Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical music with Johann Sebastian Bach's "Music for a While" - Relaxing Melodies. This exquisite collection, set to release on June 1, 2025, under Sony Classical, is a testament to Bach's enduring legacy and his unparalleled ability to craft melodies that soothe the soul.
Spanning a generous 2 hours and 53 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical piano masterpieces. It features a diverse array of compositions, from Bach's own iconic works like the "Keyboard Concerto in F Minor" and the "Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major" to arrangements of pieces by other renowned composers such as Debussy, Chopin, and Liszt. The inclusion of arrangements for guitar by Michael Lewin adds a unique and refreshing touch to the collection.
The album opens with the delicate and introspective "13 Pieces for Piano, Op. 76: Elegiaco, No. 10" and closes with the poignant "Dido's Lament" from Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas." In between, you'll find a rich tapestry of melodies that range from the dreamy and romantic "Clair de lune" to the lively and spirited "Carnival of the Animals: The Swan."
"Music for a While" is more than just a compilation of classical pieces; it's a journey through the depths of human emotion, captured in the notes and chords of some of the most beloved compositions in the classical repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album offers a relaxing and enriching listening experience that showcases the timeless beauty of Johann Sebastian Bach's music and the works of his contemporaries.
(P) 2025 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
13 Pieces for Piano, Op. 76: Elegiaco, No. 10Jean Sibelius, Leif Ove Andsnes
Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, No. 5, BWV 639Johann Sebastian Bach, Murray Perahia
Gnossienne No. 3Erik Satie, Francis Poulenc
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Var. IX. (Nimrod). AdagioEdward Elgar, Daniel Barenboim, London Philharmonic Orchestra
NanaManuel de Falla, Martin Fröst, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Suite in B-Flat Major, HWV 434: IV. Menuet (Arr. for Guitar by Michael Lewin)George Frideric Handel, Miloš Karadaglić
Kinderszenen, Op. 15: VII. TräumereiRobert Schumann, Khatia Buniatishvili
Wiegenlied, S. 198Franz Liszt, Khatia Buniatishvili
La Valse d'AmélieYann Tiersen, Lavinia Meijer
Fantasiestücke, Op. 12: 1. Des AbendsRobert Schumann, Arthur Rubinstein
Ma mère l'oye, M. 62: III. Pavane de la belle au bois dormantMaurice Ravel, Pierre Boulez, New York Philharmonic
Music for a While (from Oedipus, Z. 583)Henry Purcell, Martin Fröst, Sébastien Dubé
Polovetsian Dances from Prince Igor: IntroduzioneAlexander Borodin, George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: II. Il vecchio castelloModest Mussorgsky, Khatia Buniatishvili
Poetic Tone Pictures, Op.85: III. In the Old CastleAntonín Dvořák, Leif Ove Andsnes
Sonata in F Minor, K. 466 (Arr. for Guitar by Michael Lewin)Domenico Scarlatti, Miloš Karadaglić
Lyric Pieces, Book III, Op.47: 3. Melody - LiveEdvard Grieg, Lucas Debargue
3 Gymnopédies: No. 1, Lent et douloureuxErik Satie, Khatia Buniatishvili
Rêverie, L. 68Claude Debussy, Philippe Entremont
Peace PieceBill Evans, Igor Levit
Cavalleria rusticana: Act I: Intermezzo sinfonicoPietro Mascagni, James Levine, National Philharmonic Orchestra
6 Chorale Preludes, BV B 50: Herzlich tut mich verlangen, Op. 122/10Johannes Brahms, Ferruccio Busoni, Igor Levit
Song Without Words, Op. 109Felix Mendelssohn, Yo-Yo Ma, Kathryn Stott
La fille aux cheveux de linClaude Debussy, Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Sonata in D Minor, K. 32 (Arr. for Guitar by Michael Lewin)Domenico Scarlatti, Miloš Karadaglić
Carnival of the Animals, R. 125: The SwanCamille Saint-Saëns, Philippe Entremont, Gaby Casadesus, Yo-Yo Ma, Michel Cerruti, Michel Cals, Régis Pasquier, Yan Pascal Tortelier, Gabin Lauridon, Gerard Causse, Alain Marion, Michel Arrignon
Rapsodie espagnole, M. 54: I. Prélude à la nuitMaurice Ravel, Pierre Boulez, The Cleveland Orchestra
Sicilienne, Op. 78Gabriel Fauré, Lucas Debargue
Tomorrow's SongÓlafur Arnalds, Lavinia Meijer
Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 19b: No. 1 in E Major. Andante con moto, MWV U 86Felix Mendelssohn, Igor Levit
Ave verum corpus, K.618 (Arr. for Piano by Franz Liszt)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Mao Fujita
Nostalgie du pays, extrait des Miniatures polonaisesMilosz Magin, Lucas Debargue
Written on the SkyMax Richter, Lavinia Meijer
5 Stücke im Volkston, Op. 102: II. LangsamRobert Schumann, Martin Fröst, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Trio Sonata in C Major, RV 82: II. Larghetto (Arr. for Guitar by Michael Lewin & James Halliday )Antonio Vivaldi, Miloš Karadaglić, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen
Suite Bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de luneClaude Debussy, Khatia Buniatishvili
Sinfonia for Strings and Basso Continuo in C Major (From "Il Giustino RV 717"): II. AndanteAntonio Vivaldi, Concerto Köln
6 Impromptus, Op. 5: Impromptu VIJean Sibelius, Leif Ove Andsnes
Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. AirJohann Sebastian Bach, Leonidas Kavakos, The Apollon Ensemble
Prélude in D-Flat Major, Op. 28, No. 15 "Raindrop"Frédéric Chopin, Vladimir Horowitz
MilongaAlberto Ginastera, Xavier De Maistre
Consolation No. 3 in D-Flat Major, S. 172Franz Liszt, Lang Lang
Les Barricades MystérieusesFrançois Couperin, Khatia Buniatishvili
Zoroastre, RCT 62, Act I, Scène III: Air tendre en rendeauJean-Philippe Rameau, Teodor Currentzis
Keyboard Concerto in F Minor, BWV 1056: Keyboard Concerto in F Minor, BWV 1056: II. LargoJohann Sebastian Bach, Murray Perahia, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields