There seems to be an interest so happy to oblige. Perhaps the most moving World War 2 classical piece I have heard is the opening of Shostakovich's symphony No.13, Op 113 'Babi Yar' . The words were written by post-war Soviet poet Yvengy Yetushenko (1932- 2017) for the symphony, and first performed in Moscow in December 1962.
Thanks to both of you for these two classic pieces. We love this kind of music and only last week went to a concert with youths musicians. Nutcracker was also part of it. Stefan.
From Walt Disney's Fantasia, 1940. The Sorcerer's Apprentice, originally composed by Paul Dukas in 1897, and conducted for the film by the great Leopold Stokowski.
Thanks for creating this thread Michael. Not exactly what you meant I know, but when I think of the sacrifice made by all WW2 service personnel I always hear Elgar's Nimrod in my head:
This is my favourite version of the Dambusters March: Lincoln Cathedral, and a Lancaster to finish. What's not to like.
From SDP's post here: Classical music relating to World War 2 And especially for SDP; programme still clearly lost (given the only broadcast date), but some very classical classics amongst the late Guy Gibson's choices, a couple of brave choices too given the times (and another that liked them). But then you wouldn't get anything else but brave choices from Guy Gibson. Always remember, never forget, Jim.
After dropping a neighbour off at Humberside Airport (formerly RAF Kirmington) the scenic route home took me through the small hamlet of Kettleby. On a dry sunny morning, it is very much the countryside that comes to mind when hearing Albert Ketèlby's 'Bells across the Meadows', except that the inspiration for that piece came from a place further away; Malta and Gozo, to be precise: My first recollections of the work were when I was lodging in a Durham pit village from an elderly widowed neighbour called Manny, who had just retired from work at the Ordnance factory near Sunderland. Manny didn't talk much about 'The War', but he said he played his recording most days, to help him unwind, just as he had done after periods of 'awfulness' during 'The Siege', where he was RAMC, not DLI, as I initially assumed. Most of Ketèlby's noted works were composed before WW2, but he penned a few during the conflict. One is depicted below: seemingly inspired by Churchill's 'Fight on the Beaches' speech, connect the preamble - although I've never heard it played - has any Member? Another Ketèlby 'short' is 'Fight to the Death' on a compilation of wartime short pieces, the types that possibly served as soundtracks to cinema News features.
Beethoven (1944, Stereo): Allegro from Concerto for piano and orchestra No.5 - Gieseking/RO Berlin In the cadenza and some quiet passages you can hear the artillery (CF: more likely bombs or AA-fire) from outside the RRG-building (2´30"+, 5´40"+). You'll have to have the volume up quite high to hear it.
What a lot of great music. May I add that our local cinema sometimes connects to The Metropolitan Opera etc. even incl. back stage visits. The sound may not be as perfect, but pretty good and by far cheaper. Stefan.
Getting so much from this thread, thank you to everyone who has posted. Michael Tippett's 'A Child of Our Time' composed between 1938-1941 . There is some background to this piece from the BBC BBC - BBC Symphony Orchestra - Why Tippett’s A Child of Our Time is so evocative More Shostakovich to come.....
I have to admit, I looked up the story behind this composition. I remember the shooting of Herr von Rath. How terrible to use this as an excuse to go against Millions of Jews. Stefan.
Fanfare For The Common Man, composed by Aaron Copeland in 1942 to honour people serving in World War Two.
Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, composed by William Walton 1942. Arranged from music he had written earlier that year for the film The First of the Few.
Just to finish(?) the Dambusters theme sub-thread there is, of course, the advert for Carling Black Label timed neatly in 1966 World Cup 'season'..... Edit: apologies....timed for the Italia '90 football (thanks Jim for pointing out my error - I was always useless at Soccer! )
