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

Mozart - Symphony No. 25 In G Minor  K. 183 (complete)

Antonin Dvorak - Humoresk

Yesterday, i played a couple of the beautiful sonatas by Domenico Scarlatti http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domenico_Scarlatti and recorded this one in A-major. Hope you enjoy!

Domenico Scarlatti - Sonata K 208/L 238

Canzonetta of the Court

An elegant and evocative piano sonata, Canzonetta of the Court weaves a delicate tapestry of sound, blending the intimacy of soft strings with the grandeur of orchestral sections. The piece opens with a lyrical piano melody, reminiscent of courtly dances and refined gatherings, exuding grace and poise.

As the composition unfolds, the warm embrace of the string ensemble adds depth and emotion, complementing the piano’s expressive voice. The orchestral interludes lend a majestic quality, creating a dynamic contrast that elevates the piece to regal heights.

Perfectly balancing sophistication and sentiment, Canzonetta of the Court transports the listener to an era of elegance and charm, offering a timeless musical journey through the grandeur of the classical tradition.

Canzonetta Of The Court

La Lueur Entre Les Arbres by Tom Connell is a beautiful piano solo that blends the elegance of jazz harmony with the delicate atmosphere of impressionistic music. The piece evokes the soft, shimmering light filtering through trees, painting an image of quiet beauty and introspection.

With rich, lush harmonies and flowing, lyrical lines, the music captures the tranquil yet vibrant mood of a peaceful moment in nature. The jazz-inspired chords create a sense of movement, while the impressionistic textures add depth and color, guiding the listener through a serene and reflective soundscape. The piano dances between moments of subtle tension and release, creating an enchanting atmosphere that is both relaxing and emotionally evocative.

La Lueur Entre Les Arbres is a captivating and emotive work, where the fusion of jazz and impressionism creates a unique, immersive experience that transports the listener into a world of calm beauty and thoughtful reflection.

Contemporary Classical - The Essential Collection

La Lueur Entre Les Arbres

"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?

Music & Lyrics: Ryan Moore. Produced & Arranged by John Sawoski & Ryan Moore. Orchestrated by John Sawoski. Vocals: Luke Carlsen. Acoustic Grand Piano: John Sawoski. Saxophone: Larry Klimas. Drums & Percussion: Kevin Winard. Orchestra: Hungarian Studio Orchestra. Conductor: Krisztián Balassa. Orchestra Recording Engineer: Gergo Laposi. Recorded at Tom-Tom Studio, Budapest and at the Sawoski Music Group, Los Angeles. Mixed by Steve Genewick at the Stewart House, Los Angeles & by Ryan Moore at Ryan Moore Studios. Mastered by Rainer Gembalczyk at Sienna Digital, Half Moon Bay, California.

Life Goes On (Extended Outro Instrumental)

P A R A D I S E

Mozart - Requiem in D minor Complete Full

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - 1756–1791
is unarguably one of the most prolific and notable classical composers of all time. A child prodigy, Mozart was already proficient on the keyboard and violin by the age of five, composing remarkable works and performing before European royalty. At just 17 years old, he was engaged as a musician at the Salzburg court but, driven by ambition and a restless spirit, he embarked on travels to seek better opportunities.

In 1781, while visiting Vienna, Mozart’s dismissal from his Salzburg post marked a turning point in his life. He chose to remain in the imperial capital, where he gained widespread fame but struggled to achieve lasting financial stability. It was during his final years in Vienna that Mozart created many of his most celebrated works, including symphonies, concertos, operas, and the unfinished Requiem.

Over the course of his short but extraordinary life, Mozart composed more than 600 works, spanning symphonic, concertante, chamber, operatic, and choral genres. These masterpieces are recognized as pinnacles of Western art music and continue to inspire audiences and musicians alike. His enduring influence on classical music is profound, solidifying his legacy as one of history’s greatest composers.

Canzonetta Of The Court

Mozart

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