May 8 Listening

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (Russian, 1840-1893): Serenade for Strings, mvt. 2 

As mentioned yesterday, birthday boys Brahms and Tchaikovsky both wrote epic and important violin concertos (or, concerti) that you should listen to; I chose instead selections on the lighter side from both composers. This is a beautiful waltz movement from Tchaikovsky's "Serenade for Strings." (You may recognize the tune.) It is performed here by "A Far Cry," a string orchestra from Boston which performs without a conductor, and sometimes, as you see here, without music! They can do this because each individual is a committed and skilled listener...and because they rehearse A LOT. If you get a chance, check out the other movements as well.

Live performance by A Far Cry