Watch an expert violinist pick up the violin, place it under the chin and draw the bow across the strings, making music sing in the air: it seems so easy and natural. Actually, it can feel rather awkward at first! Where do I put my fingers for different notes? And how can I do it as well as pull the bow smoothly so it makes a nice sound? It seems so difficult! The violin is one of the most popular instruments the world over. Probably more children learn the violin than any other instrument (except perhaps the recorder). One reason is that music needs so many violins. Music for orchestras needs a lot of violins; gypsy music in Hungary needs violins; raags in India sometimes use violins. Folk musicians in England, America and many other countries use the violin too. In the 14 tracks of this collection, you can hear many different kinds of classical music from the violin. See which ones you like best... Narrator: Naxos Global Distribution Ltd : Naxos Records is the world's leading classical music label as measured by the number of new recordings it releases and the depth and breadth of its catalogue. Naxos was founded in 1987 by Klaus Heymann, a German-born entrepreneur based in Hong Kong. Under his continuing stewardship, Naxos has developed from being known primarily as a budget label focusing on standard repertoire into a global music group comprising a raft of downloading and streaming platforms, a significant catalogue of multimedia products, a vast international logistics network, a recording engineering arm, a publications division, and a licensing department. Music Tracks and Information: TR1(00:04:52)24 Caprices, Op. 1: No. 24 in A Minor Composer:Paganini, Niccolò Performer:Kaler, Ilya TR2(00:06:42)Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216: III. Rondeau: Allegro Composer:Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus Performer:Capella Istropolitana; Gunzenhauser, Stephen; Nishizaki, Takako TR3(00:03:03)Salut d'amour, Op. 12 Composer:Elgar, Edward Performer:Nishizaki, Takako; Jandó, Jenő TR4(00:04:59)Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, BWV 1043: III. Allegro Composer:Bach, Johann Sebastian Performer:Capella Istropolitana; Dohnányi, Oliver; Nishizaki, Takako; Jablokov, Alexander TR5(00:03:43) 12 Danzas españolas (Spanish Dances), Op. 37: No. 5. Andaluza (arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano) Composer:Granados, Enrique Performer:Nishizaki, Takako; Jandó, Jenő TR6(00:05:16)Thaïs, Act II: Méditation (version for violin and piano) Composer:Massenet, Jules Performer:Nishizaki, Takako; Jandó, Jenő TR7(00:06:29)Violin Concerto in E Minor, Op. 64: III. Allegro molto vivace Composer:Mendelssohn, Felix Performer:Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra; Jean, Kenneth; Nishizaki, Takako TR8(00:03:33)Slavonic Dances, Series 1, Op. 46, B. 83: No. 2 in E Minor (arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano) Composer:Dvořák, Antonín Performer:Nishizaki, Takako; Jandó, Jenő TR9(00:04:55)La ronde des lutins, Op. 25 Composer:Bazzini, Antonio Performer:Hanslip, Chloë; Frantz, Caspar TR10(00:03:26)Souvenir d'un lieu cher, Op. 42: III. Mélodie (arr. A.K. Glazunov for violin and orchestra) Composer:Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Il'yich Performer:Russian Philharmonic Orchestra; Yablonsky, Dmitry; Kaler, Ilya TR11(00:02:59)Sarasate: Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25: I. Introduction: Allegro moderato Composer:Sarasate, Pablo de Performer:Navarre Symphony Orchestra; Martínez Izquierdo, Ernest; Yang, Tianwa TR12(00:08:31)Violin Sonata No. 1 in D Major, Op. 12, No. 1: I. Allegro con brio Composer:Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer:Nishizaki, Takako; Jandó, Jenő TR13(00:03:10)8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 7. Poco lento e grazioso in G-Flat Major (arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano) Composer:Dvořák, Antonín Performer:Nishizaki, Takako; Jandó, Jenő TR14(00:03:59)Csárdás Composer:Monti, Vittorio Performer:Ferenc Santa Jr. Gypsy Band

The Piano There are different kinds of piano. Some are big and some are small. But they all have one thing in common: a keyboard with white keys and black keys. When you learn to play the piano, you use one hand first. Then you use the other hand. Then you play with both hands together. When you become really good you can play things fast, with fingers moving at different speeds in different directions! And you can play all your favourite tunes. On this recording you can hear some of the best piano music written by famous composers. It is played by very good pianists. These pianists started to learn the piano when they were young children. They all like playing the piano better than anything else! Naxos Global Distribution Ltd : Naxos Records is the world's leading classical music label as measured by the number of new recordings it releases and the depth and breadth of its catalogue. Naxos was founded in 1987 by Klaus Heymann, a German-born entrepreneur based in Hong Kong. Under his continuing stewardship, Naxos has developed from being known primarily as a budget label focusing on standard repertoire into a global music group comprising a raft of downloading and streaming platforms, a significant catalogue of multimedia products, a vast international logistics network, a recording engineering arm, a publications division, and a licensing department. Music Tracks and Information: TR 1 ( 00:03:01 ) Lyric Pieces, Op. 54: No. 3. March of the Trolls Composer: Grieg, Edvard Performer: Szokolay, Balázs TR 2 ( 00:01:14 ) Tale of Tsar Saltan, Op. 57: Flight of the Bumblebee (arr. S. Rachmaninov for piano) Composer: Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolay Andreyevich Performer: Szokolay, Balázs TR 3 ( 00:00:49 ) For Children, BB 53, Vol. 2 (based on Hungarian folk tunes): No. 27. Jest Composer: Bartók, Béla Performer: Jandó, Jenő TR 4 ( 00:01:05 ) For Children, BB 53, Vol. 3 (based on Slovakian folk tunes): No. 61. Pleasantry Composer: Bartók, Béla Performer: Jandó, Jenő TR 5 ( 00:05:13 ) 3 Marches militaires, Op. 51, D. 733: No. 1 in D Major Composer: Schubert, Franz Performer: Jandó, Jenő; Kollár, Zsuzsa TR 6 ( 00:01:48 ) Waltz No. 6 in D-Flat Major, Op. 64, No. 1, "Minute" Composer: Chopin, Fryderyk Performer: Biret, Idil TR 7 ( 00:03:10 ) Maple Leaf Rag Composer: Joplin, Scott Performer: Peskanov, Alexander TR 8 ( 00:05:18 ) Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenuto Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Jandó, Jenő TR 9 ( 00:02:21 ) Dolly Suite, Op. 56 (excerpts) - I. Berceuse Composer: Fauré, Gabriel Performer: Volondat, Pierre-Alain; Hooge, Patrick de TR 10 ( 00:02:10 ) Dolly Suite, Op. 56 (excerpts) - VI. Le pas espagnol Composer: Fauré, Gabriel Performer: Volondat, Pierre-Alain; Hooge, Patrick de TR 11 ( 00:01:44 ) Lyric Pieces, Book 3, Op. 43: No. 4. Little bird Composer: Grieg, Edvard Performer: Szokolay, Balázs TR 12 ( 00:02:38 ) Keyboard Sonata in G Major, K.125/L.487/P.152 Composer: Scarlatti, Domenico Performer: Huang, Chu-Fang TR 13 ( 00:01:21 ) Album für die Jugend (Album for the Young), Op. 68, Part II: Für Erwachsenere: No. 23. Reiterstück Composer: Schumann, Robert Performer: Gulda, Rico TR 14 ( 00:03:23 ) Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331: III. Rondo alla turca: Allegretto Composer: Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus Performer: Jandó, Jenő TR 15 ( 00:03:37 ) French Suite No. 5 in G Major, BWV 816: VII. Gigue Composer: Bach, Johann Sebastian Performer: Rübsam, Wolfgang TR 16 ( 00:02:05 ) Histoires (Stories): II. Le petit âne blanc (The Little White Donkey) Composer: Ibert, Jacques Performer: Chang, Hae Won TR 17 ( 00:04:14 ) Piano Sonata No. 50 in D Major, Hob.XVI:37: I. Allegro con brio Composer: Haydn, Franz Joseph Performer: Jandó, Jenő TR 18 ( 00:05:48 ) Suite bergamasque: III.

When Beethoven was a young man, he was known as a brilliant pianist and a brilliant composer. But he didn't really have a happy life. He was born in the German city of Bonn and he gave his first public concert at the age of seven. But his father was very strict and made him practise for hours every day. When he was in his 20s and already famous, he began to go deaf. Imagine how awful that was for such a great musician: to him, music was getting softer and softer, until he could hardly hear a thing. He bashed his poor piano more and more as he tried to hear what he was playing. He became grumpy! But he loved music so much that he kept composing. He heard music in his head and wrote it down on paper: when he looked at the paper, he could hear it again in his head. When his Ninth Symphony was played for the first time, Beethoven sat by the stage and tried to help with the conducting. At the end, everyone started clapping and cheering. But Beethoven didn't realise they were doing it because he had his back to them and he couldn't hear them. One of the musicians came and turned him around to face the audience, and he could see that they were all standing up and applauding. He realised how much they liked his symphony. It was a big moment for him. Naxos Global Distribution Ltd : Naxos Records is the world's leading classical music label as measured by the number of new recordings it releases and the depth and breadth of its catalogue. Naxos was founded in 1987 by Klaus Heymann, a German-born entrepreneur based in Hong Kong. Under his continuing stewardship, Naxos has developed from being known primarily as a budget label focusing on standard repertoire into a global music group comprising a raft of downloading and streaming platforms, a significant catalogue of multimedia products, a vast international logistics network, a recording engineering arm, a publications division, and a licensing department. Music Tracks and Information: TR 1 ( 00:05:50 ) Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia; Drahos, Béla TR 2 ( 00:06:35 ) Violin Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 24, "Spring": IV. Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Nishizaki, Takako; Jandó, Jenő TR 3 ( 00:01:26 ) 2 Marches for Military Band: March No. 1, WoO 18 Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra; Lenárd, Ondrej TR 4 ( 00:03:19 ) Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73, "Emperor": II. Adagio un poco mosso (excerpt) Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Capella Istropolitana; Wordsworth, Barry; Vladar, Stefan TR 5 ( 00:05:55 ) String Quartet No. 9 in C Major, Op. 59, No. 3, "Rasumovsky": IV. Allegro molto Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Kodály Quartet TR 6 ( 00:03:22 ) Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59, "Für Elise" Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Jandó, Jenő TR 7 ( 00:03:12 ) Serenade in D Major, Op. 8: V. Allegretto alla polacca Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Falvay, Attila; Fejérvári, János; Éder, György TR 8 ( 00:02:47 ) Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68, "Pastoral" (excerpts) - III. Happy gathering of villagers: Allegro Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia; Drahos, Béla TR 9 ( 00:04:05 ) Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68, "Pastoral" (excerpts) - IV. Thunderstorm: Allegro Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia; Drahos, Béla TR 10 ( 00:05:30 ) Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 16: III. Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Kiss, József; Kovács, Béla; Vajda, József TR 11 ( 00:05:21 ) Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Major, Op. 69: II. Scherzo: Allegro molto Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Onczay, Csaba; Jandó, Jenő TR 12 ( 00:05:20 ) Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, "Moonlight": I.

There is a BIG hall filled with hundreds of people. They are just getting comfortable in their seats when the musicians walk onto the stage, carrying instruments. There are the string instruments: the violins, violas, cellos and large double basses, which are heavy to carry. There are the brass instruments: horns, trumpets, trombones and a tuba. And there are the woodwind instruments: flutes, oboes, clarinets and bassoons. The percussionists walk onto the stage too, but they are not carrying anything because their instruments – drums, triangles, timpani, xylophone and bells – are already set up. The musicians sit in their places, making a semi-circle on the stage and leaving a space in the front for the conductor. Then you can hear a long, clear note – an 'A' – from the oboe. All the musicians in the orchestra copy that note, making sure they are all in tune. When they are quiet and ready, the conductor walks onto the stage, carrying with him the little stick called a baton. He steps up onto the podium so that he's a bit taller, bows to the audience, and everyone claps. He turns around to face the orchestra and lifts up his baton. Everyone is silent. All the musicians are looking at that stick, with their instruments ready. Suddenly, down it goes and the whole orchestra starts to play! The concert has begun! Naxos Global Distribution Ltd : Naxos Records is the world's leading classical music label as measured by the number of new recordings it releases and the depth and breadth of its catalogue. Naxos was founded in 1987 by Klaus Heymann, a German-born entrepreneur based in Hong Kong. Under his continuing stewardship, Naxos has developed from being known primarily as a budget label focusing on standard repertoire into a global music group comprising a raft of downloading and streaming platforms, a significant catalogue of multimedia products, a vast international logistics network, a recording engineering arm, a publications division, and a licensing department. Music Tracks and Information: TR 1 ( 00:03:31 ) Guillaume Tell (William Tell): Overture: Finale Composer: Rossini, Gioachino Performer: Zagreb Festival Orchestra; Halász, Michael TR 2 ( 00:05:49 ) Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act I: The terrace in front of the palace of Prince Siegfried: No. 2. Valse Composer: Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Il'yich Performer: Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra; Halász, Michael; Bogacz, Josef TR 3 ( 00:03:34 ) The Four Seasons: Violin Concerto in E Major, Op. 8, No. 1, RV 269, 'La primavera' (Spring): I. Allegro Composer: Vivaldi, Antonio Performer: Capella Istropolitana; Gunzenhauser, Stephen; Nishizaki, Takako TR 4 ( 00:03:31 ) Berceuse, Op. 16 (version for violin and piano) Composer: Fauré, Gabriel Performer: Kang, Dong-Suk; Devoyon, Pascal TR 5 ( 00:01:23 ) Overture (Suite) No. 2 in B Minor, BWV 1067: VII. Badinerie Composer: Bach, Johann Sebastian Performer: Cologne Chamber Orchestra; Müller-Brühl, Helmut; Kaiser, Karl TR 6 ( 00:05:48 ) Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio Composer: Beethoven, Ludwig van Performer: Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia; Drahos, Béla TR 7 ( 00:02:23 ) Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: IV. In the Hall of the Mountain King Composer: Grieg, Edvard Performer: Norrköping Symphony Orchestra; Rondin, Mats TR 8 ( 00:00:34 ) Román népi táncok (Romanian Folk Dances), BB 68 (excerpts) - No. 2. Brâul Composer: Bartók, Béla Performer: Jandó, Jenő TR 9 ( 00:00:51 ) Román népi táncok (Romanian Folk Dances), BB 68 (excerpts) - No. 3. Topogó (Pê-loc) Composer: Bartók, Béla Performer: Jandó, Jenő TR 10 ( 00:04:38 ) Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat Major, Hob.VIIe:1: III. Finale: Allegro Composer: Haydn, Franz Joseph Performer: Cologne Chamber Orchestra; Müller-Brühl, Helmut; Schuster, Jürgen TR 11 ( 00:02:16 ) 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: Hungarian Dance No. 5 (orch.