83. A perfect parting gift: Bartók, Piano Concerto no.3
After three years ‘vegetating’ in New York, Béla Bartók produced a handful of late great pieces. A dying man’s birthday gift to his wife, his often easygoing and playful last piano concerto is, perhaps, my favourite concerto of all time… Listening time 35 mins.… Listen
76. Murderous legends, happy moods, and geo-politics: Smetana – Ma Vlast
I’m always a bit surprised to find myself humming bits of Ma Vlast – My Country by one of the Czech’s favourite sons. I guess I must really love it!
Feared by the Nazis, loved by the Czechs, this is the acceptable face of nationalism, and its full of great tunes and causes deep satisfaction.
Listening time 32mins
… Listen
61/62.Generous, positive and humane – Dvorak’s music is great for cheering us up (Symphony no.6)
It’s great to be able to escape from life’s concerns. Dvorak’s sixth symphony is full of good tunes, and a spirit of generosity and optimism. So forget about everything else for a bit and bask in Dvorak’s warmth and positivity. 35, 24 or 57 mins listen!… 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
Lockdown Music 23: Serious Fun! – Ligeti Romanian Concerto
This great piece is slightly schizophrenic – is it a serious piece of music over-run by people having fun, or a fun piece that’s occasionally trying to look serious? Ligeti was showing his love for Romania, but the Soviet Hungarians … Listen
Lockdown Music 22: Five Play Dangerous Music ! ( by Ligeti)
The Soviet authorities banned the last of Ligeti’s excellent and entertaining Six Bagatelles for wind quintet – too dangerous and subversive. Were they right? Intro: Music here on film – highly recommended: and here: Total listen time 17′
Music for the lockdown Episode 1: Bartok – Romanian Folk Dances
Bartok’s Romanian Folk Dances are very short, snappy and full of life! [9′ listen]… Listen
Smiling music: Dvorák Symphony No.8
Cheery and life affirming music, that’s almost guaranteed to make you happy!… Listen