Classical Music: where to start ? Part 2

15th March 2026

Part Two starts with a guitar transcription of a piano suite by Enrique Granados (Spain 1867 – 1916), Spanish Dances, Number 2 ‘Oriental’ Op 37.

I usually hear this played by two guitarists, but I was very impressed by this solo performance by Sawa Yamamoto.

The second piece is a sinfonia, an instrumental introduction to an opera or oratorio. The composer is the German-born George Fridrick Handel (1685 – 1759), who became a naturalised British subject.

Vespers are evening prayers, held at sunset. One of my favourites is from Sergei Rachmaninoff (Russia 1873 – 1943). Here we have number VII Hexapsalmos from his Vespers Op 37.

Listening to a whole symphony can be a tad challenging, so here is one short section from Brahms (Germany 1833 – 1897), the third movement from his 3rd Symphony

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Classical Music: where to start ? Part 1

8th March 2026

So many composers, so many works, so many forms. Finding an entry into the world of Classical music can be daunting; symphonies, concertos, sonatas, requiems, arias, overtures, tone poems …

So, a series of selected pieces, introducing some of my favourite compositions.

To start, a sonata for oboe and piano by Francis Poulenc (France 1899 – 1963). Poulenc was a member of Les Six, a group of modernist composers in the 1920s.

A sonata has been described as an inward-looking piece, a main instrument supported usually (but not always) by a piano.

In contrast, Richard Wagner (Germany 1813 – 1883) wrote monumental operas which he termed music dramas. As some performances can last over five-hours, I recommend the instrumental prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.

For some vocal music, I suggest Hildegard of Bingen (Germany 1098 – 1179).

Finally, one of my favourite composers, Ralph Vaughan William (UK 1872 – 1958). The Tallis Fantasia, my introduction to RVW’s music, is for string orchestra, and in one single movement.

Tony Bennett R.I.P.

8th August 2023

Time to say goodbye to another musical legend, this time singer Tony Bennett who sang Jazz and American standards.

Tony was the last of the singers to have emerged after World War II, singers such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Mel Tormé, Sammy Davis Jr.

Music changed from Swing Jazz to Cool Jazz, Blues to R ‘n’ B, while Rock ‘n’ Roll, Pop and Rock music emerged. Yet, they still kept their careers and popularity.

I saw Mr Bennett at the 1998 Copenhagen Jazz Festival. At one point, Tony asked for the microphones to be turned off, and he sang to the crowd unamplified.

The following year, I saw him again perform a short set at a London department store where he was signing copies of his autobiography.

Here’s Tony’s signature tune – ‘I Left my Heart in San Francisco’

Tony Bennett 3rd August 1926 – 21st July 2023