Immerse yourself in a world of serenity and calm with Erich Kunzel's "Classical Moments: Peace & Tranquility." This exquisite collection, released on May 24, 2025, under UME - Global Clearing House, is a testament to Kunzel's mastery and his ability to curate a symphony of tranquility. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 44 minutes, this album is a carefully crafted journey through some of the most soothing and tranquil pieces from the classical repertoire.
Featuring iconic compositions such as Elgar's "Nimrod," Debussy's "Clair de lune," and Satie's "Gymnopédie No. 1," Kunzel's selection is a harmonious blend of timeless classics and lesser-known gems. The album also includes enchanting works from Tchaikovsky, Grieg, and Verdi, each piece meticulously chosen to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. Kunzel's arrangements, including his own transcriptions and those by other notable artists, add a unique depth and richness to the performances.
"Classical Moments: Peace & Tranquility" is not just an album; it's an experience. Whether you're seeking relaxation, inspiration, or simply a moment of respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this collection offers a sanctuary of sound. Erich Kunzel's conducting is impeccable, bringing out the subtle nuances and emotional depth of each piece. The result is a listening experience that is both comforting and uplifting, a true celebration of the power of classical music to soothe the soul.
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