Music For The Day

Music For The Day

Samuel HooperLeave a comment

Leonard Bernstein, here conducting “Chichester Psalms”, his own composition from 1965, performed by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Wiener Jeunesse Choir, at the Philharmonie Hall, Berlin:

 

Here in its entirety, because it is great.

Gotta love the 1980s hair, glasses and clothing too.

Awake, psaltery and harp:
I will rouse the dawn!

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before His presence with singing.
Know that the Lord, He is God.
It is He that has made us, and not we ourselves.
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Come unto His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His court with praise.
Be thankful unto Him and bless His name.
the Lord is good, His mercy everlasting
And His truth endureth to all generations.

Music For The Day

Samuel HooperLeave a comment

Rachmaninov Prelude, Op. 23 No. 4 in D Major, performed by Vladimir Ashkenazy:

 

My favourite recording of this piece.

Music For The Day

Samuel HooperLeave a comment

On the 75th anniversary of the death of George Gershwin, a performance of his Piano Concerto in G (first movement). Played here by Anastasios Pappas, accompanied by the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. Not the most famous or iconic of recordings, but well worth a listen.

Music For The Day

Samuel HooperLeave a comment

“Dialogue du vent et de la mer”, the third movement of Debussy’s orchestral masterpiece, performed here by the peerless London Symphony Orchestra, of which (declaring all biases upfront) I am a longtime supporter and patron.

 

Gergiev, conducting, is in fine form here, as are the LSO brass and woodwind, who add so much colour and tone to this piece. I was present in the audience when this video recording was made.

If this is new to you and it doesn’t grab you right away, stick with it for the climax and finale (beginning at around 5’50), and then go and listen to the first and second movements as well. You won’t be disappointed.