"Music for Cats" is a unique and intriguing collection of classical pieces curated by the legendary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, released on January 1, 2023, under the Naxos Special Projects label. This album spans a variety of genres within classical music, including requiems, operas, piano compositions, and chamber music, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.
Comprising 31 tracks, the album features well-known works such as "Waltz of the Flowers," "Prelude in C-Sharp Minor," and "Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178, 'From the New World': II. Largo," alongside lesser-known gems like "Chiquilin de Bachin (The Little Beggar Boy)" and "Nimrod." The duration of the album is 2 hours and 17 minutes, providing a substantial and immersive journey through the world of classical music.
The album is designed to be calming and soothing, making it an excellent choice for relaxation and stress relief. The gentle, flowing melodies are known to create a serene atmosphere, which can be particularly appealing to cat lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful auditory experience. The tracks are arranged for piano and strings, highlighting the delicate and intricate beauty of these instruments.
"Music for Cats" is not just an album; it's a testament to the timeless appeal of classical music and its ability to transcend boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a delightful exploration of Mozart's compositions and their enduring charm.
2023 Naxos Records2023 Naxos Records
Tracks
Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenard
No. 1, KaddischMaurice Ravel, Duo Sonidos
III. AdagioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bläsersolisten der Deutschen Kammerphilharmonie
II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
AndanteFelix Mendelssohn, Maria Kliegel, Kristin Merscher
Prelude in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 45Frédéric Chopin, Idil Biret
No. 17 in E-Flat MajorNiccolò Paganini, Ilya Kaler
Barcarolle (Arr. for Piano)Jacques Offenbach, Péter Nagy
II. RomanceWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Capella Istropolitana, Wolfgang Sobotka
Frühlingslied, Op. 62 No. 6, MWV U 161Felix Mendelssohn, Péter Nagy
NimrodEdward Elgar, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, George Hurst
II. AndantinoFranz Schubert, Jenő Jandó
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11Samuel Barber, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Marin Alsop
I. Allegro moderatoJoseph Haydn, Jenő Jandó
II. LarghettoLudwig van Beethoven, Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia, Béla Drahos
Pavane, Op. 50Gabriel Fauré, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Keith Clark
XIII. The Swan (Arr. P. Vidal for Cello & Orchestra)Camille Saint-Saëns, Gabriel Schwabe, Malmö Symphony Orchestra, Marc Soustrot
I. AndanteClara Schumann, Yoshiko Iwai
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: Variation 18 (Arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
Sicilienne, Op. 78 (version for piano)Gabriel Fauré, Simon Crawford-Phillips
II. Air ("On the G String")Johann Sebastian Bach, Capella Istropolitana, Jaroslav Dvořák
No. 2 in E-Flat MajorFrédéric Chopin, Idil Biret
Sicilienne (Arr. D. Sosin)Maria Theresia von Paradis, Nora Shulman, Judy Loman
I: VolksliedchenRobert Schumann, Rico Gulda
No. 9, Schafe können sicher weiden (Transcr. L. Stokowski)Johann Sebastian Bach, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, José Serebrier
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178, "From the New World": II. LargoAntonín Dvořák, Peter Breiner
No. 1, Lento, ma non troppoFrederick Delius, English Chamber Orchestra, Julian Lloyd Webber
No. 1 in E Major, Op. 19/1Felix Mendelssohn, Péter Nagy
Chiquilin de Bachin (The Little Beggar Boy) [arr. J. Lenehan for 2 cellos and piano]Astor Piazzolla, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan