Top 12 List: Classical Music for Valentines Day - Without Cheating!

We haven’t been able to keep this blog on quite a daily basis lately. But we’re finally able to take break with a few days in Punta Gorda, Florida and on this Valentine’s Day I aim to become only the latest blogger to present a list of Classical Music for Valentine’s Day picks.

Certain choices show up on nearly all lists: the various settings of Romeo and Juliet (Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky, Gounod), Puccini’s La Boheme (entire second half of Act 1 but especially “Che Gelida Manina” and “O Suave Fanciulla”), Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, Tristan und Isolde or Die Walkure (Act 1, all of it), any number of opera arias and art songs, programmatic instrumental pieces by Liszt, Strauss, Schumann…

In just one of many La Scena Musicale has six musical valentines you can email to your loved one. Visit their website to hear the six musical selections, which are:

• Wagner: Tristan und Isolde (Prelude)
  Wilhelm Furtwängler conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra
• Saint-Saëns: Mon coeur s’ouvre à ta voix (Samson et Dalila)
  Rita Gorr, mezzo-soprano, with Jon Vickers, tenor and Georges Prêtre conducting the 
  Orchestre du Théatre de l’Opéra de Paris
• Duparc: L’invitation au voyage
  Gérard Souzay, baritone with Dalton Baldwin, piano
• Puccini: Che gelida manina (La Bohème)
  Jussi Bjõrling, tenor with Sir Thomas Beecham conducting the RCA Victor Symphony
• Richard Strauss: Morgen
  Jussi Björling, tenor with Harry Ebert, piano
• Berlioz: Le spectre de la rose, (Les nuits d’été)
  Linda Maguire, mezzo-soprano

These are very a short lists of only the most obvious selections — and they’re obvious because they’re among the best musical depictions or specifically romantic stories. Interestingly, the six musical valentine choices were chosen by web poll from a larger list that DID include purely instrumental selections. (http://www.scena.org/quiz/valentinequiz.asp) It’s not surprising that opera and song just seem more romantic.

Still, I think we can come up with many, many romantic choices from purely instrumental works without romantic programs (i.e. without cheating)? A search of blogs, news items, and concert event calendars shows that even in this narrower vein, the choices are vast. One short list I like is by The Harvard Independent’s Alana Mendelssohn (no relation, presumably) suggests

• Beethoven’s Cavatina from his String Quartet in B-flat major (Op. 130)
• the Adagios from his Harp Quartet (Op. 74 No. 10), and his Fifth Piano Concerto
• the second movement of Brahms’ First Symphony
• the Adagio from Brahms’ Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major
• the Adante Cantabile from Schumann’s Piano Quartet Op. 47

Here are some of my favorite romantic, purely instrumental choices. It can’t help but be a little cello-centric.

1. Bach, Oboe & Violin Concerto, BWV 1059R, Siciliano
2. Borodin, “Nocturne” (from String Quartet No. 2)
3. Chopin, impossible to choose one piano piece, but I can vouch for the Polonaise Brilliante for Cello and Piano
4. Elgar, Cello Concerto, Adagio Moderato
5. Franck, Violin Sonata in A Minor
6. Grenados, anything played by himself on a piano roll.
7. Grieg, Holberg Suite, Op. 40, Sarabande
8. Mahler, Fourth Symphony, Adagio
9. Mendelssohn, Frühlingslied  from Lieder ohne Wörte No.30 in A, Op.62 No.6
10. Mozart, Flute Quartet No. 1, K.285, Slow movement
11. Rachmaninoff, Second Piano Concerto and Vocalise (yep, I’m counting that as instrumental)
12. Schumann, Fantasiestucke for Cello and Piano, or the Piano or Cello Concertos

After you send your Tristan valentine and it does the trick, how should you set the ambience if you don’t have any of these selections on your music system? The answer is on your desktop.

In the tradition of the WPIX Yule Log, play this YouTube video (from wintermood) of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, with a file of moon photography.

Comments

[M. Love]

This is why I admire your work so much: in addition to everything else you know the proper nomenclature of the WPIX Yule Log. Tremendous. You made my afternoon.

[Dakuro]

Interesting methods this ones be teach by some musical expert, which is good, I recommend you to buy viagra because this helps you improve your concentration and made the exercise right.

[Stephen Heller]

is a real pleasure to be here for this post, not only for the excellent list you share with us, is because you put the best sonata in the entire world, Moonlight sonata, you know some time ago I date with girl, she have a illness that provoke her blindness, but she played the piano for me, and she played this sonata, was the first time that I hear this song, but since that moment I can't forget it, neither sonata nor girl.

xl pharmacy

[Coach Outlet Online]

Burberry, maker of the classic trench coat and plaid scarf, Coach Store Online has transformed itself into one of the hottest brands in fashion today making Coach Outlet Online Store . The Coach Factory Outlet is a mainstay of high fashion, so much so many companies have started making replica Coach Factory Outlet Store.
Coach Factory was founded in 1856 by 21 year old Thomas Burberry a apprentice to a country draper in England. He started by opening a outfitters shop. Originally known as an outdoor wear manufacturer, Coach Outlet Online Store invented Gabardine which is a breathable, waterproof fabric that is made by waterproofing the yarn prior to weaving. This was patented in 1888. Coach Factory Outlet Online Most of the original line was directed towards outerwear and military uniforms. In 1901 the familiar Burberry Equestrian Knight was developed and registered as a trademark. In the 1920's theCoach Factory Outlet Online which had been used as a lining for their trench coat was trademarked. It has since become synonymous with Coach Outlet Online. These distinctive trench coats have been seen in movies. For example Humphrey Bogart wore one in Casablanca, Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther films, and Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. And this is how the burberry handbag and replica burberry handbags craze iniated.
The Coach Outlet Onlineentered the scene around strong around 1999 when the appointment of Italian designed Robert Menchetti to the division renewed the brands popularity. Prior to this it was slumping because of a very conservative image and an Asian recession which had always been a stronghold for the company. But soon Coach Outlet will be seen worldwide.
Such notables as David Beckham, Coach Factory Tamara Beckwith, and Spice Girl Victoria Adams Coach Bag fully embraced the new approach along with Prince William and Kate Moss. It looks as if the Coach Outlet Store is finally among the elite chic of the fashion world.
A few of the more notableCheap Coach Purses styles include :
The Ultra-chic Burberry Blue Check handbag is compact, lightweight and ideal for today's fashionable woman. Coach Purse Outlet Online Attractive blue, white, ivory tan and black cover vinyl-coated canvas in the familiar Coach Outlet Stores is accented with tan leather trim. Full-length zippered top opens to reveal a canvas lined interior. Matching tan leather strap fits comfortably on the shoulder. Blue Check Coach Outlet Coupon is 10-1/4 inches wide, 4-3/4 inches high and 1-3/4 inches deep. Shoulder strap is 26-inches long. This handbag typically sells for approximately 450 dollars. Truly a stunningCoach Factory Store Online . A replica burberry handbag of the same style will run you about 100 dollars.
Cheap Coach Bags Check Snowdrop handbag is compact, sleekly styled and just right for today's busy woman. This colors of pink, white and tan for the Candy Check cover in vinyl-coated canvas. It is accented with matching tan leather piped trim.

[fgdf]

Christmas sale <h1>coach handbags outlet</h1>
So much that one cannot bear to part with it <h1>cheap designer handbags</h1>
cheap designer handbags<h1>cheap coach handbags</h1>
Single product sales <h1>authentic jerseys suppliers</h1>
Delicate and beautiful <h1>cheap coach bags</h1>
Buy want to buy products <h1>coach outlet</h1>
Design Division <h1>coach outlet store online</h1>
Beautiful and durable <h1>coach factory outlet</h1>
Good quality affordable <h1>nfl jerseys suppliers</h1>
The most fashionable cheap <h1>cheap nfl jerseys</h1>
Spot buying <h1>coach bags on sale</h1> Welcome to buy
d

[Coach Outlet Online]

77<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Purses Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store Online</h1>
<h1>Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Purse</h1>
<h1>Authentic Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Chanel Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bag</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Purse Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlets</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Stores Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton USA</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Online</h1>
<h1>www.louisvuitton.com</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Purse Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Purses Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags Outlet</h1>
<h1>Chanel Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Cheap Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Chanel Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Sunglasses</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>LV Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coco Chanel Bags</h1>
<h1>Chanel Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Chanel Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Burberry Outlet</h1>
<h1>Burberry Scarf</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Bag</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory</h1>
<h1>Coach Purses Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store</h1>
<h1>www.louisvuitton.com</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Factory Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Handbag Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Stores</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbag Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Cheap Coach Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Chanel Bags</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>www.louisvuitton.com</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Chanel Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlets</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Chanel Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory</h1>
<h1>Coach Bags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Purses</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Outlet Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Bags Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Stores Online</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Online Sale</h1>
<h1>Coach Store Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Handbags</h1>
<h1>Coach Purse Outlet</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton Outlet Online</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Online Store</h1>
<h1>Coach Factory Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coco Chanel Handbags</h1>
<h1>Burberry Outlet</h1>
<h1>Coach Online Factory Store</h1>
<h1>Louis Vuitton</h1>
<h1>Coach Outlet Store Online</h1>