BRITS – A Satirical Comic Opera on English Culture
Brits is a witty and sharply observed comic operetta that takes a playful yet grandiose dive into the quirks, traditions, and absurdities of British life. Composed and produced by Tom Connell, with additional lyrics by Darin Bainbridge, this satirical opera blends humor, theatrical flair, and outstanding musicianship to deliver a thoroughly entertaining take on the British way of life.

Featuring the stunning mezzo-soprano Emily Arden and the commanding vocals of Julian Westbrook, BRITS is brought to life by the incredible London Contemporary Opera Society, under the masterful baton of conductor Henry Beaumont. With themes ranging from the nation’s obsession with deep-fried food, chaotic commutes, and unpredictable weather to the stubbornness of Brits abroad, BRITS transforms everyday cultural habits into operatic spectacles, filled with irony, soaring melodies, and comedic drama.

A must-listen for lovers of satire, opera, and all things quintessentially British, BRITS is an unapologetically theatrical celebration of the nation’s most lovable eccentricities!

Brits

"Timeless Classics: Masterpieces of the Past and Present"
Dive into a world of breathtaking orchestration and unmatched artistry with this carefully curated classical music playlist. Featuring iconic works from legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and Tchaikovsky, alongside original contemporary compositions that bring a fresh and innovative perspective to the genre. Whether you're looking to relax, find inspiration, or immerse yourself in the beauty of timeless melodies, this collection bridges the old and the new, celebrating the enduring power of classical music. Perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the genre.

ᯤ Spotify

Classical

Gnossienne was a word that did not exist before Satie used it as a title for a composition. The word appears to be derived from "gnosis"; Satie was involved in gnostic sects and movements at the time that he began to compose the Gnossiennes.

However, some published versions claim that the word derives from Cretan "knossos" or "gnossus"; this interpretation supports the theory linking the Gnossiennes to the myth of Theseus, Ariadne and the Minotaur. 

Satie Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Erik-Satie-Essential-Collection/dp/B00J0LBFIG/

Satie iTunes
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/erik-satie-the-essential-collection/918615441

Best of Satie
https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Bditbkfgfdqvxx7hansrl6qhy4y

Satie Compilation
https://open.spotify.com/album/0vzKMInu4PzU2Qyi6NgmRK

Erik Satie Album
https://www.deezer.com/us/album/7540311

Best of Satie Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk2SNcpTNbs&t=68s

Erik Satie - The Essential Collection

Amazon

Gnossienne No.1

Étude Op. 25, No. 1 in A-flat major is a solo piano work composed by Frédéric Chopin in 1836, and published in 1837. The work consists entirely of rapid arpeggios and harmonic modulations based on A-flat major.

Chopin on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/5RFPR9xUOAHPoTvuLMwqpC

Chopin Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Chopin-Essential-Collection-Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric/dp/B00KNTJ8YC/

Chopin Compilation
https://listen.tidal.com/album/30344018

Frederic Chopin
https://www.deezer.com/us/album/7857432

Deezer

Étude Op. 25 - No.1

These short, atmospheric pieces are written in 3/4 time, with each sharing a common theme and structure. Collectively, the Gymnopédies are regarded as an important precursor to modern ambient music.

Satie Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Erik-Satie-Essential-Collection/dp/B00J0LBFIG/

Satie iTunes
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/erik-satie-the-essential-collection/918615441

Satie Compilation
https://open.spotify.com/album/0vzKMInu4PzU2Qyi6NgmRK

Erik Satie Album
https://www.deezer.com/us/album/7540311

Erik Satie The Essential Collection

Gymnopédie No.3

"Je te veux" (French for I want you) is a song composed by Erik Satie to a text by Henry Pacory. A sentimental waltz, it was written for Paulette Darty, whose accompanist Satie had been for a period of time. The text consists of two verses and a repeated chorus.

Satie Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Erik-Satie-Essential-Collection/dp/B00J0LBFIG/

Satie iTunes
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/erik-satie-the-essential-collection/918615441

Satie Compilation
https://open.spotify.com/album/0vzKMInu4PzU2Qyi6NgmRK

Erik Satie Album
https://www.deezer.com/us/album/7540311

Je Te Veux

Liebesträume (German for Dreams of Love) is a set of three solo piano works by Franz Liszt, published in 1850. 

Originally the three Liebesträume were conceived as lieder after poems by Ludwig Uhland and Ferdinand Freiligrath. In 1850, two versions appeared simultaneously as a set of songs for high voice and piano, and as transcriptions for piano two-hands.

Classical Music - The Essential Collection

Liebesträume, Nocturne in A Flat Major, No. 3

YouTube

Liebestraum Nocturne No.3

Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor for solo piano, commonly known as "Für Elise" or "Fuer Elise"  commonly misspelled "Fur Elise", is one of Ludwig van Beethoven's most popular compositions. It is usually classified as a bagatelle, but it is also sometimes referred to as an Albumblatt.

Piano Sonata No.14 in C sharp Minor, Op. 27: II. "Moonlight Sonata"

Für Elise

La fille aux cheveux de lin is a musical composition by French composer Claude Debussy. It is the eighth of the composer's Préludes, Book I (1909-1910). The title is in French and translates roughly to "The Girl with the Flaxen Hair". 

Debussy on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Claude-Debussy-Essential-Collection/dp/B00I6CEZQO/

Debussy on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/0Mmayh49XRWTXp53uf3jtF

Debussy iTunes
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/claude-debussy-the-essential-collection/819582576

Préludes, Book 1, L. 117: VIII. La fille aux cheveux de lin

The Girl With The Flaxen Hair

The William Tell Overture is the overture to the opera William Tell (original French title Guillaume Tell), whose music was composed by Gioachino Rossini. 

William Tell premiered in 1829 and was the last of Rossini's 39 operas, after which he went into semi-retirement, although he continued to compose cantatas, sacred music and secular vocal music. The overture is in four parts, each following without pause.

William Tell Overture - No.4

William Tell Overture - No.1

Kinderszenen (German pronunciation: original spelling Kinderscenen, "Scenes from Childhood"), Opus 15, by Robert Schumann, is a set of thirteen pieces of music for piano written in 1838.

Kinderszenen, Op.15, No.7 “Träumerei”

Träumerei - Kinderszenen

These short, atmospheric pieces are written in 3/4 time, with each sharing a common theme and structure. Collectively, the Gymnopédies are regarded as an important precursor to modern ambient music. Gentle yet somewhat eccentric pieces which, when composed, defied the classical tradition.

Satie on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/0vzKMInu4PzU2Qyi6NgmRK

Satie on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Erik-Satie-Essential-Collection/dp/B00J0LBFIG/

Erik Satie The Essential X

Gymnopédie No.2

Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, known in English as Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, is a symphonic poem for orchestra by Claude Debussy, approximately 10 minutes in duration. It was first performed in Paris on December 22, 1894, conducted by Gustave Doret.

Debussy on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Claude-Debussy-Essential-Collection/dp/B00I6CEZQO/

Debussy iTunes
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/claude-debussy-the-essential-collection/819582576

Debussy Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/0Mmayh49XRWTXp53uf3jtF

Afternoon Of A Faun

The Waltz in D-flat major, Op. 64, No. 1, popularly known as the Minute Waltz, is a piano waltz composed by Frédéric Chopin. It is dedicated to the Countess Delfina Potocka.

Chopin on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/5RFPR9xUOAHPoTvuLMwqpC

Best of Chopin Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Chopin-Essential-Collection-Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric/dp/B00KNTJ8YC/

Chopin on Google 
https://play.google.com/store/search?q=chopin&c=music

Waltz in D Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1 "Minute Waltz"

Minute Waltz

The Blue Danube is a waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866. Originally performed 15 February 1867 at a the Vienna Men's Choral Association, it has been one of the most consistently popular pieces of music in the classical repertoire.

An der schönen blauen donau, Op. 314 "The Blue Danube"

Blue Danube

The Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor "Quasi una fantasia", Op. 27, No. 2, popularly known as the Moonlight Sonata, is a piano sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven. Completed in 1801 and dedicated in 1802 to his pupil, Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, it is one of Beethoven's most popular compositions for the piano.

Moolight Sonata

Habanera is the popular name for the aria "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Love is a rebellious bird) from Georges Bizet's 1875 opera Carmen. It is the entrance aria of the title character, a mezzo-soprano role, in scene 5 of the first act. The vocal range covers D4 to F♯5 with a tessitura from D4 to D5.

Carmen Suite No.2 - Habanera

Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune (French for "Moonlight") is one of the most beloved and recognizable pieces in the classical piano repertoire. Composed as the third movement of his Suite Bergamasque, it was completed in 1890 and later revised before its publication in 1905.

This impressionistic masterpiece is known for its delicate, flowing melodies and rich harmonic textures, evoking the serene beauty of a moonlit night. The piece begins with a soft, almost whisper-like entrance, gradually unfolding into a lyrical, expressive theme that shimmers with emotional depth. Its gentle arpeggios and dreamlike phrasing create a sense of weightlessness, as if floating in a tranquil nocturnal landscape.

Clair de Lune is often associated with introspection, romance, and a quiet sense of wonder. Its timeless appeal has led to its inclusion in countless films, TV shows, and cultural moments, making it a universal symbol of beauty and nostalgia. Whether listened to for relaxation, inspiration, or sheer admiration of Debussy’s artistry, this piece remains an enduring testament to the power of impressionist music.

Classical Music - The Essential Collection

Clair de Lune

Clair de Lune - Claude Debussy

Elvira Madigan, originally known as Piano Concerto No. 21, K 467,  is a three-movement concerto for piano and orchestra by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and is the best known of his many piano concerti. It was completed on March 9, 1785.

Elvira Madigan

Pavane pour une infante défunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess) is a well-known piece written for solo piano by the French composer Maurice Ravel in 1899 when he was studying composition at the Conservatoire de Paris under Gabriel Fauré.

Music Gifts

Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte

Ave Maria has become one of Schubert's most popular works, recorded by a wide variety and large number of singers, under the title of Ave Maria, in arrangements with various lyrics which commonly differ from the original context of the poem. It was arranged in three versions for piano by Franz Liszt.

Ellens Gesang III, D. 839, Op. 52, No. 6 "Ave Maria"

Ave Maria

Air on the G String is August Wilhelmj's arrangement of the second movement in Johann Sebastian Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068.

Classical Music - The Essential Collection

J.S. Bach - Air On The G String

"The Flower Duet" (French: Duo des fleurs / Sous le dôme épais) is a famous duet for sopranos from Léo Delibes' opera Lakmé, first performed in Paris in 1883. 

The duet takes place in act 1 of the three-act opera, between characters Lakmé, the daughter of a Brahmin priest, and her servant Mallika, as they go to gather flowers by a river.

Classical Music - The Essential Collection

Sous Le Dôme Épais "Flower Duet"

Flower Duet

The Gymnopédies, published in Paris starting in 1888, are three piano compositions written by French composer and pianist Erik Satie.

The melodies of the pieces use deliberate, but mild, dissonances against the harmony, producing a piquant, melancholy effect that matches the performance instructions, which are to play each piece "painfully", "sadly" or "gravely".

Audius Classical Music
https://audius.co/classicalmusic

Best of Satie
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/gymnopedie-no-1-single/847714522

Satie on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/0vzKMInu4PzU2Qyi6NgmRK

Satie Album on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Erik-Satie-Essential-Collection/dp/B00J0LBFIG/

Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No.1

The Nocturnes, Op. 9 are a set of three nocturnes written by Frédéric Chopin between 1830 and 1832, published that year, and dedicated to Madame Camille Pleyel. 

The second nocturne of the work is widely regarded as Chopin's most famous piece, and is regularly featured in films, television programs and video games.

Audius Classical Music
https://audius.co/classicalmusic

Best of Chopin on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/5RFPR9xUOAHPoTvuLMwqpC

Chopin on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Chopin-Essential-Collection-Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric/dp/B00KNTJ8YC/

Chopin The Essential Collection

Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2

Frédéric Chopin - Nocturne Op.9 - No.2

An American in Paris III: Blues Theme by George Gershwin is a masterful blend of jazz and classical traditions, encapsulating the vibrant spirit of Gershwin's iconic style. This piece brims with sultry blues harmonies and rich orchestral textures, painting a vivid picture of Parisian life through the eyes of an American traveler.

The theme unfolds with a soulful and languid melody, echoing the quintessential blues sound while capturing a sense of longing and sophistication. The interplay between lush orchestration and jazzy rhythms evokes the charm and complexity of a city alive with culture and contrasts.

A timeless celebration of Gershwin's genius, Blues Theme resonates with a universal appeal, offering listeners a glimpse into the composer's innovative melding of musical worlds and his enduring influence on 20th-century music.

An American In Paris III Blues Theme

"Closing Time" is a raucous and witty comic opera track that perfectly captures the universal chaos of a pub's final call. With jaunty rhythms and sharp, humor-laden lyrics, this piece takes listeners on a boozy journey from the last hurried sips of beer to the kebab-laden stumble home.

The playful verses weave a tapestry of late-night camaraderie, complete with impatient landlords, questionable food choices, and the eternal quest for "just one more." From the absurd stampede out the door to the greasy glow of Stavros' kebab shop, every detail is drenched in comedic flair and relatable antics.

Beneath the hilarity lies a nod to the bittersweet ritual of nights spent chasing fleeting joy, ending with the promise of tomorrow's inevitable repeat. Lighthearted yet grounded, "Closing Time" is a delightful blend of operatic whimsy and pub culture hilarity, making it a track to sing (or shout) along to with a pint in hand. Cheers! 🍻

BRITS

Closing Time

Closing Time - Feat: Emily Arden

Who Likes A Bit Of Deep Fried Then? – A Hilarious Operatic Tribute to British Cuisine

From BRITS, Tom Connell’s satirical exploration of British culture, comes Who Likes A Bit Of Deep Fried Then?—a grand operatic parody celebrating (and poking fun at) the UK’s deep-fried obsession. Performed by the London Contemporary Opera Society and featuring the magnificent voice of Julian Westbrook, this track transforms Britain’s love of battered and fried delicacies into a dramatic, full-throttle operatic spectacle.

With sweeping melodies, exaggerated vocal flourishes, and a tongue-in-cheek libretto, this piece fuses high art with low cuisine, proving that even a battered Mars bar can be worthy of a standing ovation. Witty, theatrical, and undeniably British, Who Likes A Bit Of Deep Fried Then? is a must-hear for lovers of satire, opera, and fish and chips alike.

Who Likes A Bit Of Deep Fried Then?

Wasted – A High-Drama Operatic Ode to Getting Stoned

From BRITS, Tom Connell’s satirical take on British culture, comes Wasted—a tongue-in-cheek operatic ballad about rolling joints and getting stoned. Featuring the rich mezzo-soprano of Emily Arden and lyrics by Darin Bainbridge, this piece transforms a hazy pastime into a grand, theatrical spectacle. Performed by the London Contemporary Opera Society, it’s both beautiful and utterly ridiculous.

With soaring melodies, expressive drama, and a knowing wink, Wasted elevates late-night indulgence to high art. But maybe Emily should cut back on the smoking—those vocal cords are national treasures! A must-listen for fans of musical satire, operatic brilliance, and, well… a good roll-up.

Wasted

Wasted 🚬

Leaves on the Line – An Operatic Ballad About the British Commute

From BRITS, Tom Connell’s satirical deep dive into British life, comes Leaves on the Line—a beautifully dramatic ballad about the daily struggles of the UK’s famously unreliable rail system. Featuring the stunning mezzo-soprano of Emily Arden and performed by the London Contemporary Opera Society, this piece transforms every commuter’s frustration into a sweeping operatic lament.

With soaring melodies, heartfelt despair, and a touch of British irony, Leaves on the Line captures the absurdity of train delays, signal failures, and weather-induced cancellations with grandeur and grace. It’s a must-listen for anyone who has ever stared helplessly at a departure board, waiting for a train that may never come.

Leaves On The Line

English Summer – An Operatic Tribute to the One Sunny Day a Year

From BRITS, Tom Connell’s satirical celebration of British life, comes English Summer—a grand operatic anthem worshipping that rare and glorious day when the sun actually shines in the UK. Featuring the powerful vocals of Julian Westbrook and performed by the London Contemporary Opera Society, this piece captures the sheer euphoria (and inevitable sunburn) that comes with 24 hours of unexpected warmth.

With sweeping melodies and tongue-in-cheek grandeur, English Summer paints a dramatic picture of BBQs, overcrowded beaches, and Brits desperately making the most of the sunshine before the rain inevitably returns. A must-listen for anyone who knows the true fleeting beauty of a British summer!

English Summer

An Englishman Abroad – A Culinary Operatic Misadventure

From BRITS, Tom Connell’s witty operatic satire of British life, comes An Englishman Abroad—a hilarious musical tale of the traveler who, despite being surrounded by the finest international cuisine, insists on ordering fish and chips. Featuring Emily Arden and Julian Westbrook, and performed by the London Contemporary Opera Society, this piece turns British stubbornness into high drama.

With grandiose melodies and playful lyrics, An Englishman Abroad captures the comedic contrast of Michelin-star menus and desperate requests for ketchup. Whether you love fine dining or just want a proper cup of tea, this operatic gem is a must-listen for any Brit who’s ever turned their nose up at “funny foreign food.”

An Englishman Abroad

A contemporary version Erik Satie's timeless Gymnopédie No.1 - Brought to you by Remixdj.

Satie Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Erik-Satie-Essential-Collection/dp/B00J0LBFIG/

Satie iTunes
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/erik-satie-the-essential-collection/918615441

Best of Satie
https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Bditbkfgfdqvxx7hansrl6qhy4y

Satie Compilation
https://open.spotify.com/album/0vzKMInu4PzU2Qyi6NgmRK

Erik Satie Album
https://www.deezer.com/us/album/7540311

Best of Satie Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk2SNcpTNbs&t=68s

Gymnopédie

🎥 VIDEO

Gymnopédie No.1 - Satie

Classical Music is a diverse and vibrant SoundCloud profile dedicated to celebrating the full breadth of classical music across all eras and genres. From the timeless compositions of the Baroque period to the emotional expressiveness of the Romantic era, and from the impressionistic soundscapes of the early 20th century to the bold, experimental voices of contemporary composers, Classical Music brings together works that span centuries of musical evolution.

The profile features a wide range of classical compositions, including iconic orchestral works, intricate chamber music, virtuosic piano pieces, and modern symphonic innovations. It showcases masterpieces from legendary composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, Claude Debussy, and Igor Stravinsky, while also embracing the contributions of 20th and 21st-century composers who continue to redefine the genre.

Classical Music is a platform where classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike can explore the emotional depth, technical brilliance, and unique beauty that defines classical music in all its forms. Whether you're drawn to the grandeur of Beethoven’s symphonies, the delicate melodies of Chopin’s piano works, or the groundbreaking innovations of contemporary composers, this profile offers a rich and varied listening experience.

In addition to showcasing beloved classics, Classical Music also highlights lesser-known gems and fresh interpretations that offer new perspectives on traditional works, making it a space for both discovery and deep appreciation of the genre's enduring power and relevance.

Classical

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