For a much larger selection of mp3 sound samples, please go to my main site by clicking here as I have limited space on this web-page.
Here are a few sound samples from recordings, in mp3 format. For the most part, I have tried to not "process" or alter the recordings, so you may need to adjust the volume level on your computer up or down as you listen to the different samples. Mp3 files on the internet are by necessity shorter in length and of lower general tone quality, but otherwise are a reasonable way to get a general sense as to what the music may sound like when you do not have the original CD.
The various recordings on this page are copyrighted and these samples are used by permission. In many cases, the original CD or DVD recordings are available for purchase.
Each sample on this page has two versions - the first link is for downloading the file to a media player on your computer that can play mp3 files. The second link of each pair is to stream the sample; I think these streaming versions will probably only work if you have a high-speed internet connection.
Enjoy the music!
mp3 samples of Michael Arnowitt’s classical piano
J.S. Bach - Fugue in E-flat major, from the Well-Tempered Clavier, Book II
Streaming version of J.S. Bach - Fugue in E-flat major
The opening selection from the CD “Constellation” (click here for a review of this recording in the London-based Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)
Johannes Brahms - Intermezzo in A major, op. 118 no. 2
Streaming version of Johannes Brahms - Intermezzo
A performance from the final scene of the documentary film “Beyond 88 Keys”.
Darius Milhaud - excerpt from La Création du Monde (The Creation of the World)
Streaming version of Darius Milhaud - La Création
A lively dance section from a ballet by Milhaud based on an African creation story. The original score was one of the first pieces in the 20th century to include in the orchestra the then-new instrument of the saxophone. In addition to the jazz effect created by the sax, Milhaud also in this piece gave leading roles to the trombone, the double bass, and the clarinet, all instruments in common to both the classical orchestra and the jazz band. In this excerpt, the animals are created on earth in a joyful dance. The form of this section is a Bach-like fugue but with a bluesy theme straight out of the world of jazz. Although the music reminds many concertgoers of Gershwin, Milhauds piece actually predates the famous Rhapsody in Blue by one year.
Olivier Messiaen - excerpt from Par Lui tout a été fait, from Vingt regards sur l’enfant-Jésus
Streaming version of Olivier Messiaen - Par Lui
Example of Michael Arnowitt playing 20th-century music: Olivier Messiaen’s extraordinary fugue depicting the creation of the universe.
mp3 samples of Michael Arnowitt’s jazz piano
excerpt from Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise (Sigmund Romberg)
Streaming version of excerpt from Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
A jazz trio performance at an outdoor concert.
Lullaby of Birdland (George Shearing)
Streaming version of Lullaby of Birdland
A live radio performance of Michael Arnowitt’s beautiful conception to play Lullaby of Birdland as a lullaby instead of the usual medium-swing approach.
mp3 samples of John McKenna, a tenor saxophonist who often performs in Michael Arnowitt’s ImproVisions Jazz Quartet concerts
excerpt from The Solar Side (John McKenna)
Streaming version of excerpt from The Solar Side
A propulsive, energetic tune composed by John McKenna, with an imaginative spiraling melodic line. The lively, syncopated outer sections of the theme surround a contrasting interior episode of calmer music.
excerpt from Motionville (John McKenna)
Streaming version of excerpt from Motionville
A swinging tune with a wonderful driving bass feel and flowing harmonies that move effortlessly from key to key. John McKenna performs a fantastic solo here, full of musical explorations.