April's Listening Picks

The sun is finally coming out! And here are some things I’ve been listening to recently that may or may not reflect that…

Jennifer Higdon - String Poetic

Basically this is just really beautiful music. The whole piece is really interesting, but this one really has something about it that makes it pretty special.

Sergei Prokofiev - Symphony No. 5

A classic, and for good reason. Prokofiev is the master of orchestral colour and this piece has so much varied but unmistakeable character. A real listening adventure!

Sergei Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 3

The other Sergei, and very different in musical style. I really think this might be his best piece. If you fancy some lush music, this is definitely the one to go with.

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor - Quintet for Clarinet and Strings

I really love the way melody and harmony are interweaved and relate to each other in this piece. It exists in that place between beauty and fun.

György Ligeti - Atmosphères

I’m not sure whether I’ve shared this before, but I have been listening to it this month. In its own way, it’s shocking and visceral while still being incredibly beautiful. I’d be especially interested in what people have to say about this one.

Come back to the blog soon for a post about practice and how it can feel like a bit less of a chore, which I’m looking forward to sharing with you all! I hope that you enjoy this month’s pieces.