While music comes in all forms, I especially appreciate sparse and compelling works. I want the musical message without the syrup, thank you very much. There are plenty of examples of this.
Let’s open up the iPad and get to work!
Classical Piano
The grandest of all instruments can be orchestral or introspective.
Haydn
If the world is driving you nuts and you need to settle your angst, try having a listen to
piano sonata #58. It is clean, simple, beautiful and will reboot your brain’s electrical system. Listen to
John McCabe or Emanuel Ax.
Schubert
The king of poignant piano creation!
*Sonata D959, movement #2:
I’ve written about sonata D959, movement 2 on our site before. I mention it here again to be sure you don’t miss it! Check out Perahia’s recording.
*Impromptu #1 (Op 90, #1)
So simple. So beautiful. Not a wasted note. Try Brendel’s Philips version.
Chopin
Nobody understood the piano as well as Chopin. Nobody said more with less real estate. Chopin was the master of the instrument. From ballades, scherzos, sonatas, impromptus, concertos and much more, it’s one of his nocturnes I want to make sure you don’t miss.
*Nocturne Op55 #1
Vladimir Horowitz recorded this many times. I’ll take the Carnegie Hall version, CD#42 from the monster Carnegie Hall box. I’m also a fan of Vlad Ashkenazy.
Mozart
Right there with Chopin and didn’t even need white out when he wrote!
*Sonata K331, opening movement: Uchida please
Satie
The little known French composer wrote a hauntingly simple piece to die for. You’ll recognize this and appreciate it more if you drink in all 4 minutes.
*Gymnopedie #1
I like the modern recording from Alice Sara Ott.
Beethoven
We’ve all heard LVB symphonies. They’re majestic and monumental. Have you heard them on piano? A fellow named Liszt transcribed them for piano. Please sample #9 by Katsaris.
*Sonata #32: The second movement starts magically quiet and expands into much more. Arrau & Kempff play my favorite versions, but Paul Lewis has a modern recording that sounds better.
Schumann
His Abegg Variations were his Opus 1. I love them more every time I hear them. Play the 70s version by Ashkenazy. You can smell the wood from his piano.
Violin
JS Bach (Old Bach) literally wrote the book for the instrument. The violin can sing and cry!
*Chaccone: Partita #2
Look up the Hilary Hahn version.
Cello
Old Bach yet again wrote the book and takes us where the instrument hadn’t gone. Check out Cello Suite #1 by Yo Yo Ma.
Pop Singers
Here are some great ladies with exquisitely crafted tunes. They know not to spoil a great song with OVER PRODUCTION. Nah, I’m not interested in men singing love songs. There’s too many great girls to listen to!
Joan Armatrading
“Love & Affection”
Annette Askvik
“Liberty”
Sara Bareilles
“Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay”
Rosanne Cash
“Western Wall”
Eva Cassidy
“Imagine”
“Fields Of Gold”
Tracy Chapman
“Give Me One Reason”
Sara Evans
“A Little Bit Stronger” Acoustic
Dominique Fils-Aime
“Birds”
Crystal Gayle
“Walking After Midnight”
Shirley Horn
“Beautiful Love”
Stacy Kent
“Day In Day Out”
Lake Street Dive
“So Long”
KD Lang
“Save Me”
Annie Lennox
“Georgia On My Mind”
Shelby Lynn
“Just A Little Lovin’”
Sinead O’Connor & Willie Nelson
“Don’t Give Up”
Rebecca Pigeon
“Spanish Harlem”
Grace Potter
“2:22”
Bonnie Raitt
“I Thought I Was A Child”
“I Can’t Make You Love Me”
Robyn
“Hang With Me” Acoustic
“Indestructible” Acoustic
Sade
“Sally”
Jennifer Warnes
“Famous Blue Raincoat”