the most beautiful sad song in the world 💯

classical,ponder,piano.zip

This is a studio recording from 2012 for the BBC film 'Loving Miss Hatto'. A biopic penned by the British comedian Victoria Wood about pianist Joyce Hatto.

The character piece is like the art song's fun-loving cousin who always shows up to the party with a bottle of emotional perfume. It's perfect for those intimate gatherings or solo rendezvous with your piano. Thanks to the piano's rise to fame in the 1800s, character pieces were popping up everywhere, and composers were flaunting their creations at the hottest recital events of the time. Basically, character pieces were the 19th century's version of a hot new single. If you thought Franz Liszt's music was boring, think again! This guy was all about giving his character pieces creative and whimsical titles, like "Sposalizio" and "Vallée d'Obermann". But don't worry, he didn't forget about those of us who like our music titles to be a little more straightforward - he also composed plenty of works with no-nonsense names like "Album Leaves" and "Klavierstücke". With his "Consolations" (a.k.a. "Six Poetic Thoughts"), Liszt took a page out of Chopin's book and delved into the world of nocturnes. And let me tell you, the third Consolation in D-flat major is pure Chopin - even the key is pianist-friendly, unlike those pesky "easy" keys like C major. Looks like Liszt knew a thing or two about pleasing his audience! If you're a Chopin fan, you're gonna love Liszt's "Consolation No. 3"! I mean, talk about a tribute - this piece is basically a carbon copy of Chopin's Opus 27, no. 1. And while it might not have the same flashy piano solos that Liszt is known for, it more than makes up for it with its dreamy, slow-moving melodies. Plus, it's in the same key as Chopin's original, so you know it's gotta be good.

Despite the unusual title, the Consolations were inspired by both poetry and religious contemplation, just like Harmonies Poétiques et Religieuses. Some say the title comes from an 1830 poetry collection by Sainte-Beuve, while others think it's based on a poem by Lamartine called A Tear (or Consolation). Either way, it seems like Liszt was in a pretty contemplative mood when he wrote these pieces. But don't worry, Liszt didn't completely forget his roots - he snuck in a little Hungarian folk song as the primary theme, which he later used in his "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 1". So even though this piece might not match the wild, hair-flailing image we have of Liszt, it's still got a little bit of that old-school flavor. Liszt's "Consolation No. 3" wasn't just a musical masterpiece - it was also a major turning point in the composer's life. And let me tell you, Liszt's early life was a doozy - it was basically one big, crazy party. But don't take my word for it, just ask his first mistress (and mother of his three children) Marie d'Agoult, who wrote all about it under the pen name Daniel Stern. And if you're feeling really adventurous, you can even watch the 1975 film "Lisztomania" for all the juicy details. Talk about living the dream! Liszt's life was like something out of a Hollywood movie - seriously, this guy was breaking class barriers and performing like a superstar. But as he got older, he decided to trade in the limelight for a little bit of privacy. He started conducting orchestras and composing more, and even started teaching aspiring pianists from around the world. I guess you could say he was the original piano man!

My SoundCloud Channel: https://soundcloud.com/archie-chen
Official Website: http://www.archiechen.com
Youtube DIPF https://www.youtube.com/c/PianofestivalIe
Youtube Archie https://www.youtube.com/c/ArchieChenPianist
Festival Website: http://www.pianofestival.ie
Teaching Website: http://www.pianoacademy.ie

Piano: Yamaha C7
Piano Technician: Martin Walsh
Recorded at Cauldron Studios, Dublin
Recording Engineers: Ciarán Byrne & Michael Manning
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An NFT of this track will be available from the artist soon!

Franz Liszt Consolation no. 3 in D flat Major, S. 172

Camille Saint-Saëns | Carnival of the Animals - The Swan

Chopin - Nocturne Op.9 No.1 in B-Flat Minor (Arthur Rubinstein)

The Gymnopédies, published in Paris starting in 1888, are three piano compositions written by French composer and pianist Erik Satie.

The melodies of the pieces use deliberate, but mild, dissonances against the harmony, producing a piquant, melancholy effect that matches the performance instructions, which are to play each piece "painfully", "sadly" or "gravely".

Audius Classical Music
https://audius.co/classicalmusic

Best of Satie
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/gymnopedie-no-1-single/847714522

Satie on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/0vzKMInu4PzU2Qyi6NgmRK

Satie Album on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Erik-Satie-Essential-Collection/dp/B00J0LBFIG/

Erik Satie - The Essential Collection

Classical Music - The Essential Collection

ᯤ Spotify

Erik Satie - Gymnopédie No.1

Famous piano piece written by Claude Debussy (1862 - 1918)

Arabesque No. 1. Andantino con moto is the first of the "Two Arabesques"  (Deux arabesques) composed by Debussy when he was still in his twenties.

Recorded in 2001 by Fiona Bechmann

Debussy - Arabesque

Debussy's sublime summer prelude, 'La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin'.

The indicated 'Très calm et doucement expresiff' (Very calm and gentle in expressiveness) is quietly asserting tranquility. This is a piece to be savoured and experienced like a summer's gentle breeze; incentivised by the source for the prelude - the poem that bears the identical title of the prelude, written by Charles-Marie-René Leconte de Lisle in the mid-19th century (published in 1874). It is said that Debussy found the inspiration for the prelude within the poem, but for me, the prelude is almost a musical transcription of the poem. I include both the English translation (Laura L. Nagle, 2007) of Lisle's poem, and the original French version as well, below. Read the poem whilst listening to the recording and you will find more than a serendipitous likeness!  
____________________

The girl with the flaxen hair

Who sits upon the blooming lucerne,  
Singing from the earliest morn?  
It is the girl with the flaxen hair,  
The beauty with cherry-red lips.

Love, in the bright summer sun,  
Sang with the lark.

Your mouth has divine colours,
 My dear, and is tempting to kiss!
  Do you wish to chat upon the blooming grasses,  
Girl with long lashes and delicate curls?

Love, in the bright summer sun,  
Sang with the lark.

Do not say no, cruel girl!
  Do not say yes! I shall better understand  
A long gaze from your large eyes  
And your pink lips, o my beauty!

Love, in the bright summer sun,  
Sang with the lark.

Farewell to the deer, farewell to the hares  
And the red partridges!  I wish 
To kiss the flax of your hair,  
To press upon the crimson of your lips!

Love, in the bright summer sun,  
Sang with the lark.
  ____________________

La fille aux cheveux de lin

Sur la luzerne en fleur assise,  
Qui chante dès le frais matin?
  C'est la fille aux cheveux de lin,
  La belle aux lèvres de cerise.

L'amour, au clair soleil d'été,  
Avec l'alouette a chanté.

Ta bouche a des couleurs divines,  
Ma chère, et tente le baiser!  
Sur l'herbe en fleur veux-tu causer,  
Fille aux cils longs, aux boucles fines?

L'amour, au clair soleil d'été,  
Avec l'alouette a chanté.

Ne dis pas non, fille cruelle!  
Ne dis pas oui! J'entendrai mieux
  Le long regard de tes grands yeux
  Et ta lèvre rose, ô ma belle!

L'amour, au clair soleil d'été,
  Avec l'alouette a chanté.

Adieu les daims, adieu les lièvres  
Et les rouges perdrix! Je veux
  Baiser le lin de tes cheveux,  
Presser la pourpre de tes lèvres!

L'amour, au clair soleil d'été,
  Avec l'alouette a chanté.
  ____________________  
Charles-Marie-René Leconte de Lisle (1818 - 1894), "La fille aux cheveux de lin", from Poèmes antiques, in 'Chansons écossaises'
illustration: Monet - Monet - 'Woman with a Parasol, facing right', 1886, Musée D'Orsay, Paris

Claude Debussy - Prelude in G flat major - no. 8 from Book 1: 'La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin'

This mini soundtrack is my submission for OST Composing Jam 8
Hosted by Lone Rabbit · #OSTCompJam

Had fun making this. Hope you enjoy!

Intro (Where Are You)

Gymnopédie no.1 - Erik Satie

Classical Favoriyes

Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19

Pavane for a dead princess

Written in 1890, Debussy's Reverie was one of his first solo piano works to make an impact. Even at this early stage in his career, when he was still working out what kind of composer he wanted to be (he was apparently a fervent debater when it came to Wagnerism), it's clear to see traits of that signature Debussy sound.

However, the young Debussy had not quite developed the style and tricks that would earmark him as one of his generation's most notable talents. There are no fireworks here, no sudden explosions in texture that would come to characterise his later works - this is more of a meditation, the perfect precursor to exploring those later works.

The gently repetitive theme that opens the work feels like a descent into sleepy dream-world (as the title suggests), and as the textures become ever richer the dreams only become more lush and addictive. A fantastic early sign that this Debussy fellow was one to watch…

Source:

ClassicFM
http://www.classicfm.com/composers/debussy/music/debussy-reverie/

Retailers:

Debussy Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Claude-Debussy-Essential-Collection/dp/B00I6CEZQO/

Debussy Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/0Mmayh49XRWTXp53uf3jtF

Best of Debussy iTunes
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/claude-debussy-the-essential-collection/819582576

Debussy Compilation
https://listen.tidal.com/album/26275698

Claude Debussy
https://www.deezer.com/us/album/7429526

Best of Debussy Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXtAfPp-70I&t=76s

Napster
https://us.napster.com/artist/claude-debussy/album/claude-debussy-the-essential-collection

Tidal
https://listen.tidal.com/album/26275698

Also check out the very best in R&B & Pop Music 2020 from IndyPop Records!
www.youtube.com/c/indypoprecords

Claude Debussy - The Essential Collection

Rêverie, L.68

Tidal

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.

Clair de Lune

Clair de Lune - Debussy

More on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lKofYUaDTk

Chopin – Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2

Tchaikovsky Pas de deux

Avigail Arad Cello
Victor Stanislavsky Piano
Live Performnce in Tel Aviv 2007

Gabriel Fauré Sicilienne Op78

Somewhere In Between

I produced this track using midi and EW Gold Pianos in order to perfection the performance as I imagine it.

Camille Saint-Saëns | Carnival of the Animals - The Swan

Tarek Al-Masri

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