Click on the YouTube Logo to hear more music
Explore MUSIC
with Solon
Improve your well-being with music
uploaded on 25th May 2021
Background
"Sonata in C minor Op.13 (Pathétique)" by BEETHOVEN
0.00-09.15 : 1st movement "Grave"
09.20-14.00 : 2nd movement "Adagio cantabile"
14.10-19.05 : 3rd movement "Rondo"
From the sonorous opening chords of the first movement to the rapidly descending scale culminating to a perfect cadence of the finale of the 3rd movement, the Pathetique (passion) sonata's name is fitting and is a rare occasion where Beethoven gives a name to his piece (during this time, he also suffered from the onset of hearing loss). This performance celebrates the 250th anniversary since Beethoven's birth.
The 2nd movement is how the sonata is best remembered.
uploaded on 8th April 2021
Background
Gershwin's 'The Man I Love'
Originally for the voice with lyrics composed by George Gershwin's brother, Ira Gershwin, was first published in 1924 as 'The Girl I Love' for the musical 'Lady, Be Good.' However, this song was dropped after not conforming to the style of a musical, particularly in the 1920's. Afterwards, in 1927 the purpose of this piece was directed towards anti-war, featuring in 'Strike Up the Band', with its title we know today. The flourishing blues harmonies, the swinging rhythm, it is impossible to disagree with John Ireland, "Perfect, my boy, perfect. This is the music of America."
uploaded on 6th February 2021
Background
Henry Charles Litolff’s Scherzo from symphonique number 4
It is very difficult to imagine how this composer, who was regarded as the ‘English Liszt’, has slipped out of history. Nevertheless, this composition continues to be highly celebrated, leaving anyone with a jubilant experience. The piece is supposed to be played with an orchestra and if that opportunity comes, the full version of the piece will be uploaded. Henry Litolff was born in London on the 6th of February as confirmed by the St Marylebone Parish Registers, not in August which many other sources say. His virtuosity impressed Liszt, who even gave Henry the dedication of his Concerto no. 1. Henry went to a debtor’s prison which he escaped and lived in exile, where he is buried in Paris.
uploaded on 25th January 2021
Background
Never on Sunday (GreeK title:"Ta Pediá tou Pireá")
Solon's arrangement requested by Vangelis Grammatikopoulos and dedicated to cultural enthusiasts
This music won an academy award of best original song in 1960, which was a first for a foreign language film.
Manos Hadjidakis, the composer, specialised in classical music as well as Greek-style orchestral pieces (Entekhno) and film music. His first composition was 'Paper Moon' from Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named desire.
uploaded on 1st January 2021
Background
Chopin's Prelude in A Major (Op. 28, No.7).
This soothing piece of music dampens current tumultuous times, and has also been adapted for ballet by Alexander Glazunov in 'Les Sylphides.'
uploaded on 24th December 2020
Background
"Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence" - Ryuichi Sakamoto (one of his compositions, which won the 1983 BAFTA Award for Best Film Music).
The film, from which this theme comes from, takes you on an emotional journey through the labyrinth of World War II, yet resolves with the festive spirit of Christmas. The resolution takes form as a heartfelt 'Merry Christmas' as the war approaches the end, despite the Japanese Sergeant 'Hara' being executed the next day. He remains calm and wishes his former British enemy 'Mr Lawrence' a 'Merry Christmas'.
uploaded on December 2020
Background
Chopin's Prelude in E Minor (Op. 28, No.4).
Along with Mozart's Requiem, Chopin also requested for this piece to be played at his funeral. Notice Chopin's final dynamic marking of smorzando at the end of this piece, which means dying away. Hopefully, this can give emotional support to those who have succumbed to tragedy during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Hanau, Germany November 2019
Background
Mozart's 2nd movement (Andante) from Piano Concerto no.21 (also known through the 1967 Swedish film as the Elvira Madigan Concerto)
This concerto is featured at 31st place in the 'Ultimate Classic FM Hall of Fame 2020.'
To Be Continued...
"Explore MUSIC with Solon" EST. December 2020
