I enjoyed The 2nd Law by Muse, but I’m kind-of peeved by the fact that they seem to be overlooking the fact that the Earth isn’t an isolated system, and so what they say about isolated systems doesn’t directly apply to Earth (but see this). (OTOH, they do kind-of have a point, so I’m willing to write this off as poetic licence.)
Il Giardino Armonico has some excellent recordings of baroque music. I’m usually not a fan of period instrument performances, but this stuff really works for me. You still have to deal with the blatty horns, which I really detest, but the rest of it is great. Doesn’t sound “thin” like some other period instrument recordings.
Their Brandenburgs are among the best I’ve heard, up there with Marriner. Here’s a Youtube link to a performance of the fourth concerto, but that performance is unfortunately not nearly as good as the one on the recording.
They even bring something fresh and exciting to really tired old chestnuts. Their version of The Four Seasons is marvellous and unlike anything else out there. Check it out here, and compare with a more traditional (but still excellent) version (Itzhak Perlman with the Israel Philharmonic).
For an even more tired chestnut made fresh, see their version of Pachelbel’s canon.
Glad to see one of those links is Magnetic Rag. That’s my favorite.
Most people I know who like Chopin also like Rachmaninoff (his Preludes are a goodplace to start; if you don’t mind a cellist joining in, the Cello Sonata is amazing) and Brahms (Op. 118 is a favorite). I also recommend everyone listen to Schubert’s Sonata D. 960 no matter what else they like.
Lately I haven’t been playing much besides Scriabin’s early works. I don’t think he gets enough credit—there’s a lot there. The Op. 11 Preludes are a good starting point. (The Op. 8 Etudes, the first three sonatas, the Sonata-Fantasie, and Fantaisie in B Minor are the others I’m slowly working through. He’s probably my favorite composer at this point.)
As far as stuff more like Joplin, you might like Art Tatum. I’m less knowledgeable in that arena (not that I really know that much about classical music).
Murray Perahia playing Bach is always fantastic. I particularly recommend his recordings of the partitas (here’s a performance of one of them). Also good are his English suites and Goldberg variations. Perahia’s Bach is lyrical and contemplative, probably more Chopin-esque than other interpretations (to the extent that Bach can be Chopin-esque).
I suspect you’ll like Scarlatti. I recommend Yevgeny Sudbin’s recording of his sonatas.
I don’t listen to much ragtime, but if you’re into bop, I highly recommend TheloniousMonk and BudPowell. Since you like solo piano, get the album Monk Alone. It’s so good. Also, “Thelonious Monk” has to be the most bad-ass name ever.
Brahms’ Rhapsody in G minor is wonderful, the other one in the set is good too.
One of my favourite pieces of all time is Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata (1st movement here).
For more contemporary stuff, I can’t recommend Ligeti’s solo piano music enough. Etude 13 is in large part responsible for me getting into contemporary music, and thus, becoming a composer.
EDIT: Also, John Field was a big influence on Chopin; he’s credited with inventing the nocturne form I think. Not as virtuosic though, if that’s what you’re into.
I’ve been listening to Sphongle a lot lately… the two albums Nothing Lasts and Are You Sphogled? have some pretty gnarfy Muzaks…
Also, though this has been a constant in my life since about 4 years ago, Juno Reactor’s Gods and Monsters…
Beethoven’s 9th (my favourite), via Gunter Wand.
The Social Network’s OST is also quite nice.…
Question: Who loves chiptune?
Music Thread
I enjoyed The 2nd Law by Muse, but I’m kind-of peeved by the fact that they seem to be overlooking the fact that the Earth isn’t an isolated system, and so what they say about isolated systems doesn’t directly apply to Earth (but see this). (OTOH, they do kind-of have a point, so I’m willing to write this off as poetic licence.)
Il Giardino Armonico has some excellent recordings of baroque music. I’m usually not a fan of period instrument performances, but this stuff really works for me. You still have to deal with the blatty horns, which I really detest, but the rest of it is great. Doesn’t sound “thin” like some other period instrument recordings.
Their Brandenburgs are among the best I’ve heard, up there with Marriner. Here’s a Youtube link to a performance of the fourth concerto, but that performance is unfortunately not nearly as good as the one on the recording.
They even bring something fresh and exciting to really tired old chestnuts. Their version of The Four Seasons is marvellous and unlike anything else out there. Check it out here, and compare with a more traditional (but still excellent) version (Itzhak Perlman with the Israel Philharmonic).
For an even more tired chestnut made fresh, see their version of Pachelbel’s canon.
Listening to a lot of piano music lately and looking for suggestions.
Scott Joplin has always been a favorite of mine. I linked my favorite 3 songs of his other than the two that everyone knows.
I also love Chopin.
Glad to see one of those links is Magnetic Rag. That’s my favorite.
Most people I know who like Chopin also like Rachmaninoff (his Preludes are a good place to start; if you don’t mind a cellist joining in, the Cello Sonata is amazing) and Brahms (Op. 118 is a favorite). I also recommend everyone listen to Schubert’s Sonata D. 960 no matter what else they like.
Lately I haven’t been playing much besides Scriabin’s early works. I don’t think he gets enough credit—there’s a lot there. The Op. 11 Preludes are a good starting point. (The Op. 8 Etudes, the first three sonatas, the Sonata-Fantasie, and Fantaisie in B Minor are the others I’m slowly working through. He’s probably my favorite composer at this point.)
Are you interested in contemporary classical? Rzewski is fantastic. Try listening to Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues or The People United Will Never Be Defeated (8-video live performance, or a good recording in a single chunk ).
As far as stuff more like Joplin, you might like Art Tatum. I’m less knowledgeable in that arena (not that I really know that much about classical music).
Magnetic Rag is my favorite too :D
Thanks for the recommendations!
Murray Perahia playing Bach is always fantastic. I particularly recommend his recordings of the partitas (here’s a performance of one of them). Also good are his English suites and Goldberg variations. Perahia’s Bach is lyrical and contemplative, probably more Chopin-esque than other interpretations (to the extent that Bach can be Chopin-esque).
I suspect you’ll like Scarlatti. I recommend Yevgeny Sudbin’s recording of his sonatas.
I don’t listen to much ragtime, but if you’re into bop, I highly recommend Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell. Since you like solo piano, get the album Monk Alone. It’s so good. Also, “Thelonious Monk” has to be the most bad-ass name ever.
Thank you. I really like the first few you posted, and I’ll check out the rest.
Don’t know why you had a downvote...
Perhaps someone disagrees that “Thelonious Monk” is the most bad-ass name ever? I have had vicious arguments with “Wolf Blitzer” advocates before.
Brahms’ Rhapsody in G minor is wonderful, the other one in the set is good too.
One of my favourite pieces of all time is Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata (1st movement here).
For more contemporary stuff, I can’t recommend Ligeti’s solo piano music enough. Etude 13 is in large part responsible for me getting into contemporary music, and thus, becoming a composer.
EDIT: Also, John Field was a big influence on Chopin; he’s credited with inventing the nocturne form I think. Not as virtuosic though, if that’s what you’re into.
Alex Altair introduced me to Pegboard Nerds.
I’ve been listening to Sphongle a lot lately… the two albums Nothing Lasts and Are You Sphogled? have some pretty gnarfy Muzaks… Also, though this has been a constant in my life since about 4 years ago, Juno Reactor’s Gods and Monsters… Beethoven’s 9th (my favourite), via Gunter Wand. The Social Network’s OST is also quite nice.… Question: Who loves chiptune?
*Shpongle
Would second the recommendation if you like weird psychedelic/trancey music.