Main content

Classical music for focus or relaxation

Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music, from Handel to Nyman.

Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.

This episode begins with a Romance for cello and piano by Zoltan Kodaly and finishes with a orchestral Lament from William Grant Still's American Suite. In between, we take a journey from Handel's opera Semele, through Schumann's violin concerto and music from Vaughan Williams' Coastal Command, to Michael Nyman's score for The Piano, the vocal ensemble Alamire singing music by 16th-century composer Jactin, and a prelude by Scriabin.

Producer: Andy King

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3'.

28 days left to listen

30 minutes

Last on

Tuesday19:00
BBC Radio 3

More episodes

Previous

Take 30 minutes out with a relaxing classical mix

Next

30 minutes of classical inspiration

See all episodes from Classical Mixtape

Music Played

  • Kodály Zoltán

    Romance lyrique

    Performer: Natalie Clein. Performer: Julius Drake.
    • Zoltan Kodaly, Sonata for solo cello: Clein / Drake.
    • Hyperion.
    • 14.

  • George Frideric Handel

    Where e'er you walk (Semele)

    Singer: John Mark Ainsley. Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Sir Andrew Davis.
    • WARNER CLASSICS.

  • Robert Schumann

    Violin Concerto in D minor (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Gidon Kremer. Orchestra: Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Conductor: Nikolaus Harnoncourt.
    • Teldec.

  • Ralph Vaughan Williams

    Hebrides (from Coastal Command)

    Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: Kenneth Alwyn.
    • Silva America.

  • Michael Nyman

    The Heart Asks Pleasure First (The Piano)

    Orchestra: The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Conductor: Paul Bateman.
    • Greatest Film Classics.
    • Parlophone UK.
    • 14.

  • Jacotin

    Beati omnes qui timent Dominum

    Ensemble: Alamire. Director: David Skinner.
    • Obsidian Records.

  • Alexander Scriabin

    24 Preludes, Op. 11: No. 1 in C Major

    • Scriabin: 24 Preludes - Schubert: Piano Sonata No. 18.
    • Gramola Records.
    • 101.

  • William Grant Still

    American Suite: III. Lament

    Orchestra: Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Conductor: Avlana Eisenberg.
    • Still: Orchestral Works.
    • Naxos.
    • 503.

Broadcast

  • Tuesday19:00
    BBC Radio 3

Music to help you focus

Music to help you focus

Discover the best classical music for study, inspiration and relaxation.