Best-known, most beloved large-scale musical work in the English-speaking world has given millions of performers their primary experience in singing classical music. Today, it is the supreme example of the English oratorio — a brilliant amalgam of traditional Italian opera, English anthem, and German Passion.
1812 Overture, Op. 49 by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky A colorful musical tapestry of nationalistic themes and battle scenes, performances of the "1812" — with cannons thundering and bells pealing — have remained an electrifying outdoor event at patriotic concerts worldwide. Instrumentation.
Piano Concerto No. 20, K466, and Piano Concerto No. 21, K467 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Two well-loved concertos, both composed in 1785, abounding in Mozart's characteristic invention, clarity, grace, and proportion. No. 21 supplied theme for movie Elvira Madigan. Instrumentation.
Prélude à "l’Après-Midi d’un Faune"/Trois Nocturnes by Claude Debussy Two masterpieces of delicate, shimmering impressionism by great French composer. Trois Nocturnes includes Nuages ("Clouds"), Fêtes ("Festivals") and Sirènes ("Sirens"). Instrumentation. Glossary.
Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks by Richard Strauss Inspired thematic transformations and deft scoring characterize this beloved tone poem. "Till is a masterpiece on every level..." — Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians. Instrumentation.
Five Orchestral Pieces by Arnold Schoenberg A 1909 composition by a revolutionary force in 20th-century music demonstrates daring explorations in music that renounces motivic connections and tonality. Groundbreaking work appears in full score.
