Isaac Stern, violin

Wieniawski: Violin Concerto No. 2 in D minor for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 22/II. Romance. Andante non troppo
Philadelphia Orchestra

From Wieniawski/Bruch/Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos (1995)
Released by Sony Classical





Wieniawski: Violin Concerto

This is a wonderful piece played divinely by Isaac Stern. What makes it even more a treat is the fact that Wieniawski’s violin concertos are masterpieces which, unfortunately, are very rarely performed.

Paul Lewis, piano

Sonata no. 8 “Pathétique” in C minor, I. Grave – Allegro di molto e con brio

From Beethoven: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 2 (2007)
Released by Harmonia Mundi






Beethoven: Sonata no. 8 “Pathétique”

This Sonata was written in 1798 when Beethoven was 27, and named Grande Sonate pathétique by his publisher, who was impressed by it’s dramatic sonorities.

This is one of Beethoven most well-known and performed piece, and I just love Paul Lewis‘ mesmerizing rendition , his phrasing is intense, expressive and unique.

Maria João Pires and Ricardo Castro, piano

Fantasia for piano, 4 hands in F minor, D. 940 (Op. 103)

From Résonance de l’Originaire (2005)
Released by Deutsche Grammophon







Schubert: Fantasia for piano

This is one of the most important works for piano that Schubert wrote in 1828, the year he died. He dedicated the Fantaisie to Karoline Esterházy, with whom he was in love.

This rendition, by Pires and Castro, is unique, so delicate and subtle.

Daniel Barenboim, piano

La moza donosa

From Tangos Among Friends (1996)
Released by Teldec







Ginastera: La moza donosa

Many classical musicians have tried to add different genres to their repertoire, whether it is jazz, blues, musicals or something else, but most of the time, the rendition is just a disappointment.

So when I bought this Tango CD with Barenboim at the piano, I had my reservations, but the result is extremely pleasant.

He plays marvelously, with all the sensuality and exoticism you may expect from Buenos Aires, and it is a pure delight.

Mark Padmore, tenor
Paul Lewis, piano

Winterreise, Song Cycle for Voice & Piano, D. 911 (Op. 89) – Book I, Gute Nacht (‘Fremd bin ich eingezogen’)

From Schubert: Winterreise (2009)
Released by Harmonia Mundi






Schubert: Winterreise, Gute Nacht

Based on poems by Wilhelm Müller.

Every time I listen to Gute Nacht, sung by Mark Padmore with Paul Lewis at the piano, I get goosebumps.

I have never heard this song sung and played with so much intensity and sensibility; there are no words to describe it, the music simply goes straight to your heart.

more…

Richard Stoltzman, clarinet

Mozart: Clarinet Quintet in A
K581 Allegro

From Richard Stoltzman – The Essential Clarinet (1999)
Released by BMG






Mozart: Clarinet Quintet in A

This piece gives me a feeling of bien être, full of tenderness and contentment. This is pure joy and happiness.

Pascal Rogé, piano

Romances sans paroles (3) for piano, Op. 17:
III. Andante moderato

From Fauré: Piano Music (1990)
Released by Polygram Records






Fauré: Romances

Fauré’s piano music has never been widely performed although it deserves a legitimate place in any recital for its delicate, subtle and refined musicality.

Magdalena Kožená, mezzo-soprano

Bach: Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd, Cantata BWV 208 – Aria: Schafe können sicher weiden

From Bach Arias (1998)
Released by Deutsche Grammophon






Bach: Schafe können sicher weiden

One of my favorite mezzos, Kožená has a voice so clear and bright, it’s pure crystal.

Vivaldi: Beatus vir (Psalm 111) for 3 voices, strings & continuo in B flat major, RV 598
King’s Consort

From Vivaldi: Sacred Music, Vol. 3 (1997)
Released by Hyperion UK





Vivaldi: Beatus vir

This is so vigorous, uplifting and luminous that when I listen to this music, my day becomes shiny and joyful.

Heinrich Schiff, cello

Schubert: Quintet in C, D.956, II. Adagio
Alban Berg Quartet

From Schubert Quintet in C (1990)
Released by Angel Records






Schubert: Quintet D956

The String Quintet in C major, D 956, Op.163, was composed during the summer of 1828, two months before his death, and is Schubert’s final instrumental work.

I love the whole piece, but particularly the second Adagio movement, it is like an exchange of intimate confidences.