Tag Archives: Russia

Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23

Happy World Piano Day! Today, I saw a post by the record label Deutsche Grammophon on their YouTube channel, celebrating the day. I’ve already featured a couple of their pianists, so I thought I would look for another soloist’s performance in the suggested videos sidebar. I found one of Russian-German pianist Olga Scheps playing theContinue reading “Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23”

Lilac Wine

In 1966, American singer, songwriter, musician arranger and civil rights activist Nina Simone (1933-2003) released her sixth studio album, Wild Is the Wind. The album was assembled from recordings left over from previous recording sessions. (Please check out my post on Simone’s cover of “I Put a Spell on You” for more about her lifeContinue reading “Lilac Wine”

Salut d’Amour, Op. 12

This morning, I stumbled upon a video I thought would be perfect for Valentine’s Day. Salut d’Amour (originally titled Liebesgruss or Love’s Greeting) was the first published work by English composer Edward Elgar (1857-1934). He wrote the short piece in 1888 for his soon-to-be-wife, Caroline Alice Roberts (1848-1920), in response to the poem she wroteContinue reading “Salut d’Amour, Op. 12”

Les Contes d’Hoffmann: Belle nuit, ô nuit d’amour (Barcarolle)

Today, I was surfing around the web, looking for a classical music piece to share. I found a long operatic aria, but it was a bit too over the top for my taste. I then want back to my old standby for classical music, Deutsche Grammophon. Their YouTube channel is so tidy and organized, andContinue reading “Les Contes d’Hoffmann: Belle nuit, ô nuit d’amour (Barcarolle)”

Concerto For Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21, II: Larghetto

Many have probably heard piano works by Polish composer and pianist Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849, born Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin), without even knowing the music is by him. For example, the opening chords of the third movement of his Piano Sonata No. 2, known as the “Funeral March,” are often used as music to create a senseContinue reading “Concerto For Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F Minor, Op.21, II: Larghetto”

The Skye Boat Song

Paul Robeson (1898-1976) accomplished many things in several occupations in his life: a baritone singer performing Broadway, opera, spirituals and traditional folk songs; an actor; a football player in the National Football League; and, briefly, a lawyer.  He was a controversial figure in the history of America due to his sympathies for communist Russia, whichContinue reading “The Skye Boat Song”