My Favourite Pieces of Music
Romance for Two Pianos Op. 2 No. 1 by Carlos GUASTAVINO
(1. Las niñas de Santa Fe)
An elegant and sweetly romantic piece for two pianos, that overtime has become my favourite piece of music that I have discovered, so far. Composed c. 1940.
(My favourite recording is linked above though the performers and date are unknown)
Piano Concerto No. 2 Op. 14 by Nikolai KAPUSTIN
All three movements are absolutely sensational- lively, fun and animated. I listen to this all the time.
Composed in 1972.(My favourite recording is Nikolai Kapustin with the Oleg Lundstrem Orchestra, year unknown | linked above)
Romeo & Juliet Op. 64 | Act 3 | Scene 1| The Last Farewell by Sergei PROKOFIEV
Of all the magical ballet scores, this scene by Prokofiev always remains my favourite, especially this recording by the London Symphony Orchestra. Composed 1935/ 1940.
Something for Audrey by Henry MANCINI
A piece devoted to Audrey Hepburn and used in the film Two for the Road. It is so chic, classy, and stylish… I love it! Composed c. 1966/67.
Butterfly by Edvard GRIEG
A charming piano piece that flows so fluently under the fingers, capturing the essence and elegance of a butterfly. Composed c. 1886.
(My favourite recording is by Ivana Gavrić, Wigmore Hall, 28 November 2014 | linked above)
Solitude by Duke ELLINGTON
Quite melancholic and wistful. No version can ever beat that of Ella Fitzgerald, whose voice is smooth as silk. Composed in 1934.
Nocturne Pour Violon et Piano by Lili BOULANGER
Rather delicate and emotive, with not a note out of place. It builds beautifully, almost unfurling like the petals of a rose. Composed in 1911.
(My favourite recording is by Ittai Shapira & Jeremy Denk | linked above)
Untitled (III)- Three Pieces for Violin by Warren Ellis
A captivating violin piece, originally written for contemporary dance, that beautifully conjures visions of far-away lands. Composed c. 2002.
Five Telegrams | Sender & Receiver- V. Armistice by Anna MEREDITH
To me this is such a magical piece of music that unfolds and develops so perfectly, with such an impressive climax. In the linked video, the time stamp for movement five is 19:41. Composed c. 2018.
(My favourite recording is from the 2018 Proms at the Royal Albert Hall | linked above)
Le Sapin by Jean SIBELIUS
A very gentle piano piece, contemplative and oozing with melancholy. It plays a little like a memory.
Composed in 1914.(My favourite recording is by NAL Shiraishi, 2015, Tokyo, Japan | linked above)
Bonus:
Windmills of Your Mind by Alan Bergman & Michel LEGRAND
Captivating and beguiling, with tremendously poetic lyrics. Noel Harrison’s version is my favourite.
Composed c. 1968.Le Terrasses de Riz de Jatiluwih by Gabrielle DUCOMBLE
Such a gorgeous piece of music and angelic voice. There is an exquisite violin solo that I particularly love. Composed c. 2018.
Basal Metabolism by Alexander COURAGE/George GERSHWIN
This is so much fun and very expressive! Audrey Hepburn’s crazy dance simply makes it even better! Composed/ Arranged c. 1956.
Spotify Playlist:
N.B. Not every piece features on this playlist, mostly because it either wasn’t on Spotify, or I couldn’t find a recording that I liked and felt represented the pieces well. I have, however, linked the Youtube videos of my favourite recordings above, so you can listen to them there.
