classique

Rachmaninoff

sleeping classical

Rhapsody (Rachmaninoff)

Johann Sebastian Bach, Vol. 1

Overture No. 3 In D Major

Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Bryukhno, Debussy, Glinka, Hasselmans, Krylatov, Massenet, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Saint-Saëns, Satie, Schubert, Tchaikovsky: Lullaby for Babies

Gymnopédie No. 1

The Best 50 of Classical Music

The Well-Tempered Clavier: Book 1, BWV 846-869: I. Prelude in C Major, BWV 846

The 50 Most Romantic Piano Pieces

Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. Air (Transcr. for Piano by Alexander Siloti)

Mozart: Piano

Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545 "Sonata semplice": I. Allegro

Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation No. 18

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation No. 18. Andante cantabile (Transcr. for Piano Solo by Michael R. Loveridge)

#1 Billboard Classical
#1 iTunes Classical Album (US)
#1 Amazon Classical

License this piece at - 
https://www.musicbed.com/songs/nocturneinfminore28093op552cno128variation29/12742

Steinway artist, Chad Lawson, decided Chopin needed a new introduction.  Along with violinist Judy Kang (Lady Gaga, Ryuichi Sakamoto) and cellist Rubin Kodheli (Kanye West, Norah Jones), Lawson has arranged ten Chopin works into a minimalist landscape.

It's a risk editing the "poet of the piano" but one that Chopin would be proud of.  

Taking 10 Chopin works, Lawson decided to scale the works down to a minimalist setting.  "I knew even if bare-bones, Chopin's works could still be as spellbinding as the original compositions we are so familiar with." says the pianist.  

Produced by Chad Lawson & Alejandro Clavijo. Mixed by Stephen Lee Price.  Mastered by Michael Graves of Osiris Studios (Atlanta, GA).

Chopin Nocturne in F Minor-Op. 55, No 1 (Variation) Piano, Violin, Cello - Chad Lawson

Classical Piano Crossovers

Minuet II (From Violin Partita No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006)

Méditation sur le premier Prélude de Bach (Ave Maria), Tyros 4 Cover (Piano only)

Selection from Daniel Pollack's newest CD, "Daniel Pollack in Moscow," recently released in the US.

Rachmaninoff - Prelude in G minor op.23 no.5

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

Walter Morales, piano
Maria Sensi Sellner, conductor
All University Orchestra
November 20, 2011
Carnegie Music Hall

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 (First Movement)

Clair de Lune: Piano Music by Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Debussy, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff

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

Rachmaninov - Symphony No. 2 in E minor, Op.27- 3rd Movement, Adagio.

A cello sextet arrangement of this hauntingly beautiful piece by Sergei Rachmaninoff. Originally for voice (soprano or tenor) and piano, and published in 1912.

Arranged and performed by Deryn Cullen

Mixed, produced and mastered by Dan Cullen

Rachmaninoff - Vocalise Op. 34, No. 14

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation No. 18. Andante cantabile (Transcr. for Piano Solo by Michael R. Loveridge)

Katya Kramer-Lapin