Immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and serenity with Erich Kunzel's "Classical Moments: Peace & Tranquility," a meticulously curated collection of timeless classical pieces. Released on May 24, 2025, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 44 minutes, offering a sanctuary of calm in the midst of daily life.
Erich Kunzel, renowned for his exceptional conducting, leads the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra through a diverse array of compositions that evoke a sense of peace and reflection. The album opens with Edward Elgar's "Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 'Enigma': Var. 9, Nimrod," setting a tone of contemplative elegance. From the haunting beauty of Mozart's "Requiem in D Minor" to the ethereal "Clair de lune" by Claude Debussy, each track is a testament to the soothing power of classical music.
The album features a blend of well-known masterpieces and lesser-heard gems, including Erik Satie's "3 Gymnopédies: No. 1 in D Major," Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings," and the enchanting "Moonlight Sonata" by Ludwig van Beethoven. The inclusion of nature-themed music and sound effects further enhances the album's tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal companion for relaxation and introspection.
"Classical Moments: Peace & Tranquility" is not just a collection of songs but a carefully crafted journey through the calming landscapes of classical music. Whether you're seeking a moment of respite or a deeper connection with the serenity of classical compositions, this album promises a soothing and enriching experience.
Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Var. 9, NimrodEdward Elgar, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Requiem in D Minor, K. 626: IIf. Sequence. Lacrimosa (Completed R. Levin)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Robert Levin, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Donald Runnicles, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus
Suite bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de lune (Transcr. L. Stokowsky)Claude Debussy, Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
3 Gymnopédies: No. 1 in D MajorErik Satie, Leonard Slatkin, St. Louis Symphony
Adagio for StringsSamuel Barber, Leonard Slatkin, St. Louis Symphony
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenuto (Transcr. L. Stokowsky)Ludwig van Beethoven, Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
2 Arabesques, L. 66: No. 1, Andante con moto (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
4 Dance Episodes from Rodeo: No. 2, Corral NocturneAaron Copland, Louis Lane, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3, P 172: II. Arie di corteOttorino Respighi, Jesús López-Cobos, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne
Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3, P 172: III. SicilianaOttorino Respighi, Jesús López-Cobos, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: I. Morning MoodEdvard Grieg, Leonard Slatkin, St. Louis Symphony
Coppélia, Act I: WaltzLéo Delibes, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Pas de quatre: Finale No. 8 (Orch. W. McDermott)Cesare Pugni, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12, Act I: WaltzPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Romeo and Juliet Suite No. 1, Op. 64bis: II. Scene (The Street Awakens)Sergei Prokofiev, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Paavo Järvi
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, TH 14, Act I Scene 2: MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Petite suite, L. 65: I. En bateau (On the Boat) [Transcr. Y. Kondonassis]Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
Wien, Wien, nur du alleinRudolf Sieczynski, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
12 Concerti grossi After Corelli, No. 4 in F Major, H. 135: III. VivaceFrancesco Geminiani, Boston Baroque, Martin Pearlman
Gold and Silver Waltzes, Op. 79Franz Lehár, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
On the Beautiful Blue Danube, Op. 314 (From "2001: A Space Odyssey")Johann Strauss II, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Nachtigall Polka, Op. 222Johann Strauss II, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La bohème, SC 67: Quando m'en vo' (Orch. C. Beck, S. Bernstein & E. Kunzel)Giacomo Puccini, Erich Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: IV. In the Hall of the Mountain KingEdvard Grieg, Leonard Slatkin, St. Louis Symphony
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude No. 1 in C Major, BWV 846Johann Sebastian Bach, John O'Conor
Fantasia No. 1 in D Major, TWV 33:1 (Excerpt) [Arr. Y. Kondonassis]Georg Philipp Telemann, Yolanda Kondonassis
Suite No. 3 in D Major, BWV 1068: II. AirJohann Sebastian Bach, Boston Baroque, Martin Pearlman
Rêverie, L. 68 (Transcr. Y. Kondonassis)Claude Debussy, Yolanda Kondonassis
La traviata: De' miei bollenti spiritiGiuseppe Verdi, Fernando De La Mora, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Adagio for Strings (From "The Elephant Man" & "Platoon")Samuel Barber, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Les sylphides: Finale. Grand valse brilliante, Op. 18 (Arr. C. Dragon)Frédéric Chopin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act I: "Sempre libera degg'io" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto in F Minor, Op. 8 No. 4, RV 297 "Winter": II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Joseph Silverstein
Otello, Act IV: "Ave Maria" - Final Scene (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
La traviata, Act I: "Brindisi" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Rigoletto, Act I: "Questa o quella" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Rigoletto, Act IV: "La donna è mobile" (Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck)Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Nabucco, Act III: "Va, pensiero" (Prisoners' Chorus) [Arr. E. Kunzel & C. Beck]Giuseppe Verdi, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Serenade for Strings in E Major, Op. 22, B. 52: I. ModeratoAntonín Dvořák, Charles Rosekrans, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Schwanengesang, D. 957: No. 4, Ständchen (Arr. B. Orr)Franz Schubert, Charles Rosekrans, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra