Aaron's Classical Music Blog

Classical Music CD Review
Ludovico Einaudi's Divenire is a polyphonic masterpiece with the ability to draw the listener inside him/herself wholeheartedly. Divenire was my first introduction to Einaudi, and after having listened to the album several times, it's safe to say I'm going to be searching for more of his records. Einaudi's Divenire is simply beautiful - I'm hoping his other albums are too.

Purchase/Download Ludovico Einaudi: Divenire

Though most of us know Mozart and/or his music on some level, there are still many things many of us do not yet know. Here are a few facts and tidbits about Mozart's opera Idomeneo. Purchase/download Mozart's Idomeneo.

There are some pretty unique videos on YouTube.com. I came across this one today - "...a Song Composed Entirely of 37 Cello Parts." I think you'll get a kick out of it! Watch the video.

Rostropovich, once the musical director and conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra, was considered one of the 20th century's greatest cellists. This time last year (April 27, 2007), Rostropovich died at 80 years old. Rostropovich suffered from intestinal cancer at the time of his death. Rostropovich's performances and mastery over the instrument inspired, awed, and delighted audiences throughout the world. Watch a video of Rostropovich performing Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Hob. VIIb:1.

Purchase/download music performed by Rostropovich

Composer Profile
Clint Mansell is a composer that caught my attention several months ago after having watched The Fountain with a few friends. I stumbled across the original film score a couple of weeks ago and forgot how much I liked the music. Most people know Mansell's work from the cult classic Requiem for a Dream. In both movies, Mansell's music is performed by the highly regarded Kronos Quartet. Learn more about Clint Mansell in this profile.

Purchase/download music by Clint Mansell

Steve Reich's Music for 18 Musicians is one of our lifetime's defining pieces of music. You either love it or you don't. If you are unfamiliar with the work, here is a YouTube video that will introduce you to the famous piece of music. Fan or not, I'd love to for you to share your thoughts and opinions about this piece.

Purchase/download "Music for 18 Musicians" by Steve Reich

In the sea of young classical musicians, the talent each one possesses is something of which to be proud. However, merely possessing the talent will not get one very far. It takes hard work and many years of sacrifice and dedication to achieve the level of success similar to these four young classical musicians.

New Yorkers are treated to all kinds of cultural activities and musical events throughout the year, many of which are free of charge. If only every city were as active as New York! On Sunday, May 18th, the non-profit Omega Ensemble will present a free concert at the Christ & St. Stephen's Church at 120 West 69th in New York City. One of the primary purposes of the Omega Ensemble is to present low-cost or free concerts of especially talented young musicians to the public. Two of the ensemble's young performers were awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant. The "Gift to the City" concert will include Brahms’ Sonatensatz in Eb Major for violin and piano, Sibelius’ Romance Op. 78 No. 2 for violin and piano, Debussy’s Sonata for violoncello and piano, Bassi’s Concert Fantasia on Motives from Verdi's opera, Rigoletto for clarinet and piano, and Schubert’s Trio in Bb Major, Op. 99 for piano, violin and violoncello. For more information about the Omega Ensemble and its upcoming concert, please visit the Omega Ensemble website.

Classical Music CD Review
Yet another fantastic CD for 2008. Grammy Award winner Murrary Perahia performs Bach's partitas 2-4 with fluidity and grace. If you love Bach's music or exceptional piano performance, you'll love this CD. Read more...

Purchase/download Murray Perahia - Bach Partitas 2, 3, & 4

Now that Spring has finally planted its feet, rainy weather has become a regular occurrence. All this rain has got me thinking of one of Chopin's famous preludes and I cannot get it out of my head. Can you guess which one it is? It's no other than Chopin's Prelude No. 15 in D flat Major, often referred to as the "Raindrop" prelude. Learn more about Chopin's "Raindrop" prelude. If you are unfamiliar with this beautiful piano prelude, here's a YouTube video of Vladimir Horowitz performing it.

Purchase/download Chopin's Preludes