My Top Ten Classical Shazams

I must say, I am quite addicted to ‘Shazam’, the app that lets you press a button and have your phone identify a piece of music. Each morning on my way to work, I have my phone at the ready, listening to Classic FM (my favourite). I get all excited when I find a piece of music that I fall in love with. I can do a little pirouette of happiness when I step out of the car, and hop & skip into the reception at work. I know; I don’t get out that much!!!

Anyway for your delectation, here are my latest top 10, collected over the last 3 months.

1. Orchestral Suite No 3 in D major ‘Air’ – Joshua Bell. This is so, so lovely. A very popular tune that has been used in countless films etc. I have heard this before, so it jogged my memory when I came across it again. It is a little melancholy, but it flows along quite beautifully, which is all that matters 🙂
2. Theme from Shindler’s List – Daniel Hope & Royal Stockholm Philarmonic Orchestra. I have never seen  ‘Shindler’s List’, because it’s apparently quite sad and heartbreaking. This piece of music probably suits the misery depicted, but it is a very sweet, calming, sad piece of music all rolled into one. An absolute must to listen to.
3. Alessandro Marcello-Oboe Concerto in D Minor – Adagio. I love the sound of the Oboe, because it has a deep resonance to it and reminds me of middle eastern music, but that’s just a personal thought. This is very simple; the sort of music that you can close your eyes to and relax.
4. Domenico Zipoli – Elevazione. This is more of an up-beat piece, with a smooth cello solo. It has a sound of hope. I can imagine walking through fields of flowers to this one!
5. Laberintos Ingeniosos -Canario: Quince Diferencias Escogidas. If you like rapid classical guitar-picking, then this one’s for you. It runs along at a steady quick pace, with a Spanish guitar sound. You just want to jump off your seat and do a jig in the centre of your sitting room!
6. Carousel – Alexis Ffrench. I know this is another sad one, but I love sad tunes because I am a miserable soul at times 😉  Anyway, listen to this one, and you will be impressed by the rhythm in the background and the sweet playing above. A song to listen to if someone’s broken your heart.
7. Musica Secreta : Lucrezia Borgia’s Daughter. This is one for you if you like the Gregorian Chant. It is a choral piece taken from a 16th century book composed by nuns. It was anonymously written and is for 5 voices.
8. Gjeilo : Ubi Caritas. Another choral work, like chanting, with male and female voices. I think it’s very beautiful.
9.  Joaquin Rodrigo – Fantasia para un Gentilhombre. Rodrigo, who was famous for composing ‘Concerto de Aranjuez’, which is very popular. This piece is lovely though, and very uplifting. If you like classical guitar this is a great one to listen too.
10. Theme from Out of Africa (John Barry). I have never seen this film, but I absolutely adore this soundtrack.x Pip