Although I enjoy 'talking politics' with the best of 'em, my two true loves are dogs and music.
And several weeks ago, when I posted a musical video from a PBS Special featuring Dutch Maestro Andre Rieu, his Johann Strauss Orchestra (JSO) and Choir, Guest Sopranos and Tenors, and The Harlem Gospel Choir, I was delighted with the response.
So may I present two performances which I hope will bring some pleasure to your evening.
The first musical video features German violinist (then five-year-old) Akim Camara and Brazilian soprano Carla Mafioletti singing the Andrew Lloyd Webber version of the beautiful motet Pie Jesu. Mafioletti, who was (approximately) 26 years old when she performed this lovely piece with Camara, leaves British crossover soprano Sarah Brightman 'in the dust,' in my humble opinion.
Pie Jesu has very special meaning to me, because my Father and I played a piano duet of this motet. [My Father had the wonderful gift of 'playing by ear.']
The second musical video features Camara performing Felix Mendelssohn's Dance Of The Fairies, accompanied by the JSO Orchestra under the direction of conductor Andre Rieu. Bellissimo!
Enjoy.
Carla Mafioletti and Akim Camara, Andrew Lloyd Webber's [Version] "Pie Jesu"
Akim Camara, Felix Mendelssohn's "Dance Of The Fairies"