Classical Bangers 🎹🎻

Swan Lake, Op. 20

This recording is dedicated to Beth

from "Suite bergamasque" by Claude Debussy
piano: Carlos Márquez

background paintng by Monet, picture by: https://flic.kr/p/5RqSxx

Claude Debussy: Clair de Lune

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20a - Waltz - Cleveland Institute of Music - 26 Sep 2010 

Me playing the tuba part in the student orchestra.

http://instantencore.com/music/details.aspx?PId=5076705

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20a - Scène- Cleveland Institute Of Music - 26 Sep 2010

Sergei Prokofiev  Romeo And Juliet Suite No. 2 From The Ballet Op. 64ter (1936)

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

Erik Satie The Essential Collection

Gymnopédie

🎥 VIDEO

Gymnopédie No.1 - Satie

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

Retailers:

Mozart
https://music.amazon.co.uk/albums/B015NWNCY0

Mozart Tidal
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Napster
https://us.napster.com/artist/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart/album/mozart-the-essential-collection

Best of Mozart Deezer
https://www.deezer.com/us/album/12179034

Mozart on Spotify
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Mozart Album Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Mozart-Collection-Haydn-Light-Orchestra/dp/B015NQQFHC/

Mozart Playlist
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m4VsdRl4Yv4y63CU_ArM91jVaewHDk0Us

String Quartet No. 14 in A-Flat Major, Op. 105, III. Lento Cantabile

Martinů Quartet