Richard Wagner Radio

Wagner  to Franz Liszt:

"Never in my life having enjoyed the true happiness of love I shall erect a memorial to this loveliest of all dreams in which, from the first to the last, love shall, for once, find utter repletion. I have devised in my mind a Tristan und Isolde, the simplest, yet most full-blooded musical conception imaginable, and with the ‘black flag’ that waves at the end I shall cover myself over – to die"

Richard Wagner - Tristan und Isolde, Prelude

The Colour - 2007

Liszt Museum- Chamber Hall - Budapest 

Antonio Vivaldi - Sposa Son Disprezzata - From Bajazet

Miroirs is a suite for solo piano written by French composer Maurice Ravel between 1904 and 1905. First performed by Ricardo Viñes in 1906, Miroirs contains five movements, each dedicated to a fellow member of the French avant-garde artist group, Les Apaches.

Une barque sur l'océan ("A Boat on the Ocean") is the third movement from the work and is dedicated to Paul Sordes, the piece recounts a boat as it sails upon the waves of the ocean. Arpeggiated sections and sweeping melodies imitate the flow of ocean currents. It is the longest piece of the set, and the second most technically difficult.

Miroirs 3 - Une Barque Sur L'Océan

Piano - Kacper Dubisz
Philharmonic Orchestra of Radom Music School conducted by Przemysław Zych

Camille Saint-Saëns - Piano Concerto no. 2 in G minor, op. 22 1st movement

This is the Hutchins Consort, which uses instruments from the "New Violin Family". I performed the solo on a treble violin, which is tuned an octave higher than a typical violin.

Sospiri, Op.70 - Edward Elgar

The Favourite

Handel: Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: II. Adagio e staccato

Mahler: Symphony No. 5

Symphony No. 5 in C-Sharp Minor: IV. Adagietto. Sehr langsam

Songs from the Arc of Life

Après un rêve, Op. 7, No. 1

Mad About Wagner

Wagner: Tristan und Isolde, Act III: Liebestod (Concert Version)

re:works

Grieg: Peer Gynt (Death Of Aase) (Solomon Grey's Paradise Lost Rework)

Richard Wagner, from Die Walkure

Wagner: Orchestral Music from 'Ring'

Die Walküre, Act 3: Walkürenritt (Concert Version. Lebhaft)

Puccini: Madama Butterfly (1955 - Karajan) - Callas Remastered

Madama Butterfly, Act 2: "Un bel dì vedremo" (Butterfly)

Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro - Highlights

Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492, Act III: No. 21, Sull' aria... Che soave zeffiretto "Letter Duet"

Wagner: Lohengrin, WWV 75, Prelude To Act I

Prelude to Act I

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.

Richard Wagner Radio

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