March 2020
Spring is soon upon us! Whether or not the weather is cooperating, we are ready for it, counting the days when we can put our parkas into the backs of our closets. Musically, we’re ready to shed the heavier, meatier works by the likes of Brahms and Rachmaninoff, and wanting to hear music that is lighter and fresher. Here, in no particular order, is the Top Five Classical Works for Spring, all of which can be heard on The New Classical FM!
1) Vivaldi – Spring from Four Seasons
Perhaps the most famous musical depiction of Spring ever written!
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2) Beethoven: Pastoral Symphony – 1st movement
There’ll be lots more Beethoven coming up as this is the 250th anniversary of his birth. The opening suggests the sun shining down on a meadow.
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3) Mendelssohn: Spring Song
You’ve heard this before. Here’s a lovely version of this piece for strings.
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4) Delibes – Flower Duet
The most famous opera duet about flowers.
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5) Smetana – The Moldau
This starts out very quietly – so don’t turn your volume up too loud. This depicts a famous river flowing through the Bohemian Forest and through the Czech countryside.