Mostly Classical

Canon In D

Claire De Lune

Fur Elise

Moonlight Sonata

J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier  Book I  BWV 846-869 (Harpsichord)

The Well-Tempered Clavier  Book I  BWV 846-869 - Prelude No. 6 in D Minor  BWV 851

The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, BWV 846 - 869 - Prelude No. 6 In D Minor, BWV 851

A recording of J.S. Bach's 'Preludie in C' played by Neil Balfour.

When J.S. Bach began working on his epic Well-Tempered Clavier in 1722, chances are he wasn't thinking that it would become one of the defining musical texts in keyboard history. But, somehow, it has - and the Prelude No. 1 in C Major is where it all starts.

The Well-Tempered Clavier (there are two volumes of it, each containing a prelude and a fugue in each musical key) kicks off in C Major, the most 'natural' musical key, so he obviously made sure that the first entry is a good one. Few pieces of keyboard music sound so delicate and fragile, but there's a very Bach-ian stability to it as well. 

It's a strikingly simple piece to begin with, gently phasing through different chords and registers, but it's one of those pieces that demands to be tinkered with. Consequently, you'll hear plenty of different interpretations of this much-loved work.

Prelude No. 1 In C Major | Bach

RoboCop Theme

Ragtime Piano

Elite Syncopations

illustration: James Abbott McNeill Whistler - 'Nocturne in black and gold - The Falling Rocket', 1872-1877, Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

Frédéric Chopin - Nocturne in C sharp minor no. 20 'Lento con gran espressione' op. posth.

"Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" is a famous musical composition for the organ. Composed by the Baroque maestro Bach, the piece is regarded as being the virtuoso's signature. Renowned for its regal and majestic resonance, dramatic command and titular opening motif, this piece  reveals the mastery of the performer's "touch" upon the organ's keys through its poignant and swiftly paced arpeggios. In western culture, the piece has developed an association with horror movies.

Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565 - Bach

I was just practicing tonight and felt like recording one of the pieces.  Beethoven's Sonata No. 14 in C# minor Op. 27 No. 2, or otherwise known as 'Quasi una fantasia' or the 'Moonlight Sonata'.  I recorded this on a Steinway D and mastered it in my mastering studio www.alpinemastering.com  

Hope you all enjoy. 

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Classical Piano Pieces Volume I

Free Download

Beethoven - Moonlight Sonata (Glenn playing on a Steinway D)

50 Classical Music Hits - The Best Classical Music Collection

Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor, "Für Elise"

Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune is the third movement of his Suite Bergamasque, written for solo piano and completed in 1905. The title, meaning “Moonlight,” is inspired by Paul Verlaine’s poem, evoking a serene and reflective atmosphere. The piece epitomizes French Impressionism, focusing on mood and imagery over traditional form.
Structure and Atmosphere

The piece is in ternary form (ABA):

    Opening (A):
    A soft, flowing melody emerges over delicate arpeggios. The music feels weightless, like moonlight shimmering on water. Debussy uses rich harmonies and seventh chords to create a dreamlike quality, with a tender, introspective mood.

    Middle Section (B):
    The dynamics intensify, with fuller textures and soaring melodic lines. This section brings a sense of emotional depth and urgency, contrasting with the calm opening. Arpeggios cascade dramatically, giving the impression of moonlight suddenly brightening or revealing hidden beauty.

    Closing (A):
    The opening material returns, slightly varied, fading into a gentle, whisper-like conclusion. The piece ends as quietly as it began, leaving a sense of stillness and wonder.

Musical Features

    Harmonics: Debussy’s use of whole-tone scales, parallel chords, and non-functional harmony creates a suspended, ethereal soundscape.
    Melody: The lyrical melody floats effortlessly above the accompaniment, expressing both simplicity and emotional depth.
    Texture: Light, transparent textures alternate with moments of lush, resonant fullness, embodying the interplay of light and shadow.

Mood and Interpretation

Clair de Lune evokes the quiet magic of a moonlit night, combining serenity with subtle melancholy. Its poetic quality invites listeners to imagine moonlight reflecting on a calm lake, whispering through trees, or illuminating a tranquil landscape. The music feels timeless, blending stillness with fleeting moments of intensity.

Cultural Impact

This iconic piece has been widely used in films (Ocean’s Eleven, Twilight) and pop culture, often accompanying scenes of romance, nostalgia, or quiet reflection. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke deep emotion while remaining understated.
Performance Notes

Expressive dynamics, fluid phrasing, and careful pedaling are essential to capturing its delicate atmosphere. A balance between freedom and control ensures its dreamlike flow remains intact.

Clair de Lune is a masterpiece of impressionistic music, celebrated for its ability to transport listeners into a realm of quiet beauty and introspection.

Claude Debussy - The Essential Collection

Clair de Lune

Clair de Lune - Debussy

This track is from the album Wedding Dinner Music: Top Wedding Songs of All Time, Grooms Dinner Music, Wedding Shower Music, Wedding Reception Music Available on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HGpQkENCx0Yl4vFTPde3t

Minuet In G Major

Dmitri Shostakovich wrote his Symphony No. 2 in B major, Op. 14 and subtitled To October, for the 10th anniversary of the October Revolution. It was first performed by the Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra and the Academy Capella Choir under Nikolai Malko, on 5 November 1927. After the premiere, Shostakovich made some revisions to the score, and this final version was first played in Moscow later in 1927 under the baton of Konstantin Saradzhev. It was also the first time any version of the work had been played in Moscow.

Mostly Classical

Jeremiah