This powerhouse concert performed by pianist Benjamin Smith is a delight from start to finish. You will find melodies and harmonies in the Handel that sound familiar, especially the Harmonious Blacksmith variations! They are so beautiful, you will want to hear them again. And what a treat to hear the entire Moonlight Sonata instead of just the first movement. There is calm in the Allegretto, and so much drama in the Presto.
Finally, in this truly exciting set of variations by Nikolai Kapustin, you will hear practically every kind of mainstream jazz influence, even though the introductory theme is a jazzed-up version of the opening solo bassoon theme from Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring.”

Enjoy this tour de force performance!

01:54 George Frideric Handel Suite No.5 in E major
1. Prelude
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Air and Variations: A set of variations on a simple melody, famously known as “The Harmonious Blacksmith”.

15:20 Ludwig van Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata)
1. Adagio sostenuto
2. Allegretto (Scherzo and Trio)
3. Presto agitato

33:13 Nikolai Kapustin Variations, Op. 41

Micah Barnes Quartet

Hold on to your hats for this combination of singable music, virtuosic musical performances, and sheer fun! Singer Micah Barnes has had a fabulous career, part of which was spent touring and recording with The Nylons. You will hear some of their music and favourites from the 60s and 70s. It was a real privilege to be in the recording session with these amazing musicians, who are also really lovely people. Enjoy their company and their music.

00:34 – Up the Ladder to the Roof, The Supremes
05:31 – Anyone Who Had a Heart Burt Bacharach, Hal David, Dionne Warwick
10:47 – Happy Together, The Turtles
14:48 – You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’, The Righteous Brothers
20:35 – The Lion Sleeps Tonight Solomon Linda, The Tokens
25:09 – Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye, Steam