What I'm Listening To - Mahler Symphony No. 7

I was watching a rerun of Gilmore Girls, where Emily (the grandmother) remarks to her date that the Mahler Seventh Symphony will always move her. Not having that work in my immediate recall, I had to run to the music library and listen to it. This version is the Boston Symphony Orchestra conducted by Seiji Ozawa.

If you have ever wondered what work you are listening to while watching a movie or television show, there are several Web sites that contain good listings, although none are exhaustive.

Classic TV Database - Theme Songs
Classical Theme Music
Classics from the Silver Screen
Naxos.com's Classical Music in Movies

Categories: Featured listening, Research Tool

What I'm Listening To - Chopin - The Nocturnes

During the start of a school year, I often use music to remedy stress. My favorite composer to bring emotional release is Chopin, and as a pianist, his nocturnes have always allowed me to reflect and relax.

To be honest, this Claudio Arrau CD is merely the first one I pulled from the shelf, although the music library has multiple renditions of the Chopin nocturnes. You can listen to others here.

Categories: Featured Listening

What I'm Listening To - Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky

As you may or may not know, this year is the Year of the Environment at Furman University. I have been compiling a list of music about the earth (forthcoming) and in looking for a recording of Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps) came across this compact disc collection, with Igor Stravinsky conducting his works. This is the first time this set has been released on CD, as the recordings were made in the 1960s and 1970s. This CD is available in the music library, just look for MCD3295. The packaging, with each CD in a "jacket," is like a miniaturized version of the original records.

On a bonus disc, there is a piece called Circus Polka, which was originally composed as a ballet for elephants and ballerinas, and was presented as such in a joint circus performance in 1942.

You can view a list of all Stravinsky recordings here.


Categories: Featured listening