Author: whskyjack

I don’t think I am ready to start Christmas music just yet. But this piano duet by Mozart is light and lively, creating images in the mind of snow flakes dancing or excited children. Both of which are part of Christmas.

Sonata for Two Pianos in D major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Performed by Lucas & Arthur Jussen

Enjoy, Jack

From Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn‘s jazzed up, swing version of the Nutcracker Suite

The Peanut Brittle Brigade

Enjoy, Jack

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Violin Concerto in D major, op.35 (1878)

Performed by- Budapest Concert Orchestra

Lisa Batiashvili on violin

Enjoy, Jack

The bassoon is not an instrument I think of often and had never heard one doing a solo but Vivaldi wrote 39 concertos for the bassoon. I ran across this performance on youtube , with it’s fun and lively sound is perfect for a festive occasion, much better than most thanksgiving music.

I wasn’t able to find much information about the concerto but did run across this bit of information

Many consider the Concerto for Bassoon in E Minor (RV 484) to be one of Vivaldi’s most successful concertos. The opening Allegro poco draws inspiration from the only surviving movement of the Concerto for Flute RV 432. The Andante is languorous; the outer movements vigorous and intense, most notably the final Allegro with its irresistible and unmistakeable Vivaldian élan.

The performance is a national school competition in Poland which may add to the liveliness of the performance.

Enjoy, Jack

Todays selection is a bit different than my usual picks. I usually try to find soothing music that is suitable for a Sunday morning after a hard Saturday night. But this one caught my attention and I decided to share.

String Quartet No.1 E minor „From my life“ 1st movement: Allegro vivo appassionato,

Composer: Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884)

Performed by the Armida Quartet

Enjoy, Jack