Isn’t it incredible? You can feel the waves gently slapping against the sides of the gondola. I definitely recommend that whole album from Ottensamer — incredible transcriptions of several of Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words for clarinet.
So glad you enjoyed your time with this mixtape, Thalia. Isn't the Ginastera just marvelous? I've known that work for 24 years, about half my lifetime, and there are moments that still make my heart feel like it's about to explode with delight. Wishing you a wonderful week as well! 💙
Michael, these selections are all so beautiful. Knoxville has always been one of my most favorite pieces in the world, and I love the setting of James Agee’s text. So profound. Sylvia McNair’s interpretation is stellar too.
I listened to all these pieces on my walk and it made my day. Thank you!
Thank you, Anne! I'm always eager to hear how people incorporate these mixtapes into their day, so I'm thrilled they made an ideal soundtrack for your walk today. (And agreed — Sylvia's performance of the Barber is just divine!) 💙
Thank *you* for reading, listening, and supporting, Russell. So glad you enjoyed this month's selections — I definitely recommend checking out Bruce Liu's whole album of Satie's mesmerizing piano works if you're craving more:
Ahhhh. I’m on my third art show weekend in a row and gently placed this mix into my ears as we set off for Kansas City, our final show of the season. It calmed my frazzled nerves immediately. My favorite of the bunch is Manuel de Falla. I’m deep into my moody Latin-infused guitar phase (check out Hermanos Gutiérrez! Swoon!) While it won’t feel like autumn in the 90+ degree temps of KC this weekend, I know the season is nipping at our heels! Thank you for gifting us with a gorgeous soundtrack to the transition! 💙🧡❤️
I'm so glad this mix brought you to a place of calm during a busy time of year for you and your husband! The De Falla is a relatively recent discovery for me — and after falling in love with it, I was gutted to learn that was the only work he wrote for guitar. Even more reason to cherish it as a rare gem. 💙
I'm so glad to hear that, Nina! Thank you for being such a devoted reader. 💙
And good luck with your music theory training — I wish I remembered more of mine from music school! 🤣
I needed this musical transition of seasons today, Michael 💙 thank you! It is accompanying me on some evening work.
the penultimate recording here is just magic!
Isn’t it incredible? You can feel the waves gently slapping against the sides of the gondola. I definitely recommend that whole album from Ottensamer — incredible transcriptions of several of Mendelssohn’s Songs Without Words for clarinet.
Thanks for reading and listening, Kate! 💙
Have just listened to it all over breakfast etc 🙌🏽 so nice!!
Thank you for your playlists. I adhere to what someone else wrote before me, this is my favorite Substack, alongside Ted Gioia's.
I'm a huge fan of Ted's work as well, so I accept that as high praise indeed! I'm so glad you're enjoyed your time here, Crina. 💙
Michael- I appreciate this list. Ginastera might just be my favorite of the bunch. Hope you're well this week? Cheers, -Thalia
So glad you enjoyed your time with this mixtape, Thalia. Isn't the Ginastera just marvelous? I've known that work for 24 years, about half my lifetime, and there are moments that still make my heart feel like it's about to explode with delight. Wishing you a wonderful week as well! 💙
Michael, these selections are all so beautiful. Knoxville has always been one of my most favorite pieces in the world, and I love the setting of James Agee’s text. So profound. Sylvia McNair’s interpretation is stellar too.
I listened to all these pieces on my walk and it made my day. Thank you!
Thank you, Anne! I'm always eager to hear how people incorporate these mixtapes into their day, so I'm thrilled they made an ideal soundtrack for your walk today. (And agreed — Sylvia's performance of the Barber is just divine!) 💙
Every week you introduce me to music I've never heard of, and I love that. This week I really loved Erik Satie's Gnossienne No. 1. Thank you, Michael
Thank *you* for reading, listening, and supporting, Russell. So glad you enjoyed this month's selections — I definitely recommend checking out Bruce Liu's whole album of Satie's mesmerizing piano works if you're craving more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np-wpBilZkY&list=OLAK5uy_mOVKSWya2opU5V7cQM_CY66RcE_JpHUds
Ahhhh. I’m on my third art show weekend in a row and gently placed this mix into my ears as we set off for Kansas City, our final show of the season. It calmed my frazzled nerves immediately. My favorite of the bunch is Manuel de Falla. I’m deep into my moody Latin-infused guitar phase (check out Hermanos Gutiérrez! Swoon!) While it won’t feel like autumn in the 90+ degree temps of KC this weekend, I know the season is nipping at our heels! Thank you for gifting us with a gorgeous soundtrack to the transition! 💙🧡❤️
I'm so glad this mix brought you to a place of calm during a busy time of year for you and your husband! The De Falla is a relatively recent discovery for me — and after falling in love with it, I was gutted to learn that was the only work he wrote for guitar. Even more reason to cherish it as a rare gem. 💙
Oh wow, really?! Well, I’m grateful you uncovered it for us!