The second movement of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata is a contrast to the first movement. This movement is positive, playful and joyful but yet subdued. Lovely light melodies allow the piece to flow along nicely.
Slow and grave, ('Lent et grave'), the third Gymnopedie is perhaps the most heartbreaking. The whole ambience is punctuated by mournful melodies that have become so popular in modern productions.
Beethoven - Fur Elise (bagatelle No.25 In A Minor)
One of the most famous classical pieces for solo piano. Delightfully playful and hugely popular, its melodies over left hand arpeggios are instantly recognisable.
This is such a well known and popular guitar solo that it is remarkable that the composer is unknown. A positive Spanish feel to this track full of passion, love and affection.
A solo guitar piece with hugely Hispanic and Latin overtones. This habanera, (or dance of Havana), has a wonderful swaying theme which transports you to exotic places and bars. Great for travel sequences.
The third in a series of highly expressive and free-flowing compositions by Satie is again at a slow pace like the first one. This gives the track a sombre and hypnotic quality. Creates an almost haunting atmosphere.
Gymnopedie No.2 has an aura of sombreness about it. 'Lent et triste', (slow and sad), is the instruction to the player. Very atmospheric with a feeling of calm resignation. Huge amounts of space in the composition for thoughtful reflection.
The start to this Chopin waltz is elegant and almost sedate. But then the contrast is shown by very fast sections that leave you whirling and spinning with delight.
Quick, joyous and celebratory, this Rondo from Piano Sonata No.11 is one of Mozart's best known piano pieces and has been used in many film, TV and media productions requiring a fast paced and up-tempo soundtrack.
Joyous upbeat waltz for solo classical guitar written around 90 years before a few bars of it became the most popular ringtone in history when used by Nokia in the 1990s. A classic that has become a digital classic!
Popular and amusing, this piano solo by Dvorak is the most famous of his '8 Humoresques'. A loose and flowing track which has been used in many humorous settings. Great for conveying a little comical, witty or satirical feeling.
A classical guitar study that is subtle, calm yet emotional and thought provoking. A simple melody is accompanied by a repetitive arpeggio which moves the piece along at a constant pace.
Slow, ('Lent' in French), and free-flowing, this track evokes an almost daydream like state. This is the first of three works to be given the name Gnossienne name by Erik Satie to reflect this new style of composition.
One of the most famous pieces of music for solo piano. Despite having the instruction, 'Lent et douloureux', (slow and painfully), this track is referred to for calm, relaxing and meditative purposes. Atmospheric and ambient.
The minor key of this waltz gives the piece a melancholic, almost sad feel. The soloist plays at a medium tempo without straying too far from the initial melody, then a more optimistic section lifts the gloom before it returns to melancholy to finish.
The fifth variation of the Theme from the first movement of Mozart's Piano Sonata No.11 is light and airy. The melodies climb up into the sky and carry you off on clouds of delight.
A tender start to this lovely piano solo. The middle section rises with increasing emotion before settling down with the piece ending very much as it had started in a calm and peaceful way.
A playful waltz with a slight tinge of regret. 'The Farewell Waltz', was written by Chopin for a love he was once engaged to. An affectionate piece with a hint of sorrow and melancholy.
The second on Debussy's Arabesques is faster, brighter and more lively. Although the two works are usually put in the '20th Century' classical music period, they are now being increasingly seen as a separate impressionistic style popular with European composers.
A very popular composition which has been used on countless productions and adverts. A lilting melody above a waltz like accompaniment gets more complex and intense as we're taken on an emotional journey.
A beautiful, flowing introduction leads us into a magical fantasy. Sweet and tender, this is the first of Debussy's 'Deux Arabesques'. Written in E major and played at a slow tempo it gives a regal, emotional tone. Widely used in popular culture such as in TV themes and advertising. It has also been sampled by Alicia Keys and used in the video game 'Final Fantasy V'.
A mood of intense yet subdued emotion marks the overall feeling of the second Liebestraum composed by Liszt. More dynamic than the first and third parts it shows a less confident side whilst still retaining its passion and sentimentality.
Bristling with energy, this lively waltz for solo piano surges with huge confidence and presence. Requires great skill from the performer to keep up with the pace. Regarded by some as the first of Chopin's waltzes to be published.
A serene start with beautiful melodies produces a sentimental and loving atmosphere. This contrasts with the more upbeat, almost dance-like passage which in turns into a dramatic, powerful and forceful section before returning to a calm ending. Used widely in advertising and film and TV productions.
Instantly recognisable, this beautiful work by Debussy is calm and soothing yet is intensely emotional in places. French for 'moonlight', this track is relaxing, reflective and simply delightful.
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