Lehár – Die lustige Witwe (The Merry Widow); Overture
The operetta was first performed in Vienna in 1905 and has become the most popular Viennese operetta of all time. Also popularized in several movie versions, most notably the 1952 version with Lana Turner and Fernando Lamas.
Mozart – Piano Concerto, No. 21
Angela Cheng, piano
Written during Mozart's most prolific period, this concerto has none of the signs of being composed in a rush. It's heavenly, relaxing, and recognizable with a triumphant ending. Featured prominently in the movie Elvira Madigan, it is sometimes referred to as the "Elvira Madigan Concerto".
Tchaikovsky – Sleeping Beauty Suite
Sleeping Beauty was one of the composer's favorites of his own works, so he had a difficult time selecting the best moments for a suite.
Ravel – La valse, poème chorégraphique
Ravel's own description as noted on the score says, "Through whirling clouds, waltzing couples may be faintly distinguished. The clouds gradually scatter: one sees an immense hall peopled with a whirling crowd. The scene is gradually illuminated. The light of the chandeliers bursts forth at the fortissimo. Set in an imperial court, about 1855."
Rosas – Sobre las Olas
"Over The Waves" is the best-known work from Mexican composer Juventino Rosas. You are sure to instantly recognize this popular melody, used in everything from carousels, cartoons, and circus acts.
