Pianist-composer Michael Brown and cellist Nick Canellakis share what they’re listening to!
Nick’s Playlist Picks
Nick Canellakis
Scriabin: Prometheus - Chicago Symphony
I came across this piece by accident in the car. I had never even heard of it, and it blew me away. It's probably the most out there, weird Scriabin you're going to find, and has one of the greatest final cadences I've ever heard. The final chord made my jaw drop.
Franck Symphony in D minor: Berlin Philharmonic with Lorin Mazell
I hadn't heard this piece since I played it as a student at the Curtis Institute, and for some reason I decided to revisit it recently. I love Franck, and this is quintessentially him. Passionate, dark, and heart on the sleeve romantic.
Mendelssohn String Quartet in A minor, Op. 13 - Guarneri Quartet
I recently played this piece for the first time, so I naturally went to the Guarneri Quartet to study up. I, along with most string players I know, grew up listening to their recordings, and they still represent the gold standard for me. First violinist Arnold Steinhardt's way of turning a melody goes straight to my heart.
(For a totally different, but equally brilliant approach, check out Quartuor Ebene)
Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto no. 2 - William Kapell and Pittsburgh Symphony with William Steinberg
My best friend and recital partner Michael Brown introduced me to this recording. I'm a sucker for this piece, and this recording is worth a listen not just for Kapell's brilliance, but the gorgeous orchestra playing of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
Last Leaf - Danish String Quartet
The Danish Quartet performs innovative programs that mix classics by composers like Beethoven and Mozart with traditional Danish folk music. This is a CD of all folk music, and it's incredibly fun to listen to.
Michael’s Playlist Picks
Michael Brown
Nikolai Medtner: Piano Concerto No. 2,
Geoffrey Tozer, Piano, Neeme Järvi, Conductor, London Philharmonic Orchestra. Medtner was a brilliant Russian composer-pianist and close friend of Sergei Rachmaninoff. I'm obsessed with the alluring freshness and vitality of his music and this Concerto is a riveting experience from start to finish. For another spellbinding recording of the work, check out Medtner's own performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2p-PUA0fGs&t=656s
Strauss/arr. Schulz-Evler: The Blue Danube
Josef Lhévinne, piano. This is one of my desert island recordings--it knocks my socks off every time. To think it was only one take!.
Solo Monk
Thelonius Monk, piano. This entire album is worth checking out--its brilliance has kept me company on many nights during the pandemic.
Anton Arensky: Waltz from Suite No. 1 for Two Pianos, Op. 15
Harold Bauer/Ossip Gabrilowitsch, pianists. These two "golden age" pianists from the turn of the 20th century had fascinating lives, knew everybody, and left rich musical legacies. They play this delightful waltz as one, with a lightness and spirit that is unparalleled.
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 1
Leonard Bernstein: Piano and Conductor. New York Philharmonic, 1960. Leonard Bernstein play/conducting Beethoven's First Piano Concerto with the New York Philharmonic takes my breath away. The performance fearlessly embraces humor, tenderness, and drama and he makes me feel that I’m hearing this work for the very first time.
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