Classical Music: where to start ? Part 5

5th April 2026

Some Renaissance flute music to start, from Erasmus Widmann (Germany 1572 – 1634). I know very little about this composer, I discovered him serendipitously whilst searching for some Mediaeval music. Helena is from a collection of Galliards (lively dances).

Now to the ballet, and Sergei Prokofiev (Russia 1891 – 1953) with his iconic Dance of the Knights.

Gregorio Allegri (Italy 1582 – 1652) composed his Miserere circa 1638, and legend states that it was performed exclusively at the Sistine Chapel, and then only during Holy Week (in April). Now, this has been refuted, other copies were available outside the Vatican, and other performances took place, even in London.

A further legend has it that a young Mozart heard the piece once, possibly twice, and transcribed the entire work, note perfect. Again, this is questioned by historians but it remains a wonderful story and, as the film says, “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.” [1]

Gustav Mahler (Austro-Bohemia 1860 – 1911) mostly wrote symphonies, and song-cycles. His symphonies are often large-scale; his 8th Symphony had over 1 000 performers on its premiere.

The famous Adagietto is delicate, mystical and hauntingly beautiful. As mentioned in the previous blog, I hear a distinct influence from Beethoven’s final String Quartet in F Major Op 135.

[1] From the John Ford film ‘The Man who Shot Liberty Valance’ 1962.

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Classical Music: where to start ? Part 4 … Vienna!

29th March 2026

By Part Four, we have to introduce either Mozart or Beethoven, so why not introduce both. Vienna is a city resonating with music, coffee and culture, as well as being home to one of the world’s top orchestras, the Weiner Philharmoniker.

Let’s start with the aforementioned orchestra, performing the overture to Die Fladermaus by Johann Strauss II (Austria 1825 – 1899) at a traditional New Year’s Concert.

Joseph Haydn (Austria 1731 – 1809) has been called the “Father of the Symphony”, and can be seen as a link between Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. Here is the Adagio from his Cello Concerto in D Major.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Austria 1756 – 1791) began composing at the age of five. Requiem, his last composition, has been the subject of speculation and scandal, and is one of art’s famous unfinished works. The magnificent opening movement is Introitus.

From Mozart’s last work, to that of Ludwig van Beethoven’s (Germany 1770 – 1827). Mahler was certainly influenced by Beethoven, and this movement reminds me of Mahler’s Adagietto from the 5th Symphony … but that is for next week.

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.