August is here. Sure, it's hot and there are no national holidays but these two factors make it the perfect time to plan your final getaway before autumn's arrival. And because every vacation needs the right music, we've selected five pieces that pair well with pretty much any escape. Enjoy!
Island Vacation: La Mer (Debussy)
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Have you found yourself on a sandy resort, or perhaps a cruise ship — or otherwise surrounded by water on all sides? This Debussy classical for orchestra certainly springs to mind — what could be more appropriate for those environs than sketches of the sea itself? As the full name of the suite suggests, La mer, trois esquisses symphoniques pour orchestre is a collection of three marine sketches that vary in color and mood. It pictures the sea at its most pacific and violent, capturing the majesty of nature’s bluest of gems. Bow down. And use sunscreen.
Rural Getaway: Les Rêves de Columbine (Beach)
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Just breathe. That’s what we’re assuming you do once you leave the denser surroundings of home and find yourself in nature’s embrace. Maybe you could do with something less sensually stimulating than the power of a full orchestra. Music for a solo instrument might be just what you need. So why not start here, with this collection of piano pieces by Beach? The French title translates to “The Dreams of Columbine,” and it’s easy to see how the music mirrors the beauty of that perennial purple flower.
Urban Getaway: An American in Paris (Gershwin)
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Maybe nature isn’t your thing. Your friends may make you feel weird, but trust us, it’s OK. Cities are amazing, as are the people that live in them. It’s amazing — inspiring even — to see how so many different people can coexist in such a relatively small space. Cities are bursting with energy, and you’ll need the music to match. Might we suggest Gershwin’s An American in Paris. While inspired by the French capital, Gershwin’s music is evocative of the liveliness of the city (he even used Parisian taxicab horns in the New York premiere). It’s a busy piece, and its excitement can color the action of any city center.
Staycation: Symphony No. 9 (Beethoven)
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Your apartment is amazing, and so is your street. Your neighborhood is pretty fine, too. Wait — why would you actually need to go anywhere? All you really need to do is unplug for a while and take a break from work. So what better way to hang out in your familiar surroundings than to give a fresh listen to a favorite? A classic. An icon of music. Like Beethoven’s 9th, or something of that order. Really, whatever your favorite piece is should be your go to. It’s familiar enough to give you comfort, but it’s also exciting to listen to a piece of music from a different angle and gain a new perspective on it. Listen to it sped up at half speed, or maybe slowed way down. Print out a score and follow along with one particular instrument, like the contrabassoon. A fresh look at a favorite might be just what you need before heading back to work feeling all sorts of invigorated.
Road Trip: Mississippi Suite (Florence Price)
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Let’s be honest: Sometimes actually getting to your destination is the most fun part of the whole vacation experience. While of us really enjoy flying, it’s hard to beat a well planned and well-executed roadtrip. If you have the luxury of being a passenger, you get to take in the beautiful scenery of the landscapes around you — the outline of mountains, crispy vegetation and expansive waters … you know how it goes. If you’re the driver and commanding the aux (or CD changer … or cassette deck) queue up Florence Price’s Mississippi Suite, a musical ode to one of the United States’ most iconic geographic regions.