravel, loved the Barber. Not keen on the Gesualdo, although I think that was partially the voices on the Spotify list recording.

I do like the Barber though. I find string pieces do stir the emotions.

Did not like that madrigal at all.

Not at all! Jump in!

I wonder if I'm Too Late now ?

Yesterday's - I don't mind a madrigal, although this won't be one of my favourites. As always, the notes enhanced the experience.

@AliasGrape my other half also has Year of Wonder on his Kindle, but just listens when he remembers. No catch-ups, just enjoying the day's selection. I am sure if I miss a few I'll do the same.

Violin Concerto, Op. 14: II. Andante by Samuel Barber
If anyone has had a few days off, IMVHO today is a very good day to pick things back up. I love this concerto. I have the first movement on my current playlist, but am grateful to Burton-Hill for reminding me that the second is equally lovely - warm and rich and wistful. Big bonus points for the gorgeous oboe solo, the melody of which the violin later picks up.

I don't use the playlist so don't know which recording is on their, but would totally recommend the Hilary Hahn recording available on YouTube.