Calling all Classical Music Lovers - I need your help please.

[ladybirder]

Some very dear young friends of mine have lost their fifth child (at 17 weeks) and will be holding a short secular service for him at the hospital. They have decided they would like two pieces of classical music played during the service, probably of no more than 4-5 minutes each. The choice is left to him and as he is a bit of a novice where classical is concerned and is only just learning to appreciate it, he has asked me to send him some suitable pieces he can choose from. We have discussed it and decided on a piece for cello and the other for piano but if there is anything else I think he might like I can include it. For instance I think Schubert's Serenade is uplifting and will probably include that on my shortlist. They are adamant they don't want any vocals. The obvious cello piece would be J du Pre/Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor Opus 85 but is it suitable? I suggested one of Chopin's Nocturnes but he said that he loved it BUT it was in the Silence of the Lambs. Eek, I didn't know.
So ABers, any suggestions that would fit this sad occasion would be most welcome; I haven't got long to decide. Thank you.

[Ellipsis]

One more suggestion ...

[ladybirder]

LOL Ellipsis, a worthy entrant, thank you. The cello really is the most beautifully expressive of instruments when played as it should be.
This is going to be such a hard choice.

[ladybirder]

PS, that looks like Roger Moore next to him.

[joggerjayne]

OMG, that really does look like Roger Moore!

[ladybirder]

Ha Ha!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mvh4zEKG2zs&feature=related

[Agenoria]

I suggest Debussy's Clair de Lune.

[Ellipsis]

Yes, it took me a while to find a version of that particular performance without Roger Moore on the front. There are quite a few Swans on Youtube but I thought that rendition was fantastic.

[ladybirder]

My friends have made their first choice and em, it's Brahms' Lullaby (she recognised it) so thank you for that. They've discounted Nimrod and the Moonlight. I think they might take the weekend to decide on the other one. Not an easy thing to have to do and they are finding it hard. Thanks again. X

[marval]

Brahms' Lullaby is a good choice, it must be very hard for them.

[ladybirder]

It's obviously something they feel comfortable with and as she doesn't 'do' classical and yet she immediately liked it, they're both happy.
I'm sort of hoping they'll go for the Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana as their other choice. I think it has all the qualities that JJ has stated so eloquently and as it has been used in Raging Bull and I believe The Godfather, she may well recognise it and go for it. But on the other hand, because it is such a popular piece and has been used so often, would you want to be caught out by it unexpectedly. It would never ever be the tune from Raging Bull or The Godfather for them again would it. Sorry I'm rambling.

[marval]

No you are not rambling, just stating your thoughts. I am sure they will choose well, it does not matter if the tune has been in a film. As long as they like it and think it is appropriate then that is all that matters.

[ladybirder]

My friends are now trawling the record shops and trying to get a single of Brahmm's Lullaby preferably on the piano, but cello would do, and not having any luck. They have been trying the classical music section of places like HMV and are being met with blank stares. Do any of you know of a pianist or cellist who has recorded this as a single so they can be more specific in the next shop? I've had a google but not had any luck. Thanks. They need it for Monday.

[boxtops]

ladybirder, there are versions on sale on amazon, both as CD and mp3 download (which presumably are immediate) - I hope this helps.

[ladybirder]

Boxy thanks, I'm looking on Amazon now and can't actually find a single piano or cello version of Brahms' Lullaby on its own. The hospital won't accept a copy or anything other than a single CD. I'm starting to panic and probably not looking properly. Wish they hadn't left it this late. Can't order of Amazon as it's too late now. Got to get it today, tomorrow morning latest.

[boxtops]

If you have the technology, couldn't you download it on to mp3 then burn it on to a CD? I don't understand these things but it says there's a free mp£ download here at No. 21 (apologies if it's not the right thing) http://www.webstatsch.../brahms_lullaby_piano

[ladybirder]

boxy thank you for trying but as I said the hospital won't accept copies but I think my friends might have to present them with a fait accompli. I can hardly see the hospital refusing to play it and leaving them with no music. It seems the hospital have had trouble with copies and had difficulties trying to play them on hospital equipment. I've suggested my friends turn up with their own equipment as well. Oh dear!