Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of George Frideric Handel's "Music for Focus," a meticulously curated collection of classical masterpieces released on January 1, 2023, under the Naxos Special Projects label. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 30 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of genres, including classical, choral, and opera, offering a diverse and enriching listening experience.
The album features a stunning array of compositions, from the hauntingly beautiful "Lascia ch'io pianga" to the serene "Prelude in G Major." Each track is a testament to Handel's unparalleled genius, showcasing his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through his music. The arrangements, by notable artists such as Paul Breiner, Erik Rydvall, and others, bring a fresh perspective to these timeless pieces, making them accessible and captivating for both seasoned classical enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
"Music for Focus" is not just an album; it's a journey through the depths of Handel's musical legacy. The carefully selected tracks, ranging from solo pieces to orchestral arrangements, highlight the versatility and enduring appeal of his work. Whether you're seeking a moment of tranquility or a burst of inspiration, this album offers a sanctuary of sound that transcends time and space.
From the delicate "Comptine d’été No. 2" to the majestic "String Quartet No. 12 in F Major," each composition is a masterclass in musical storytelling. The album's duration allows for a comprehensive exploration of Handel's oeuvre, making it an ideal companion for those seeking to deepen their appreciation of classical music.
George Frideric Handel's "Music for Focus" is a celebration of his enduring legacy, offering a rich and varied listening experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. Dive into this collection and let the timeless melodies of Handel transport you to a world of musical excellence.
Tracks
I. PreludeJohann Sebastian Bach, Maria Kliegel
No. 2, Kum Ba YaAdolphus Hailstork, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Lascia ch'io pianga (Arr. P. Breiner for Piano & Orchestra)George Frideric Handel, Peter Breiner, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
II. AndanteLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
II. AndanteAntonio Vivaldi, Dagoberto Linhares, Camerata Cassovia, Johannes Wildner
Sarabande (Excerpts from "Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012") [Arr. E. Rydvall, O.L. Mjelva & M. Baillie for Folk Ensemble]Johann Sebastian Bach, Lodestar Trio
III. PavaneHerbert Howells, Matthew Schellhorn
VII. Sarabande. Grave et tendreFrançois Couperin, Barthold Kuijken, Arnie Tanimoto, Donald Livingston
4 Easy Pieces for Viola & Piano: No. 2, A FarewellImogen Holst, Yue Yu, Anthony Hewitt
Tea and ToastPeter Breiner
IV. LargoAlessandro Scarlatti, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Krcek
I. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Jenő Jandó
II. Air. Lento, ma non troppo (Original Version)Ernest John Moeran, Ulster Orchestra, Joann Falletta
Air in G Minor (Orch. A. Camden)George Frideric Handel, Anthony Camden, City of London Sinfonia, Nicholas Ward
Solo Song (Arr. P. Breiner)Taku Izumi, Takako Nishizaki, Queensland Orchestra, Peter Breiner
Mr. John Langton's Pavan, P. 14 (Arr. G.A. Devine for Guitar)John Dowland, Graham Anthony Devine
II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Marco Fornaciari, Accademia I Filarmonici, Alberto Martini
III. Aria. AndanteJean-Marie Leclair, Adrian Butterfield, Sarah McMahon, Silas Wollston
I. Prelude. Song of the FishermanGustav Holst, Ulster Orchestra, Joann Falletta
II. Andante (sempre piano)Wenzel Pichl, Toronto Chamber Orchestra, Kevin Mallon
II. LargoMuzio Clementi, HyeJin Kim
Ii. Andante sostenutoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
I. GraveJohann Rosenmüller, Anna Holbling, Quido Holbling, Jozef Zsapka
No. 5, EusebiusRobert Schumann, Boris Giltburg
Song of the Five-Finger Mountain (Arr. Jian Chen for Violin & Piano)Traditional, Takako Nishizaki, Seow Yit Kin
No. 2, Andante religiosoAlfredo Piatti, Andreas Brantelid
II. AdagioJohn Abraham Fisher, Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, Petra Žďárská, Michael Halasz
String Quartet No. 12 in F Major, Op. 96, B. 179, "American": II. Lento (Arr. P. Breiner for Piano)Antonín Dvořák, Peter Breiner
II. Adagio sostenutoAnton Kraft, Alexander Rudin, Emin Martirosian
I. Adagio (Arr. R. Oliveira for Guitar)Carlos Seixas, Bokyung Byun
III. AdagioArcangelo Corelli, Anna Holbling, Ludovit Kanta, Daniela Ruso, Quido Holbling, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Krcek
No. 10 in G-Flat Major: LargoSergei Rachmaninoff, Boris Giltburg
No. 13, Prelude in G MajorThomas Baltzar, Augusta McKay Lodge
The Seasons, Op. 37b: XII. December - Noel (Arr. for Violin and Orchestra)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Takako Nishizaki, Peter Breiner, Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Prelude in A Minor, Op. 8, VL 188 (Arr. J. Daunytė for Harp)Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Joana Daunytė
Comptine d’été No. 2 (From "Amélie")Yann Tiersen, Anna Scheps
Mist over the Lake (Version for Mandolin & Guitar)Jan Freidlin, Duo Mantar
Valsa No. 9Camargo Guarnieri, Max Barros
II. AdagioAlessandro Marcello, Jozsef Kiss, Budapest Ferenc Erkel Chamber Orchestra
II. ElegieKemal Belevi, Silvia Grasso, Livio Grasso
II. AndanteJoseph Haydn, Jenő Jandó
II. Andante non adagioJohann Stamitz, Musica Viva, Alexander Rudin
No. 2, Gently RockingDale Kavanagh
No. 26, Dance with Me. Andante [Transcr. F. Ránki] [1945 Radio Version]Béla Bartók, Fülöp Ránki
III. SarabandeFrancesco Maria Veracini, Accademia I Filarmonici, Alberto Martini
No. 1, Preludio saudadeAgustín Barrios Mangoré, Graham Anthony Devine
La cloche sonne, S. 238Franz Liszt, Domonkos Csabay
II. AndanteGiuseppe Antonio Brescianello, Giuseppe Buscemi
II. Andantino con espressioneFriedrich Kuhlau, Jenő Jandó
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