Thursday Thirteen

In honor of September being Classical Music Month, here are Thirteen Classical CDs we enjoy listening to.

1. J. S. Bach: Brandenburg Concertos I

2. Heinichen: Dresden Concerti

3. Telemann: Wind Concertos

4. Handel's Water Music & Music for the Royal Fireworks

5. Battling Classics

6. Guitar Concertos: Vivaldi, Castelnuovo-Tedesco, & Villa-Lobos

7. A Touch of Class: Angel Romero

8. Spotlight on Flute

9. Parkening Plays Vivaldi, Warlock, & Praetorius

10. Telemann: Tafelmusik, Part 1

11. Serenade, James Galway

12. The Adagio Trio

13. Bach Sonatas, James Galway

Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list. :) Plus there are even more classical CDs at the library. At the moment, I have checked out: a James Galway CD, one by Yo Yo Ma, and another featuring Mozart. We like to listen while doing the dishes, when company is coming, while drifting off to sleep, and really almost anytime in between. :) Does anyone else enjoy classical music? What are some of your favorite composers, compositions, or musicians?

~Sarah

Comments

[Autumn swap]

Hey, we were wondering if you like to join in, on our autumn swap.
If you would here is the link.

www.autumnswap.blogspot.com

[kathie]

Wonderful post, Sarah. I have to admit, I don't enjoy listening to classical music, but I have always enjoyed *playing* classical music. I played cello in orchestras from 5th grade until I graduated from high school. I also took piano lessons beginning at 3 years old until HS graduation. Now my children have taken over playing. Glad to know we have that in common:-)

[Deb]

I love listening to 'classical' and find it very calming. My present favorite ~ Pachabel's Canon ~ I love it!!
Deb

[Kelly]

I adore Bach! I really love this post - it's quite a list and a very admirable one! Hope that you and yours have a blessed weekend - yay that Friday is already here! :0)

[Carol Blair]

Next Saturday, the 29th, The Longview (TX) Symphony will open its new concert season with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony--his “choral symphony”-- and one of my favorites. The orchestra has a lovely new concert hall here in Longview, and I recently learned that, for more than 100 years, this symphony has been the traditional opening piece for a new concert hall. So it’s all very appropriate.

But here’s the best part of all this: I am singing in the symphony chorus--a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Back in July there were several ads in the paper: “The Longview Symphony wants your voice . . .” and about 50 of us showed up to start 2 months of rehearsals. We are one of five choruses in a 3-state area, rehearsing independently, and all will come together for the final rehearsals, for a total of about 200 singers. The music is difficult, and, of course, the text is all in German (we have learned phonetic pronunciations), but it’s been wonderful, and I am looking forward to the final rehearsals next week with the full orchestra, and then, the concert on Saturday night.

A note about the words of the symphony:
Most readers of this blog, I’m sure, are familiar with the hymn “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” The music of this hymn comes from Beethoven’s Ninth, and for a long time I assumed that the words were English translation of the symphony’s German. Not so. The words of the hymn have no connection whatsoever to those of the symphony. Whereas the hymn is one of praise to God, the words of the symphony focus on the brotherhood of man. I wish that were not so; therefore, I’m glad that the words “Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love” fit Beethoven’s theme and thus remain uppermost in my mind when I think of this music.

If there is any interest, I would be glad to post a “post-symphony” comment . . .

Carol Blair
Longview, TX

[Sherrin]

I enjoy classical music, but I often don't think to put on a CD! Dave is much more into listening to music a lot than I am, and I really enjoy listening to what he puts on. He enjoys classical music, and we had several classical pieces during our wedding ceremony and reception.

[Debi]

Thanks so much for sharing these...I am always on the lookout for beautiful music...and I am especially fond of classical!

[Sarah]

Thanks for all the comments! :)

That sounds like a wonderful opportunity, Carol Blair. :) A post-symphony comment would be very interesting to read - please do tell us how it goes!