M’s Classical Choice – Page 2

Schubert: String Quintet in C Major, Op 163, D 956

This is Schubert’s only string quartet, completed two months before he died at the age of 31 in 1828. It is unusual because it is scored for two cellos instead … Continue readingSchubert: String Quintet in C Major, Op 163, D 956

Mendelssohn: Octet in E flat major, Op 20

I find it incredible that Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) wrote this marvellous work when he was only 16. By this time he had already composed 12 string symphonies, a symphony for … Continue readingMendelssohn: Octet in E flat major, Op 20

J S Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No 3, BWV 1048

The six Brandenburg Concertos, written in or before 1721, are all gems, but this is my favourite. Here it is performed in Bach’s original instrumentation of three violins, three violas, … Continue readingJ S Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No 3, BWV 1048

Handel: Organ Concerto, Op 7 No 4

THIS is one of 12 organ concertos Handel composed in two sets as interludes for performances of his oratorios. This one is thought to have been written in 1746. My … Continue readingHandel: Organ Concerto, Op 7 No 4

Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 54

THE German composer Robert Schumann completed his only piano concerto in 1845. It was premiered in Dresden with his wife Clara as the soloist. I think this work has been … Continue readingSchumann: Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 54

Mozart: Divertimento K136

A divertimento, from the Italian divertire ‘to amuse’, is a light and entertaining piece. It doesn’t mean that it isn’t wonderful music. This is one of dozens that Mozart wrote. … Continue readingMozart: Divertimento K136

Schubert: Impromptu Op 90, No 4

THIS is one of eight impromptus, piano pieces composed by Schubert in 1827, a year before his death at the age of only 31. They are published in two sets … Continue readingSchubert: Impromptu Op 90, No 4

J S Bach: St Matthew Passion BWV 244

GOOD Friday is an appropriate day to post this final chorus from Bach’s monumental work. It is entitled Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder, which is usually translated as ‘We sit … Continue readingJ S Bach: St Matthew Passion BWV 244

Beethoven: Waldstein Sonata

LUDWIG van Beethoven (1770-1827) wrote Piano Sonata No 21 in C major, Op. 53 in 1804 and dedicated it to his friend and patron Count Ferdinand Ernst Joseph Gabriel von Waldstein of … Continue readingBeethoven: Waldstein Sonata

Mozart: Requiem K 626 Tuba Mirum

MOZART (1756-1791) was still writing this beautiful work when he died at the terribly early age of 35. He had written the vocal parts for this section but the orchestration … Continue readingMozart: Requiem K 626 Tuba Mirum