45. Beethoven’s under-rated genius: Symphony No. 8 [part 2]
If there’s such a thing as an underrated Beethoven Symphony, it’s this – his 8th. Short, punchy, joy-filled, playful, brilliant! This is the intro to the 2nd half of the piece. Total listen time – 15 mins Music here: or … Listen
44. Beethoven’s under-rated genius: Symphony No. 8 [part 1]
If there’s such a thing as an underrated Beethoven Symphony, it’s this – his 8th. Short, punchy, joy-filled, playful, brilliant! Intro Part 2: Listening time: part 1: 19 mins Parts 1&2 [the whole thing] : 33 mins Music here: or … Listen
40. Gustav Mahler meets Trollface Quest [briefly!]
I’m inspired to play this by the video game TrollFace Quest! …where a little snippet of fanfare reminds me of Mahler’s brilliant first symphony. Intro here: Music here: or here on Spotify: Please comment on Facebook.com/cacophonyonline, subscribe to the podcast, … Listen
38. Minimalist genius – Reich, Mallet Quartet
Modern yet timeless; Dynamic yet static; Hypnotic yet energising The brilliant combination of tuned percussion instruments and the genius of Steve Reich in his Mallet Quartet Music here: or here on Spotify: Please like and comment on Facebook.com/cacophonyonline; subscribe to … Listen
29: Magical Adventures from the 1001 nights – Lockdown Music by Rimsky-Korsakov
Get swept away on magical adventures, and let Rimsky-Korsakov fire up your imagination with this music from Sheherezade – thrilling and uplifting! Music here: and here on Spotify: Please listen, like, share!
Lockdown Music 27: Short Ride in a Fast Machine – Lift off with John Adams
Hard to play, a lot of fun, a huge noise! John Adams sums up his own music nicely and this is a modern great to leave you uplifted and exhausted. Intro here: Music here: and here on Spotify:
Lockdown Music 26: Energy, Optimism and feeling Expansive: Nielsen Symphony No.3
This is punchy music that still swings and sings and sends an energising message of optimism and generosity of spirit… though the composer’s claims would have been more modest. Intro here: Music here – highly recommended video: And here on … Listen
Lockdown Music 20: Raucous celebration, accidents and bad traffic: Handel’s Fireworks Music
I was going to play something quiet… and then came across this Handel’s Fireworks Music. It’s brilliant – these performances are raw, raucous and exuberant and it’s more fun than this great piece has ever been. Music here with pictures … Listen