pianoLately I’ve been into classical music. Here are a couple songs that really calm me down. The first is from Aphex Twin, who does heavy experimental electronica usually. I have been a fan of his for a while but recently I attended the funeral of my friend Ryan Labadie and they used Avril 14th in a memorial video. Not only is it beautiful but now it reminds me of Ryan.

Gynompedie #1 has been one of my favorite classical songs for a long time now. I even went as far as to teach myself to play it on the piano from ear a few years ago. I often associate it with the Maine winters as it’s haunting beauty seeps into me like the cold via a drafty window not autumn like the video shows. Satie is also one of my favorite composers of minimalist contemporary classical. I’m a big fan of his work in general.

Of course I couldn’t forget to include the father of contemporary classical music, Claude Debussy.This is a timeless classic and the video is an odd approach one might find in a Radiohead music video but it’s fun and the ominous landscape the song draws overpowers just about anything. I’m imagining Monet in the french countryside with this song pumping in his iPod.

Phillip Glass’ Metamorphosis is a little more upbeat than the others here but still very cerebral and detached. Blow is the video for the second movement. Absolutely wonderful use of time. This one really helps me find my center. Branka Parlic plays it masterfully. Listen to all five movements here.

Finally, one that hits close to home. Grand Valley State University’s New Music Ensemble recorded this piece entitle “Music for 18 Musicians” by Steve Reich at the St. Cecelia Music Society just over a mile away from where I write this blog. Reich’s use of tonality has an ability to transform into larger and deeper meanings. Often segments seem to be electronically created yet it remains completely acoustic. Visit the New Music Ensemble’s  site for more information on this piece.

Bonus: Samuel Barber’s Agnus Dei. You might recognize it from the movie “Platoon”. It’s an incredibly emotional piece.

Special thanks to Andrea Gomez for the suggestions.