Classical, etcetera.

Classical Music for Work Study Productivity and Concentration

Amandine Beyer 
Gli incogniti

4 CDs Box release
More info: http://www.outhere-music.com/en/albums/bach-zzt-348

J.S. Bach - Partita BWV 1004 - Ciaccona

Johann Sebastian Bach - Aria Da Capo,  Goldberg Variations, BWV 988 (Fine Classical Music)

50 Classical Music Hits - The Best Classical Music Collection

Piano Sonata No. 5 in Eb, Op. 10, II. Adagio molto

I recently installed some new software at my studio and wanted to put it through its paces a bit.  It's December, so this just seemed fitting.  Enjoy. 

Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy (Tchaikovsky)

Frederic Lamond plays Franz Liszt: 'Un Sospiro', Grand Concert Etude no.3, in 1928 on Duo-Art A-54.
Recorded  21 Feb, 2017 by VViljanen (by permission)from the digitized copy of the original reproducing piano roll.
ANY KIND OF COMMERCIAL USE PROHIBITED.
Photo: Frederic Lamond 1868-1948, was a Scottish classical pianist and composer, and the second-last surviving pupil of Franz Liszt.
(..to be continued below...)
The basic info of the original piano roll:
Un SOSPIRO (A Sigh), No. 3 in D-flat from "Grand Concert Etudes" (annotated by Basil Malne)
Roll Number: 54, A-54
Composer/Creator: Liszt
Pianist: Lamond
Roll System: Duo-Art
Country: US
Date: January, 1928
Category: audiographic, classical
Original Price: n/a
Continued about Frederic Lamond:
Lamond was born in Glasgow, Scotland. After exhausting the resources of his home town, he continued his musical study abroad in Germany under Max Schwarz and Hans von Bülow. He studied with Franz Liszt at Weimar and Rome in 1885, and in London in 1886. In 1886 Lamond also met Johannes Brahms, who coached him in his own works. Lamond also became acquainted with Anton Rubinstein in Germany, hearing him conduct and play many times there, and later in Russia in the 1890s.
In addition to becoming one of the early champions of Brahms' piano works, Lamond was considered the primary authority on Beethoven's piano music before Artur Schnabel, and Breitkopf & Härtel published his edition of the piano sonatas. In 1893 Lamond was invited by Vasily Safonov to Moscow to play Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto in B-flat minor, Op. 23, at the request of the composer. While in Russia, he met Alexander Scriabin, whose Second Sonata, Op. 19, Lamond later played. In the 1920s and '30s, Lamond recorded many works of Beethoven (including an acoustic recording of the "Emperor" Concerto complete under Eugène Goossens, for HMV) and Liszt, as well as a scattered assortment of smaller works by other composers. While not the greatest of technicians by the time of his recordings — reviews from his youth praise his accuracy and bravura in such taxing works as the Brahms Paganini Variations, Op. 35 — his graceful phrasing and singing tone are quite remarkable (Wikipedia)

Franz Liszt: 'Un Sospiro', Grand Concert Etude No 3. Frederic Lamond in 1928, on Duo-Art A-54

Ballet Class Music – Ultimate Ballet Music & Piano Classics for Dance Lessons, Ballet Barre, Modern Ballet & Coreography

Carmen, Act. I: "L'Amour est un Oiseau Rebelle" ("Habanera" from Carmen)

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

Our Live performance of Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony.

Tchaikovsky 4, Movement 2

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Thomas Søndergård, conductor
Alexander Gavrylyuk, piano

Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat Minor, Op. 23 (November 2018)

Gymnopedie nº 1 | Erik Satie

Canon in D (Johann Pachelbel)

A talented community orchestra performing on New York's Upper West Side, founded in 1971 by Dr. Ephraim Rubin and conducted by Reuben Blundell.

Tchaikovsky 4, Movement 2

Riverside Orchestra