Wonderful!
Yo-Yo Ma
Mstislav Rostropovich
Paul Tortelier (Masterclass)
Mischa Maisky
When people try to “get into” classical music they have to cope with so many different interpretations of the same piece.
Sometimes it takes some training to become a good listener and know your favorite piece of Bach or Mozart so well that you can “judge” different interpretations.
But don’t make the mistake looking for the perfect interpretation, look for the one that touches your soul. That’s the right one for you …
Here are four different interpretations of one of my favorite Bach pieces. Which one do you like best?
Andrea Bocelli with Sarah Brightman …
… Christina Aguilera …
… and finally Elmo! 
Andrea Bocelli is one of these people that make mere mortal feel even smaller. Already as a youngster we was a gifted musician – playing the piano, saxophone and the flute. He lost his sight as a kid thanks to a football hit on the head.
As an adult he studied law and got his doctor degree. But to pay for his education he sang in piano bars (where he also met his future wife and mother of his two kids) – which also launched his singing career.
Today he is an international star and sold millions of CDs. Most of his albums are quite kitschie – but his success is nevertheless impressive.
Nevermind that "Mutter" is younger then her Daughter – but I just love the Magic Flute.
This is actually a performance by the The Royal Opera House at Covent Garden – Diana Damrau (Queen of the Night) and Dorothea Röschmann are obviously German.
For me it’s often amusing when I hear the Zauberflöte sung / performed in "ungerman" accents – but this one in "fine and pure arian art" …
There not much a simple soul and music lover like me can write about such a genius.
I remember when I was 16 and a coworker introduced and educated me about classical music. Since I loved symphonic soundtracks like Star Wars or Star Trek II that was easily done – and I was hooked. Loved Beethoven and his wild emotions and free spirit. Mozart – nah – that was shallow. My coworker told me to be patient – and the taste for Mozart would come with maturity. Now that I am an old fart myself I have to say he was right. Now I am very much into Mozart and much more can hear and appreciate all his subtleties and nuances.
The challenge with Mozart – for any new acolyte of classical music – is his huge volume of work. It ranges from entertaining little melodies to to breath taking requiems. There is music for almost any occasion and mood in his huge repertoire.
Click to play “The Marriage of Figaro – Overture”:
Click to play “Klaviersonate Nr. 15 C-dur KV 495″:
Click to play “Symphonie Nr. 31 D-dur KV 297 ‘Pariser’”:
So if you like what you just heard and want to dig deeper buy one of the many “Best of Mozart” CD or MP3 collections. Check the pieces and maybe pick one piece that you enjoyed in particular.
His operas range from easy to monumental, so if you want to see one go to YouTube and dig a bit deeper. The Magic Flute is always a safe choice and charming, Don Giovanni is more like Heavy Metal.
More? Mozart @ Wikipedia
Philip Glass is one of the few soundtrack composers that is famous for his movie and classical work as well.
His style is hypnotic, often a bit weird and unusual compared to music from great soundtrack composers like John Williams or classical ones like Beethoven. But he certainly is unique – and therefore not for everybody.
I personally love his hypnotic violin waves and delicate themes. It’s an almost surreal music – I guess that is why it was chosen for Koyaanisqatsi (1983) and later for Mishima (1985).
The Mishima soundtrack is a permanent item on my play lists for now over twenty year – and I am still loving it.
Click to play “November 25: The Last Day” (which is very similar to the Main Title):
Click to play “1937: Saint Sebastian”:
Click to play “Kyoko’s House (“Stage Blood Is Not Enough”)”:
Once again this music is not “easy listening”, but it’s well worth exploring. If you only want to buy one Philip Glass CD ever – than I recommend “Mishima”.
More? Philip Glass @ Wikipedia and Philip Glass @ Amazon.com