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Classical Music Playlist #1

Heading North from Lisbon
by Kevin Aguiar
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"A Brazilian law graduate and former civil servant turned passionate musician. My uncle served as artistic director and conductor for 15 years at the Clovis Salgado Foundation, where I studied music and later became a teaching assistant. Now in Lisbon, I pursue cello and choral singing, driven by my deep love for art and culture."

syncopation is a
disrupted rhythmic flow

I

 

We begin with Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 ("Pastoral"), a five-movement masterpiece. Unlike the grandeur and drama of some of his other symphonies, the Pastoral is a serene and evocative celebration of rural life.

The second movement paints a vivid soundscape of northern landscapes. Close your eyes and imagine: the cellos weave a gentle, syncopated harmony that mirrors the flow of rivers, while the flutes mimic the cheerful calls of birds in spring. This movement perfectly captures the essence of forests, streams, and vibrant wildlife—hallmarks of the north.

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Composed in 1808, Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony is one of the earliest examples of program music—a style where the composition tells a story or depicts a scene. Beethoven had a deep connection to nature and often took long walks in the countryside around Vienna. For him, these outings were a source of inspiration and solace, especially as his hearing deteriorated. Unlike some of his other symphonies, which are grand and dramatic, the Pastoral is a gentle and evocative work, celebrating the beauty and tranquility of rural life. Each of its five movements portrays a specific aspect of nature:

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First - Allegro ma non troppo: This opening movement reflects the joy and calm one feels upon arriving in the countryside, setting the tone with cheerful melodies and a sense of freshnes.

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"In the middle of the fourth movement, a curiosity I think is worth including is the wind blowing against the trees. An instrument called a piccolo plays several sequences of high notes, symbolizing the gusts of wind in the storm," – Kevin Aguiar.

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Second - Andante molto mosso: Known as "Scene by the Brook," this movement vividly depicts a flowing stream. Beethoven even incorporates birdcalls (nightingale, quail, and cuckoo) in the woodwinds.

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Third - Allegro: A lively dance represents a "Merry gathering of country folk," capturing their joyous festivities.

 

Fourth - Allegro: The music turns dramatic with a "Thunderstorm," where Beethoven uses the orchestra to recreate the power of nature, including rolling thunder and flashes of lightning.

 

Fifth - Allegretto: After the storm, the symphony concludes with a "Shepherd’s Song," a hymn of gratitude and peace.

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Beethoven didn’t want the symphony to be interpreted as a literal depiction of nature but rather as an expression of his feelings about it. In his words: “More the expression of feeling than painting.”

The Pastoral Symphony premiered in December 1808 at the Theater an der Wien in a legendary concert that also featured Beethoven's Symphony No. 5. The concert was over four hours long, showcasing Beethoven’s genius but also the challenges he faced as a composer and performer, including his worsening deafness and financial struggles.

II

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"To vary the genres, I would recommend a more traditional Baroque style for the North, which evokes the metaphysical ideology of faith and religiosity, whatever it may be," – Kevin Aguiar.

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To contrast Beethoven’s Romantic expressiveness, the Baroque era offers a more structured and spiritual reflection of art and culture. Johann Sebastian Bach, often regarded as the greatest musician of all time, epitomizes this era with his profound contributions to music. The Baroque period, deeply intertwined with faith and religiosity, resonates through Bach’s compositions, making his works an ideal representation of this historical and metaphysical ideology.

Among his masterpieces, the Brandenburg Concertos stand out as a pinnacle of Baroque artistry. Composed between 1718 and 1721, these six concertos were dedicated to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt, in 1721. Renowned for their intricate counterpoint and innovative instrumentation, they remain some of the most celebrated works in classical music.

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The Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 is particularly notable. Featuring a dazzling interplay of violin, flute, and harpsichord, this concerto showcases Bach’s genius for blending technical brilliance with emotional depth. The extended harpsichord cadenza in the first movement is a highlight, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the virtuosity and grandeur of the Baroque tradition.​

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listen to cellos in the second movement with unexpected accents, that is it

Classical Music Playlist #2

Heading South from Lisbon
by Kevin Aguiar
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"A Brazilian law graduate and former civil servant turned passionate musician. My uncle served as artistic director and conductor for 15 years at the Clovis Salgado Foundation, where I studied music and later became a teaching assistant. Now in Lisbon, I pursue cello and choral singing, driven by my deep love for art and culture."

The hotter the environment, the more our senses come alive, blending in a way that enhances our experience of the surroundings. On a bright, sunny day at the beach, the last thing you’d want is something dark or heavy like a Requiem Mass. Instead, the lighter, more buoyant sounds of Mozart's string quartets are the perfect match for the warmth and energy of the south.

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Mozart's string quartets, especially pieces like String Quartet No. 21 in D Major, K. 575 or String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465 ("Dissonance"), offer delicate, elegant melodies that are easy on the ears yet rich in texture. Their lively, dance-like rhythms and gentle harmonies fit perfectly with a carefree day under the sun.

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These pieces allow the listener to feel the lightness of the environment, creating an effortless flow between the music and the sunny surroundings. Whether you're lounging by the sea or strolling through warm landscapes, Mozart’s quartets complement the brightness and joy of the south.

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Mozart composed 23 string quartets in total. These works vary widely in mood and style, ranging from the more playful and light-hearted pieces to those that are more profound and serious. Some of his most famous and beloved string quartets include:

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  1. String Quartet No. 1 in G major, K. 80 (1770)

  2. String Quartet No. 2 in D major, K. 155 (1772)

  3. String Quartet No. 3 in G major, K. 156 (1772)

  4. String Quartet No. 4 in C minor, K. 157 (1772)

  5. String Quartet No. 5 in F major, K. 163 (1773)

  6. String Quartet No. 6 in B-flat major, K. 159 (1773)

  7. String Quartet No. 7 in E-flat major, K. 160 (1772)

  8. String Quartet No. 8 in F major, K. 168 (1773)

  9. String Quartet No. 9 in A minor, K. 169 (1773)

  10. String Quartet No. 10 in C major, K. 170 (1773)

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"Among the favoured string quartets, one stands out: the Divertimento No. 138 in F Major", – Kevin Aguiar.

 

These pieces, composed for string quartets, were designed to embody the spirit of festivities and merriment. Often performed at balls hosted by the Counts of Salzburg, they also held a connection to Sigmund Haffner, a prominent noble and politician of Mozart’s era. Mozart, a close friend of Haffner, honoured him by composing the renowned Symphony No. 35, famously known as the 'Haffner Symphony.

still rich in texture

leguideline 2025 

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