Baroque

Toccata and Fugue in D minor

The dramatic organ opening (BWV 565) has become the epitome of ‘spooky’ music: though whether Bach really wrote it is debated.

💡 Did you know? The famous opening flourish is technically a ‘mordent’: a quick ornament.

Air on the G String

The second movement of Bach's Suite No. 3, a serenely flowing melody over walking basses. The nickname ‘on the G string’ comes from a later violin arrangement.

💡 Did you know? In the 19th century August Wilhelmj transposed it so it could be played entirely on the lowest string.

Badinerie

The whirling flute finale of Bach's Suite No. 2: blisteringly fast and playful, a test piece for any solo flautist.

💡 Did you know? ‘Badinerie’ roughly means ‘jesting’ or ‘playful banter’.

Cello Suite No. 1 (Prelude)

The rolling G-major prelude is probably the most famous music for solo cello: a single, unfolding line.

💡 Did you know? Bach's cello suites were long seen as mere exercises until Pablo Casals rediscovered the score around 1890.

Spring (The Four Seasons)

The radiant opening ritornello of ‘Spring’ from Vivaldi's violin-concerto cycle paints chirping birds and a waking countryside.

💡 Did you know? Each concerto comes with a sonnet that the music illustrates line by line.