Western Classical Music (WCM) thread

[kid-glove]

Please post the last heard classic here. For record, references & discussion..

[V_S]

Thanks k_g for opening a wonderful thread. I love this form of music very much.
Just a little bit of background. As most of us know like everything in the world has evolved, music also has evolved over the time. Like each region in the world has its own classical roots and origins, Western countries (mainly Europe) also has its own. Western Classical Music can be divided into 7 periods. Pre-medieval (upto 9th century a.d), Medieval (9-14th), Renaissance (1400-1600), Baroque (1600-1750), Classical (1750-1820), Romantic (1820-1910) and Modern (1910-present).

As far as I know pre-medieval and medieval period is known for chanting and predominantly church music. Not much source and insights into this form of music. But mostly composers are monks and nuns. If anyone has, please share. But the actual development of arts and science happened in renaissance period. Even though church music was still prevalent, in this period, music attained more complexity, rather than just chants. Music was created outside of church and in Royal courts for the "Mass". Even music was notated, printed and distributed (thanks to the invention of printing press at this time).

One of the greatest composer in this period is Josquin des Prez. He was a pioneer to make a revolution in the music history. As the name Renaissance suggests it is a rebirth, he was mainly known to throw away the conservative middle-age approach to music and extended the first time, the expressive nature in his music, which was missing in the middle-age music. Also the compositional techniques varied so much from middle age. As far as I know, he was known to be the first composer who introduced contrapuntal techniques in his Mass compositions. One such mass is called Missa Pange Lingua. Luckily we have the notations preserved even after 600 years. Here is this mass performed by the Ensemble Clément Janequin. This Mass is divided into 5 parts. Please refer to the youtube uploader comments. Thanks a million to the uploader. The uploader even uploaded with the score sheet which is amazing! This is all treasure not to be missed.
Part 1: Kyrie & Gloria
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TavBr-ZjXc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TavBr-ZjXc

Par2: Credo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP9OKRh0gaI&feature=related

Part3: Sanctus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML_xCCQTnAA&feature=related

Part 4: Agnus dei I II and III
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZG5VQG1_IY&feature=related

Josquin des Prez, One of the greatest composer! Listen to believe it!!

[V_S]

Continuing on the Renaissance period music, these English composers cannot be forgotten. They are Thomas Tallis and William Byrd. They wrote church music and also keyboard music. William Byrd was a student of Tallis. But they both served at Royal Chapel as composers and organist. Tallis is again known for this contrapuntal techniques.

Tallis's Miserere Nostri just gives us an idea of how the music is so heavenly and divine and haunting too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5W67uBRZCo

Tallis's masterpiece "Videte miraculum". You can clearly see the voice counterpoints. Amazing!! It will take you to a spiritual journey beyond this world!! (enjoy the rest in youtube related videos)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5szIfHMjWI&feature=related

Coming to Willaim Byrd, his "Mass for Five voices" was composed between 1553 and 1558 during the late renaissance. If you see this also has those five parts as mentioned in above post.

Tallis Scholars are the best performers of Renaissance music. This was performed by them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adqkpCgkrIE&feature=BF&list=PL008C471AE4236270&index=13

Absolute classic and divinity!! :notworthy:

[V_S]

There were thousands of composers even at that time. Some great composers of Renaissance era were Giovanni da Palestrina (very influential composer at that time), Orlando di Lasso, Gregorio Allegri, John Taverner, Manuel Cardoso to name a few.

Moving on… Many say moving from Renaissance to Baroque era music is not a gradual one, but intentional. Renaissance music mostly concentrated on contrapuntal techniques, which we call voice-polypony, with focussing mainly on voice textures. Also Renaissance started in north Europe, Baroque started in Italy. Baroque to put it "Illustrates" the word (usually called madrigals) or thought, compared to Renaissance which gave main importance to counterpoints, rather than emotions or words. Initially, in Baroque the illustration or importance were given to mere words, but that was not sufficient to move the listeners. It seems there was even complaints that this form of music didn't have power to move the people unlike what Aristotle did. So the mere illustrations of words "intentionally" changed to illustration of entire thought.

Here a single voice of main melody accompanied by either choir or an instrument which acts as a bass line, so that the entire expression or thought can be clearly presented. This Baroque style usually called a secular rather than sacred (Chant, Hymn, Mass) gave birth to the best known form of music popular even today called "Opera".

It is not just simple what I have quoted or how it has evolved, this is just what I could understand, there will definitely be more errors on my part. I am a novice, so can only just enjoy, don't know much technical details.

Claudia Monterverdi is the most famous composer of early Baroque. Here are some of his best known Monteverdi's Madrigal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfVTFl2Tvqg
I crave for this one, very powerful and very moving. Listen to that soulful voice of the singer. I can listen to this piece on and on….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqdnkmRUxSA

Look at his majestic operas. This playlist will run from night till morning :) 14th in the playlist is my favorite piece. Recorded at Venice in 1989.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay79V_tMGzI&playnext=1&list=PL1C7117F4506F0A13

His compositions are very close to my heart, but very far from ordinary!!! Genius :notworthy:

[kid-glove]

Wow. When I began this thread, I didn't expect posts of such quality. Before I get on to yours (I haven't tread across those composers, many thanks for brief notes), I'd have to throw-in my latest indulgence.

Edward Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op.39". Especially March no.1 in D..

Apparently there are many variations. The purely non-vocal one with instrumental choral is my favorite.

I really got into it by accident, from a least expected source. A Football Compilation. :lol2:

[anbu_kathir]

Edvard Grieg's "In the hall of the mountain king". Redirected from "The Social Network" OST :D.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrIYT-MrVaI&feature=related

As someone mentions in one of the comments - this is rock music from 19th century. Wiki reads -

" In a 1874 letter to his friend Frants Beyer, Grieg expressed his unhappiness with what is now considered one of his most popular compositions from Peer Gynt, In the Hall of the Mountain King: "I have also written something for the scene in the hall of the mountain King - something that I literally can't bear listening to because it absolutely reeks of cow-pies, exaggerated Norwegian nationalism, and trollish self-satisfaction! But I have a hunch that the irony will be discernible. "

LOL.

[Sunil_M88]

Thank you kid-glove for opening this thread and thank you too V_S for these pieces.

[V_S]

Thank you k_g, Sunil and anbu_kathir. May this is my bad habit, but much as I love WCM, I also love its history on how it has evolved (very exciting!). Hope I am not boring you guys. Also thanks for sharing Edward Elgar and Edvard Grieg's compostions, not heard and will listen to these today evening.

[Sunil_M88]

You're not boring us, your enthusiasm is our driving force hehe.

BTW ELLA FITZGERALD IS A LEGEND.

I absolutely love her, Russian lullaby. I came across her when I found Damien Marley sampled her vocals for, Road to Zion. :)

[V_S]

Monteverdi is such a class composer. His operas L'orfeo and L'Arianna and church music Vespro della Beata Vergine speaks of his monumental works and because of these works, he was even seen as a composer who knows both era's music, Renaissance and Baroque and he was also seen as the main reason Baroque was also born. With heavy heart leaving Monteverdi. :(

Also you might have noticed, during Baroque period, slowly and steadily the accompanying instruments got it recognition. Right from Harpsichord, clavichord (keyboard instruments), flute, Viol (not viola), lute to name a few, started evolving and composers from middle and late Baroque period used these instruments for their concertos without voice. Concertos used an instrument as primary accompanied by other instruments. Also we heard some new terms in the music like sonatas (eventhough sonata is known in Renaissance, they way it was used in Baroque is different), continuo (again from Monteverdi), trio sonata, string quartet, quintet, concerto grosso and so on.

Arcangelo Corelli is one such composer in mid baroque who's trio sonata and concerto grosso (his innovation) is very famous.

Trio Sonata Op.1 in G minor A Fantastic piece.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsjudKRMzWY

Concerto grosso Op.6 No.8 in G minor (1/6) All the six parts are mind boggling and directly touches your heart!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcQPQpmG4Wk&feature=related

But Renaissance and Baroque can't be imagined without a Lute. Lute is a string instrument like a guitar. You can view how the lute looks and is played. Once you hear the lute sound, you may not like guitar at all.:D This instrument was pivotal in many concerto.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGMtXO4VcBI&feature=related

Antonio Vivaldi Lute Concerto in D Major (played by none other than John Williams in 1993, but used a guitar instead of lute). Beautiful piece.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3slSKBqEm0

PS: Yes Sunil, Ella is such a gorgeous singer, I have most of her collections. Any day or evening, her songs makes you feel fresh.

[kid-glove]

:clap:

One of my old posts in Mayyam was on sinister-sounding tendencies of WCM, that also touched on usage of "Schubert Trio in E-flat" in Piano Teacher & Barry Lyndon, and significant thematic similarities. But it's gone off the radar.

Will try to get older posts with some of my favorite pieces.

Recent ones here:


One thing you're promised from Japanese films is their devotion to various forms of music, be it Western Classical music, ballet, or Alternative Rock.

In that respect, the recently watched Confessions might easily join ranks with Love Exposure. It has a strange yet extremely effective combination of Bach's Concerto no.5 and Last Flowers (Radiohead), that's put to deliriously orchestrated melodrama as LE's own eclectic combination of Ravel's Ballet and Beethoven's 7th Symphony.

Significant that both films share disturbing themes (from Incest to oedipal rex), once again emphasizing & underlining the scope of WCM (be it Bach or Beethoven) in background compositions. And Japanese films open up such operatic opulence with relative ease. It's to do with the tradition that they carried on from old dance-(melo)drama routines.


Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake (heightened by the fact I saw "Of Gods and Men", more so than Black Swaaan anyway!) The acknowledgement of abyss towards the latter stages makes for a tremendous effect in "The Last Supper" scene..

[kid-glove]

The aforementioned Ravel's ballet is the classic single movement masterpiece (at least IMO, aware of other criticisms) Bolero. It was also used in 10(1979), although in a very obvious manner.

[kid-glove]

The film in my avatar uses two key classical pieces (though Johnny Greenwood score is extremely WCM-heavy ornate in itself).
One in closing credits, Brahms' "Violin Concerto in D Major Op.77:3"

And other being "Fratres for Cello & Piano" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vO92REraUo) by Arvo Part. This is used right after HW goes deaf. There's a lovely moment when it's briefly cut to silence as we're in HW's state of aural void as Daniel tries to speak to him, vainly.

[groucho070]

If I had not seen the first page, I would have thought of this as The K_G Monologue page :smile:

[kid-glove]

If not for VS, I'm afraid it'd very much be monologue mode. :lol:

[V_S]

k_g, Wow! I have not heard much music from Japanese films (watched few films though). Lot of homework to do. Just like Tarkovsky in films (very fond of his Andrei lublev and The Mirror), Tchaikovsky is my very favorite composer. Swan Lake Ballet is one of this best. Happy that your brought that up :thumbsup:

[V_S]

Oratorio forms an integral part of any baroque period music just like the operas. For the same reason Maestro Ilaiyaraaja also used this style to compose his Thiruvasagam. AFAIK oratorio style was introduced primarily to focus people to turn pious towards religion outside the churches. Opera is more dramatic and is not religious specific, but oratorio is sacred and mostly religious specific. But sometimes these concepts are even interchanged between operas and oratorio.

First one comes to my mind whenever I think about oratorio is Sir George Frideric Handel and his Messiah. But there are many composers before him wrote lot of oratorios. One such gem of a composer is Barbara Strozzi. Yes, she is a woman composer at that time who is very prolific and wrote many oratorios. But coming to Messiah, the beauty in this is there is no standard version. Based on the singer and instruments availability this has changed. One version I liked the most (hope everyone cannot deny this) is the one arranged and orchestrated by the greatest composer of all time Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Just imagine the best composer of oratorio Sir Handel's composition orchestrated by the great Mozart.

Here it is, Hallelujha from Messiah composed by Handel and arranged by Mozart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Td7nYKJp6Y

[prashanth12]

The aforementioned Ravel's ballet is the classic single movement masterpiece (at least IMO, aware of other criticisms) Bolero. It was also used in 10(1979), although in a very obvious manner.

I like Bolero, but I (as well as Ravel himself apparently) sometimes get annoyed when it seems to be the only thing people recognize from Ravel's work. In fact, the rest of his work is actually quite different from Bolero in style. For example, this piano piece is more along the lines of most of his work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTYUyDjVCRU

AKA the "impressionist" period in western classical. Ravel, Debussy...anyone else a fan of them?

[V_S]

Bach needs no introduction. Eventhough he belong to late Baroque era, his contributions to baroque style of music made him the most known composer of all time, even surpassing Monteverdis, Corellis and Vivaldis.

Straightway going into his compositions.

Bach's Cantatas. Cantata is a vocal composition with accompanying instruments, just like oratorio, but quite short compared to orataria. Again it's meaning changed from baroque to classical and romantic period. There is also solo cantata just like choir cantata. There is sacred cantata just like secular cantata. It seems Bach wrote many cantatas, but only 200 was recovered. There are different movements in each cantata. I have only 29 and 51 with me in my collection, so sharing, luckily they have the same in youtube (thanks to uploader). Need to hear more Bach cantatas.

This cantata called Cantata 51 - Aria 'Jauchzet Gott In Allen Landen'. This is a solo cantata. This cantata is one of Bach's best composition.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVkeCDQB0Nk

Cantata 29 is a sacred cantata.
Cantata 29 'Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken, dir' - Sinfonia (Sinfonie means symphony, but here this piece is just a prelude to the actual cantata)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jk1fLaDelk

Cantata 29 Aria (alto): Hallujah! Strength and Might (Op.4) This is one such tremendous performance by Doug Marshall. Just amazing how he plays with his legs too! Initially I thought it's a pedal, but it seems full organ keys under his legs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk-vbXCnmvE

Here is the list of all Bach's cantatas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cantatas_by_Johann_Sebastian_Bach

[V_S]

Fugue is the synonym for Bach. Fugue is again a unique composition with voices acting as a imitative counterpoints . I came to know about this wonderful term and its form of music from Maestro Ilaiyaraaja (who would forget that sensational Mad Mod Fugue? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmnpFzjos5Q))

Tocatto and Fugue in D minor for organ - Only Bach! Here you can clearly see the pedals and the keys under the legs. @3:04 starts the fugue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FXoyr_FyFw

Just that spectacular start directly elevates your soul. This is why Bach can't be equalled. :notworthy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JQXgn-cubQ (interesting to see that this music is used as a theme in the film Dracula, what an idea!).

Performed by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Now it's complete score with full orchestra. You can hear the "wuthering heights".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA6L8ab8VJ0

[V_S]

Completing Bach's fugue with a rare video. This is video of greatest conductor of all time, Stokowski conducting Bach's Toccata and Fugue with large Orchestra with Violins, Cellos and Oboe!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdYXqiXH2jY&feature=related


Bach's Brandenburg concertos - Not be missed, if one talks about Bach or Baroque music. Regarded as one of the best baroque period compositions. These are six concertos. Playlist containing all six concertos. Bach is the first one to employ such diversified range of instruments for his concertos. The way they play today (as we see in video) will greatly differ on how he orchestrated and arranged, but just understanding and playing bach's compositions is itself an big achievement. Because we can't see such perfect precision!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpf38dQpMzk&playnext=1&list=PL8D8690492BBE2420

[kid-glove]

"Ride of the Valkyries"
Excessive rage wanes slowly. Rude behavior, this too shall pass..

[Sunil_M88]

William Ballet - Greensleeves

[Sunil_M88]

Howard Blake - Walking in the air (The Snowman)

[V_S]

There are 24 tracks plus one song. Purchased it and worth the money spent. Could not skip any tracks, absolutely stunning! Never heard such a classic in a long time. Right along with Planet of Apes (1968), Omen by Jerry Goldsmith, Schindler's list by John Williams and Itzhak Perlman.
My picks, but does not mean others are not, lazy to write all 24 tracks. :smile:
This is Berk
Wounded
Forbidden Friendship
Test Drive
Romantic Flight
Battling the Green Death (since this is the climax, John Powell at his ever best)
Counter Attack
Where is Hiccup?(the first slow melody in whole of soundtrack, but that end? oh man!)
The Vikings have their tea
Please don't miss the song too!

Complete playlist (except the song). Thanks to the uploader

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNPIih4X7SA&playnext=1&list=PL2603FF4D3C4C995A

One big question. How did this miss the Oscars?

[Sunil_M88]

One big question. How did this miss the Oscars?

That's how I felt when John William's Memoirs of a geisha lost to Brokeback mountain. This year I favoured the soundtrack of Tangled.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoYFEO2ZU6k

[Sunil_M88]

Elena Kats-Chernin's - Eliza's Aria :musicsmile:

[Sunil_M88]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D9m0tF2ZXk

What hasn't Rahman ji tried?

[V_S]

That's how I felt when John William's Memoirs of a geisha lost to Brokeback mountain. This year I favoured the soundtrack of Tangled.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoYFEO2ZU6k
That was gorgeous! Especially the solo violin by Itzhak Perlman and cello by Yo-Yo-Ma.
What was astounding is @6:40 introduction of an instrument koto??. That sounded like a percussion instrument, but amazed to see it is a string instrument. And how John Williams creates that suspense (@7:10) by using different techniques (using the bow with a cup, gliding against a big wheel?). It is an outstanding creation. Just these samples make me sit up, don't know if I listen to the whole score. Thanks for the share Sunil!

[V_S]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D9m0tF2ZXk

What hasn't Rahman ji tried?
Wow! Never heard this before. I would say the best of Rahman's score. Violins, flutes and cellos totally captures us. Mind blowing!! :notworthy:

[Sunil_M88]

Lovely Joan (Ralph Vaughn William's Fantasia)

[Benny Lava]

Swan song performed by Yo Yo ma (poor audio quality, could not find a better version)

http://youtu.be/TgRAA-ew0H4

[V_S]

Fugue continued....
All the collection of Bach's prelude and fugue are consolidated into two books named 'The Well-Tempered Clavier' (it was previously having a different name). Bach's prelude and fugue is the most difficult thing in the world to understand and play even for experts. Just imagining playing in a keyboard or piano with just two hands which has multiple voices (not vocal) aka. counterpoints. Normally this is taught at the high school level or in the college. If playing itself is so difficult, just imagine how a composer would have composed this piece. Fugue is a big milestone in western classical music history. And one of the main reason why Bach is considered the composer of the world for any age/time.

Please listen to this piece (recommended by my teacher). This is from Book 1 BWV 847 and is in C-minor.The Fugue starts at 1:35 of this video. Played by 'Vladimir Davidovich Ashkenazy' on Piano. You can see its complexity when you observe closely, but it will not sound complex, very soothing to listen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nNbzo7KP-o

Bach cannot be equalled!

[V_S]

Swan song performed by Yo Yo ma (poor audio quality, could not find a better version)

http://youtu.be/TgRAA-ew0H4
Fantastic piece! Thanks a lot Benny Lava.

[Querida]

V_S Please Continue!!
I have just come upon this thread and am awaiting the weekend to fully enjoy the past posts :D
I've always wanted to know the history behind such and such classical period, but it seems like such a daunting task to undertake alone...for too long I have listened to classical music without knowing any of its history

So Thank You For This!!! :ty: :ty:

[V_S]

Thank you Que. Sure will share whatever little I know and understand as I come across. I too love the history of WCM, in-fact any classical music and how it evolved.

[Querida]

Dear V_S,

Finally found the time to read through all your posts,
Though the music certainly takes center stage
your recounts of history were truly engrossing to read,
please do continue :)

I didn't know Baroque extended to music as well
I have heard of it in Art and Architecture but not music...
I'm always a sucker for documentaries about music/art eras...but have not found any as such...

[V_S]

Here comes the next instrument which is widely used next after lute in renaissance and baroque period. It is viol or viola da gamba. Unlike we think from the name, viol does not belong to violin family (double bass, cello, viola, violin), but viola does, but both are not same. Still viol is a bowed string instrument like violin family. Viols are tuned in fourth (on staff notation, C to F is called fourth), while violas are tuned in fifth (C to G). There are also some differences in tuning different viols like the bass viols, tenor viols and treble viols, like it is not always tuned in fourth. Still today they have viols, we also have an equivalent in violin family, double bass which is also tuned in fourth like viols. I believe the range of bass viols is one octave below than guitar.
Some say the string instrument like violin first appeared in Northern Italy, but some say the bowed string instruments originated in Central Asia and moved to Europe while transferring itself some to India and China on its way. Whichever is true, the evolution is truly magnificent.

Another instrument which is very popular in renaissance and baroque period is harpsichord. I think it originated in Austria in 1300s. It looks and functions likes a grand piano with keyboard, but the sound is generated by plucking it. But it gave its first appearance in 1300 itself as a hand-held string instrument and gradually evolved by adding a small keyboard to it. By 1600 its range and size was increased so we need to sit before and play like a piano. It gained prominence during renaissance and baroque period. Obviously it gradually ceased and paved the way for piano by 1800s.

Now it's time to listen to one of the greatest duets involving both the above instruments, viola da gamba sonata with harpsichord in G Major from the greatest composer Johann Sebastian Bach (BWV 1027, I. Adagio) performed by Joanna Blendulf & Hanneke van Proosdij. Can't believe what vibrations these instruments invoke in me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgqrKFT7u0U

A perfect example of how a bass viola da gamba should be played. Just dissolve in the sound and emotion this instrument conveys. Remarkable performance by Abel!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80mF23zen6s

Thanks to the youtube uploader for this wonderful share.

[kid-glove]

:clap: V_S for this one

[V_S]

Thanks k_g for your compliments. I am honoured.

[V_S]

You might have noticed that I just dropped in a word 'sonata' in my previous post. This term underwent a sea of change from Baroque to Classical to Romantic period. Eventhough sonata in baroque was mainly for one (sometime more than one) solo instrument backed up by the bass which they call basso continuo or simply continuo. The last example we saw had a viola da gamba accompanied by harpsichord acting as its bass. Eventhough this term originated in Baroque as a musical genre, only in Classical period it matured enough to be called a 'musical form' rather than just a genre.

Even today the two main musical forms which are most celebrated are fugue and sonata. In both these musical forms, we have several movements, exposition, entry or episode, development and recapitulation (optional in fugue). The exposition in fugue and sonata are completely different. In fugue exposition itself is so complex, that it starts with one instrument (voice) and the answer to the subject is an imitation with several instruments (voices) just to put it simple. When the answer is yet to be finished, the subject comes again. But in sonata, exposition often means the main theme (again it's not that simple).

Just like we cannot ignore Bach when it comes to fugue, sameway we cannot ignore Domenico Scarlatti when it comes to sonata in baroque period. He has composed over 500 sonatas just for keyboard and mainly harpsichord, apart from his other works. Scarlatti family is a big name in baroque period starting with Alessandro Scarlatti, his brother Francesco Scarlatti and his sons Pietro Filippo Scarlatti, Domenico Scarlatti. While Alessandro is famous for operas, Domenico is famous for his sonatas. Through Scarlatti keyboard instruments like harpsichord came into prominence. I would even say Scarlatti is synonymous to Sonata.

If you listen to this harpsichord sonatas and how it sounds and listen the same on piano. May be scarlatti has built a magic and uniqueness in his composition that it will only suit harpsichord, we'll never know. Also heard that, through his compositions, Scarlatti already moved into Classical era while others stayed there in baroque. That is why we call them legend of all times.

Sonata K418 in F Major by Scott Ross

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YfAimhI3XA&playnext=1&list=PL850E385E8DE5067F

Sonata L33 (K87) in B minor on harpsichord by George Malcolm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CHb0uc7xqE

Sonata L33 (K87) in B minor on piano by legendry Vladimir Horowitz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lmqDOjHx70

I liked the harpsichord version better than piano.

While we say baroque instruments like harpsichord is already dead when piano was born, it is very good to see that still they are manufacturing these instruments so that we can atleast get a glimpse of how it sounds. Hats off to those who still value these instruments, manufacture, play, maintain and retain such classic instruments. :notworthy:

[V_S]

After listening to Nandhalala score by Maestro Ilaiyaraaja, and the extensive use of Oboe in his score tempted me to go behind this wonderful instrument. The detail, history and family this instrument has left me spellbound. Again to my surprise, from baroque era only good development of Oboe actually started which coincidentally our topic currently.

Can you imagine the first oboe (or a family of oboe) was seen around 5000 years ago? It seems Europe received a form of double read pipe from East around 12th century, eventhough this woodwind instrument is known much earlier in greece with a name called aulos. In 14th century England used oboes for ceremonies and rituals, but the sound of these oboes were more rustic. By 17th century, France made oboes which sounded sweet, unique but piercing with 3 keys, which later got expanded with more keys and ranges by 18th and 19th centuries. Only from 17th century the real development of oboes began. By 17th century it is again baroque period where the first sweet oboe came into existence. The range of baroque oboe is from Middle C to high D (D after the treble D). So its mostly in and above the treble clef range.

In the family of oboe, there are mainly four types, Oboe, Oboe d'amore, English horn or Cor anglais and Bass Oboe. There is even Oboe da caccia which is curved. Oboe d'amore is longer the Oboe, Cor anglais is longer than Oboe d'amore, and Bass Oboe is longer than Cor anglais.

Oboe d'amaore is very popular and extensively used by Bach in his concerto and cantatas. It range is from A (lower to middle C) to higher than high D. Another one in the family is the English horn (it seems the name is a misnomer) or cor anglais which is from F (fifth down from middle C) to high B. The third in the family is bass oboe which is very rarely used, and it's range is one octave below the oboe.

Bach Oboe Concerto (with strings and bass continuo) in G minor BWV 1056 by Cologne Chamber Orchestra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-2wJ6bjag&feature=related

Bach Easter Oratario (BWV 249) with Baroque Oboe d'amore. Stunning vocal. Watch Oboe d'amore in close and also supported by Bassoon (I think) to give bass support.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydmuYoqkLIw

I was looking for a video for the actual baroque oboe instead of modern one and luckily I got it. That too how. It's harpsichord, viola da Gamba, Oboe and Archlute which we discussed earlier. Can't be more exiting than this. The tonal and sound quality of baroque oboe is definitely better than the modern ones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HBIw8-eXds

Oboe and Baroque music are inseparable as many composers apart from Bach, like Vivaldi, Handel, Marcello, Albioni, to name a few, has also used it, but only Bach has used Oboe d'amore extensively.

If you are interested in modern Oboe family:
Modern Oboe d'amore Demonstration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSUtWXXd_bM
Modern Bass Oboe Demonstration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAM-VMvgIjM

[Sunil_M88]

The Cinematic Orchestra – Transformation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFhzK7YNFKk

Came across this when I saw a Tropicana Juice advert

[Sunil_M88]

The title credits piece from Grand designs

http://www.davidlowe.co.uk/uploads/media/audio_188.mp3

[Sunil_M88]

The Both Band - The Maids of Mitchelstown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM76nsyEe2I

Irish Tin Whistle adaptation of Maids of Mitchelstown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mr5Mugkn5c4

Heartwarming :musicsmile:

More Irish Traditional Music

The Irish Rovers (Canandian band) - Farewell To Nova Scotia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3MAaQLSSI

Instrumental cover of farewell to nova scotia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XNlKHvkYvw

I wonder if it's something to do with the sea and the rhythm around it and I some how am transported back to my university days, ahh the joys of uni. miss them a lot, but when listening to Celtic classical/folk songs I feel at home.

Here's one more track inspired from Celtic music. This time from the movie, Tangled.

Kingdom Dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tiBduBbUdE

:D

[Sunil_M88]

Wild flower by Adrian Von Ziegler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDOhBONYtYg

[Sunil_M88]

Romantic Music - Heaven's Touch by Adrian Von Ziegler

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIul3VktHKQ

[Sunil_M88]

Yiruma, (이루마) - River Flows In You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7maJOI3QMu0

[Sunil_M88]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi13I1MMrT4

[Sunil_M88]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYCL8ONwH5M&feature=fvst

[Sunil_M88]

Continuing with more Piano

Theme from Love Story (1970) - Francis Lai

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTSc4hBdCd0

[Sunil_M88]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-QAzRu4dJE

[kid-glove]

VS,
Your views on this


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGCIbn5ZT0g

[wizzy]

K_G listen to MSQ's Raga Saga..their best work.

[kid-glove]

WCM Hip hop fusion by my nigga


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc09zI7xZH4

[kid-glove]

WCM Hip hop fusion by my nigga


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc09zI7xZH4

:rotfl: :rotfl2:

Dei! Please.

[kid-glove]

K_G listen to MSQ's Raga Saga..their best work.

Did, really good stuff.

[kid-glove]

Before there was WCM, there was Baroque. Before Elgar, Henry Purcell..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEDxghvaR2U


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0mNAlPjmLA

[kid-glove]

The Flying Dutchman is just as richly nuanced as Ride of the Valkyries, but never has been used in Visual medium for people to immediately associate. I could only think of Manhattan Murder Mystery..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaGxgwB7DRY&feature=related