Today’s post features the first recorded set of variations on an original theme, dating all the way back to 1627. It is a beautiful and strikingly haunting piece of writing, by the eccentric and daring Italian early Baroque composer Girolamo Frescobaldi
Performance videos
Videos which contain performances of repertoire by Cole and others, along with in-depth, accessible analyses of the music.
Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C major BWV 846 (from the Well Tempered Clavier)
In this video, I present a complete performance of the first of Bach’s Preludes and Fugues from the Well Tempered Clavier. I also talk quite a bit about performance practice, and options available performing these pieces on the piano as opposed to Clavichord, Harpsichord and Organ.
Grainger: Rosenkavalier Ramble
In today’s video I perform Percy Grainger’s “Ramble on the last duet from Strauss’s Rosenkavalier.” Completed in 1927, this is surely Grainger’s most elaborate fantasy on another composer’s music.
Liszt Consolations Nos. 1-3
Today’s post features some of Liszt’s most enchantingly lyrical works, the Consolations from 1850. These works are an expression of Liszt’s genuine religious mysticism, which was paradoxically (given the tempestuous nature of his private life) such an important part of his identity throughout his life. Stylistically, their closest kinship is Continue Reading
Chopin Mazurka Op. 59 No. 3
In today’s video, we talk a little bit about the folk origins of the Mazurka, and also look in-depth at one of Chopin’s finest Mazurkas for piano solo!
Sibelius Romance in D-flat major op. 24 no. 9
Liszt: Harmonies du Soir (Evening Harmonies), Transcendental Etude No.11
Today’s post covers my favorite of Liszt’s Transcendental Etudes. These etudes seemingly transform the piano into a full orchestra, and are full of unforgettable piano writing and musical effects. In this video I go into the long gestation period of this piece (25 years!), as well as some of the Continue Reading
Rautavaara: Etudes Op. 42
Today’s video covers three of Einojuhani Rautavaara’s remarkable Etudes, written in 1969. Rautavaara was probably Finland’s most distinguished composer after Sibelius, and I talk a bit about his strikingly beautiful and organic musical style in the video. For all you pianists out there, I do highly recommend these pieces as Continue Reading
Rachmaninoff Concerto 1 (complete performance)
This post is a re-upload of my previous Rachmaninoff Concerto upload, with all the movements in one video, and no spoken commentary—for those of you who want to hear the performance without interruption.
Schubert F# minor Sonata (mvt 4)
This video completes my series on Schubert’s F# minor Sonata D.571. In this movement we have the final, again, with a completion by Malcom Bilson. You can also go here, to find a video with a performance of the entire sonata, with no spoken introduction.