This was a great discovery for me. The slow movement of this piano sonata by Schubert is so simple, beautiful and moving, I want to share it with everyone:

This great piece is slightly schizophrenic – is it a serious piece of music over-run by people having fun, or a fun piece that’s occasionally trying to look serious? Ligeti was showing his love for Romania, but the Soviet Hungarians … Listen

The Soviet authorities banned the last of Ligeti’s excellent and entertaining Six Bagatelles for wind quintet – too dangerous and subversive. Were they right? Intro: Music here on film – highly recommended:  and here:  Total listen time 17′

The composer Handel knew what the people wanted – and it was normally more Handel. Here’s a piece written to go in the interval of a Handel show!  Emotional, passionate, invigorating. Intro: Music here: And here:  Total listen time 20′

I was going to play something quiet… and then came across this Handel’s Fireworks Music. It’s brilliant – these performances are raw, raucous and exuberant and it’s more fun than this great piece has ever been. Music here with pictures … Listen

This actually might be the best thing ever: the end of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. And it’s the thing that got me into music in the first place. A piece so full of relentless energy it almost belongs in a nightclub. … Listen

My daughter declares this the best music ever! It’s the William Tell Overture by Rossini. Do you agree?  Intro here:  Music here: or here on Spotify: Into & music = 15 mins Please comment, like, share, subscribe to the podcast.

Clara Schumann was not only a brilliant and successful internationally famous pianist but found time to write music as well as support her husband, composer Robert Schumann, and raise a massive family. Her Three Romances for piano are great: intimate, … Listen

This is a big favourite in our house. No one matches Schumann when it comes to joyful music! Music here:  or on Spotify:  Please comment, like, share, subscribe!