Posted in: Musicouching by Tel Asiado on August 26, 2008 | 6 Comments
This kind of music, often referred to as programme or descriptive music, aims to portray what the composer communicates to the listener. It is often a story, which depicts joy in lively rhythm, sadness in slow tempo, or turbulent music for a stormy weather. In all this, the composer impresses upon the listener his intent upon the flow of notes.
An American reacts to the atmosphere of Paris, France. It even includes taxi horns.
This piece is known as the “grand zoological fantasy” as the composer called it. It depicts a parade of animals, portrayed with a wonderful humour.
It includes four concertos representing the four seasons: Summer, Spring, Autumn and Winter.
A lovely scene in which the orchestral strings produce an atmosphere of a warm spring day, and a cuckoo, still away a lovely mood through the woodwind.
The actual title of this symphony is Symphony No. 6 in F major. It warmly expresses Beethoven’s affinity to the countryside, complete with the sounds of the birds’ call, the stillness of the brook, peasants’ simple joys, and so on.
This is a famous musical tale written by Prokofiev for children. The animals and other characters are portrayed by various instruments. Usually, there is a narrator who tells the story.
Mussorgsky wrote these musical descriptions of 10 paintings by his friend for the piano.
Vivid pictures of the four of famous fountains of Rome, at different times of day.
The gods of whom the planets were named by Holst are clearly portrayed.
This is the story of an apprentice of a wizard who finds he can cast a spell but can’t stop it from working.
Liz Ringrose August 27th, 2008 at 2:03 am
What an interesting idea to list these wonderful pieces. Quite by coincidence I heard Holst’s the planets (Jupiter)at an exciting event on Saturday night. A spitfire aircraft was doing an aerial display in sequence with the music – fantastic! There are a couple of the pieces you mention which I have not heard for a long time so I’ll go and seek them out
Susanne August 27th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I admit I don’t know each and every musical work you put in this list. But I definitely love the Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi (#3) and the Pastoral Symphony by Ludwig van Beethoven (#5).
Johanna Rosee August 27th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice is always a favourite to me, it stirs me up to get ontop of the task to be performed, get’s you in the mood so to speak. What a great idea to provide short descriptions on each of the great music pieces, so that you know what it will give you before you put it in the player, or before you buy. Keep it up !
Tel October 7th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Hi Liz,
Glad that you like the list. Thanks. I wish I heard performance on Holst too. Must have been exciting. Hoping you’ve heard the other pieces.
Best,
T
Tel October 7th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Hi Susanne,
Oh, I also love Ludwig’s Pastoral Symphony and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. I guess I’m inclined to Spring and Autumn.
Best,
T
Tel October 7th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Hi Jo,
Glad you like the list. Ah, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice! And, I’d like to think that you’d equally love the others, mood-wise, varying moments.
Cheers!
T