What piece of classical music do you like?

[TyD]

I like Itzhak Perlman. His version of Four Seasons is really lovely. I also like Maksim Mrvica's unique style of combining electronica with classical (plus, he's easy on the eyes. )

[machosalad]

"Liebestod" from Tristan und Isolde, specifically Horowitz's last recording.

I love the sense of tension and urgency that builds throughout the song. I also love when that tension resolves. It's magical.


Also, "Solviegs Sang" from Peer Grynt by Grieg.

Check out Lucia Popp singing this, and also Barbara Bonnie on youtube.
The music itself is simple, but i enjoy the subtleties, like setting hopeful text to a minor key. Both ladies turn the aria into art.

[Bookworm]

The only classical music I've listened too recently was Gustav Holsts', The Planets. Mars the Bringer of War sends shivers down my spine; love it! mile:

[Wintereis]

[machosalad]

^ That was beautiful. I loved her vocal control and sense of dynamics, especially on the crescendos.

[azulai]

Franz Schubert - Ständchen /"Serenade" which is the fourth piece of a thirteen song cycle Schwanengesang /"Swan song." All the songs are based on the works of three poets.

The German and English poem by Ludwig Rellstab:
Ständchen
Leise flehen meine Lieder
Durch die Nacht zu dir;
In den stillen Hain hernieder,
Liebchen, komm zu mir!

Flüsternd schlanke Wipfel rauschen
In des Mondes Licht;
Des Verräters feindlich Lauschen
Fürchte, Holde, nicht.

Hörst die Nachtigallen schlagen?
Ach! sie flehen dich,
Mit der Töne süßen Klagen
Flehen sie für mich.

Sie verstehn des Busens Sehnen,
Kennen Liebesschmerz,
Rühren mit den Silbertönen
Jedes weiche Herz.

Laß auch dir die Brust bewegen,
Liebchen, höre mich!
Bebend harr' ich dir entgegen!
Komm, beglücke mich!

"Serenade"
My songs beckon softly
through the night to you;
below in the quiet grove,
Come to me, beloved!

The rustle of slender leaf tips whispers
in the moonlight;
Do not fear the evil spying
of the betrayer, my dear.

Do you hear the nightingales call?
Ah, they beckon to you,
With the sweet sound of their singing
they beckon to you for me.

They understand the heart's longing,
know the pain of love,
They calm each tender heart
with their silver tones.

Let them also stir within your breast,
beloved, hear me!
Trembling I wait for you,
Come, please me!

Here are three interpretations:

[azulai]

Frederic Chopin, The Prelude Op. 28, No. 15 ("Raindrops")

[Glaedr]

Fur Elise, because I can play it all myself :p. I also think its a beautiful song, which is why I learned it.

[Wintereis]

This is one of my favorite recent compositions. It's The Dharma at Big Sur by John Adams. It was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the opening of the new Walt Disney Concert Hall. The composer says that it is based on his experience when first coming to California and seeing the Pacific for the first time.







For those of you who don't know what Big Sur is, this is it:

[Samis]

Definitely my favourite song ever. One of the biggest reasons for me to start studying classical music and singing. This version is sung by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, a great German baritone who has done a -lot- of German lied, especially by F. Schubert.



My favourite piano piece. I'm working on this (as well as the Brahms lied) and it's sooo hard, because there's so much text. But it's a beautiful song, and once you manage to read it, it feels really good to play. =) Vladimir Ashkenazy's playing on this link, seems ok.