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Recommended Music |
Here are seven pieces of
music we think you should
hear. We’ve tried to include a review for each, to give you
an idea why we recommend them so highly. You’ll also find a
direct link to a specific page at Amazon.com, if you would like to
order a copy there. (Amazon.com will appear in a new window.)
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Goldberg Variations, Glen Gould, Piano |
Bach, Johann Sebastian
(Sony Classics No. 37779; ASIN: B0000025PM)
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music
We believe that there is an underlying form to the
Universe. For example, the proportions of the distances between the
planets is the same as the proportions between the wavelengths of sound
between harmonious notes of music. To put it another way, if you turned
the balance of the solar system into music, you would hear a very
pleasing chord. This architecture of the universe is best heard in
Bach. Our favorite Bach recording is the Goldberg Variations, played on
piano by Glen Gould (Sony Classics No. 37779; ASIN: B0000025PM. Glen
was a musical prodigy, and he recorded two versions: one when he was
young and exuberant, one when he was old and wise. We recommend the old
and wise version, known as the "late" version. When you listen to Bach,
you can almost hear the universe evolving in a magnificent and orderly
way. It’s great to listen to when you want to find your
balance.
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"La Divina" |
Callas, Maria
(EMDEMI Classic No. 65746; ASIN: B000002S6V)
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music
Music also expresses the human journey. Perhaps the
greatest voice of the 20th century was Maria Callas. Her voice was so
rich and dark and full. We recommend her greatest hits compilation "La
Divina," a collection of her greatest performances. It’s
great to listen to when you want to soar or you need a friend or you
want to cry.
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Third Symphony, Dawn Upshaw, Soloist |
Gorecki
(WEA/Atlantic/Nonesuch No. 79282; ASIN: B000005J1C)
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music
Who is the Bach of our time? Perhaps the Polish composer Gorecki, whose
Third Symphony was written for orchestra and voice. Here it is sung by
Dawn Upshaw.
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Sketches of Spain |
Davis, Miles
(Sony/Columbia; ASIN: B000002AH7)
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music
America's great contribution to music is Jazz. A classic is Mile
Davis's "Sketches of Spain." Miles was an amazing trumpet player, and
one of the creators of what was "cool" and "hip." Gil Evans was a great
orchestrater who took Miles's ideas and enriched them.
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My Favorite Things |
Coltrane, John
(WEA/Atlantic/Rhino; ASIN: B00000348A)
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music
John Coltrane's "My Favorite Things" is one of ours
(WEA/Atlantic/Rhino; ASIN: B00000348A). It is said that one day
Coltrane said to Thelonious Monk, a great composer and piano player,
"Which note should I play" and Monk said "Both" so Coltrane invented a
way of playing a huge amount of music while improvising. Listen
carefully: every line is a spontaneously created masterpiece.
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Telling Stories |
Chapman, Tracy
(WEA/Elektra; ASIN: B000046Q8B)
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music
Rich, dark, thoughtful, joyous music that tells contemporary stories
that touch universal human issues.
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Legend |
Marley,
Bob
(UNI/Mercury; ASIN: B000001FY9)
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music
Bob Marley was a joyous, brilliant prophet, who encouraged all to seek
personal, spiritual and political freedom. His albums "Legend" and "No
Woman, No Cry" will pick you up in the morning, and keep you company
late at night.
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Please suggest
a recording for our list. Please include:
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