Immerse yourself in a world of serenity and grace with Erich Kunzel's "Classical Moments: Peace & Tranquility," a meticulously curated collection of timeless classical pieces that promise to soothe the soul and uplift the spirit. This exquisite album, set for release on May 24, 2025, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, features a stunning array of 41 tracks that span a duration of 2 hours and 44 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of musical masterpieces.
Erich Kunzel, renowned for his exceptional conducting and his ability to breathe new life into classical compositions, leads the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra through a diverse repertoire that includes works by legendary composers such as Edward Elgar, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Claude Debussy, and Antonio Vivaldi, among others. From the hauntingly beautiful "Nimrod" from Elgar's "Enigma Variations" to the ethereal "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, each piece is a testament to the enduring power of classical music to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility.
The album opens with the poignant "Nimrod" from Elgar's "Enigma Variations," setting the tone for a journey through some of the most beloved and evocative compositions in the classical canon. Highlights include the serene "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber, the enchanting "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, and the iconic "The Blue Danube" by Johann Strauss II, as featured in the iconic film "2001: A Space Odyssey."
"Classical Moments: Peace & Tranquility" is not just a collection of songs; it is an experience that invites you to pause, reflect, and find solace in the timeless beauty of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that transcends the boundaries of time and space. Prepare to be transported to a world of musical bliss with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra.
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Var. 9, NimrodEdward Elgar, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Requiem in D Minor, K. 626: IIf. Sequence. Lacrimosa (Completed R. Levin)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Robert Levin, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Donald Runnicles, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus
Suite bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de lune (Transcr. L. Stokowsky)Claude Debussy, Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
3 Gymnopédies: No. 1 in D MajorErik Satie, Leonard Slatkin, St. Louis Symphony
Adagio for StringsSamuel Barber, Leonard Slatkin, St. Louis Symphony
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenuto (Transcr. L. Stokowsky)Ludwig van Beethoven, Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
2 Arabesques, L. 66: No. 1, Andante con moto (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo: No. 2, Corral NocturneAaron Copland, Louis Lane, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3, P 172: II. Arie di corteOttorino Respighi, Jesús López-Cobos, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne
Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3, P 172: III. SicilianaOttorino Respighi, Jesús López-Cobos, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. Morning MoodEdvard Grieg, Leonard Slatkin, St. Louis Symphony
Coppélia, Act I: WaltzLéo Delibes, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Pas de quatre: Finale No. 8 (Orch. W. McDermott)Cesare Pugni, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12, Act I: WaltzPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Romeo and Juliet Suite No. 1, Op. 64bis: II. Scene (The Street Awakens)Sergei Prokofiev, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Järvi
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, TH 14, Act I Scene 2: MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Petite suite, L. 65: I. En bateau (On the Boat) [Transcr. Y. Kondonassis]Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
Wien, Wien, nur du alleinRudolf Sieczynski, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
12 Concerti grossi After Corelli, No. 4 in F Major, H. 135: III. VivaceFrancesco Geminiani, Boston Baroque, Martin Pearlman
Gold and Silver Waltzes, Op. 79Franz Lehár, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
On the Beautiful Blue Danube, Op. 314 (From "2001: A Space Odyssey")Johann Strauss II, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Nachtigall Polka, Op. 222Johann Strauss II, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La bohème, SC 67: Quando m'en vo' (Orch. C. Beck, S. Bernstein & E. Kunzel)Giacomo Puccini, Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: IV. In the Hall of the Mountain KingEdvard Grieg, Leonard Slatkin, St. Louis Symphony
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, John O'Conor
Fantasia No. 1 in D Major, TWV 33:1 (Excerpt) [Arr. Y. Kondonassis]Georg Philipp Telemann, Yolanda Kondonassis
Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. AirJohann Sebastian Bach, Boston Baroque, Martin Pearlman
Rêverie, L. 68 (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
La traviata: De' miei bollenti spiritiGiuseppe Verdi, Fernando De La Mora, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Adagio for Strings (From "The Elephant Man" & "Platoon")Samuel Barber, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Les sylphides: Finale. Grand valse brilliante, Op. 18 (Arr. C. Dragon)Frédéric Chopin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act I: "Sempre libera degg'io" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4, RV 297 "Winter": II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Joseph Silverstein
Otello, Act IV: "Ave Maria" - Final Scene (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act I: "Brindisi" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Rigoletto, Act I: "Questa o quella" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Rigoletto, Act IV: "La donna è mobile" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Nabucco, Act III: "Va, pensiero" (Prisoners' Chorus) [Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck]Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22, B. 52: I. ModeratoAntonín Dvořák, Charles Rosekrans, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Schwanengesang, D. 957: No. 4, Ständchen (Arr. B. Orr)Franz Schubert, Charles Rosekrans, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra