I’m grateful to my parents for introducing me to;
- Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos
I’ve just spent the morning listening to all four concertos and it’s been delightfully musically and mentally refreshing after an incredibly ‘difficult’ week. The highlights for me today have been (as, to be honest, they usually are) the second (Andante) section of the Concerto no. 1 in F sharp minor and the first (Moderato) and third (Allegro sherzando) sections of the Concerto no 2. in C minor.
- Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
I won’t try and kid you that this was the first piece of music I ever bought – that’s far more dating and embarassing (and maybe a topic for another time), but a recording of this was certainly the first piece of music I bought directly as a result of hearing it at home. I don’t suppose I was ever in danger of wearing out my parent’s vinyl copy, but I do wonder now whether my playing it over and over drove them crazy. Though, on reflection, I suspect some of the other music I played endlessly must have caused them far more pain …especially once I started playing bass guitar.
- Sibelius: Violin Concerto in D minor Op.47
I just love the opening (Allegro moderato) movement. Of course, when I say ‘love’ what I actually mean in this case (and that of all the pieces of music I’ve listed in this post) is that listening to them provokes a strong emotional response in me (but that’s a whole other topic and, again, maybe for another day). I remember that mum and dad would often put an album on for us to listen to as we sat and ate sunday lunch together. - Elgar: Enigma Variations
I particularly love the ninth variation Nimrod. I remember my Mum saying it always reminded her of her dad. I really do wish I’d known him better – so it may be that somehow I associate this piece of music with him, because my Mum does…
These are a few of the pieces of music I heard when I was growing up and I’m sure I’ll mention others another time …what music did your family introduce you to?
