Mysterious

A dreamy and sensual picture is drawn with the opening chimes of the piano whilst the muted violin creates a hazy tone of beauty and mystique. The scent of orange blossom is visceral as Spanish composer Granados allows the warmth of the strings and piano to accompany the arabesque muted violin solo.

Whilst withstanding the haze and the heat in Tunisia a gentle waft of jasmine perfume is carried by the gentle sea breeze. The accompanying figure in the piano represents the gentle breeze as the melody is gently carried aloft with an alluring and exotic musk.

The piano opens with the pensive and introspective melody that is reiterated by the cello and violin as the piano plays in parallel with the main theme evoking a sense of mystery. Eventually the melody unfolds and comes to life, but all the time there is a questioning backdrop.

The music of famed French composer Ravel in this movement seeks to capture the atmosphere and sensations suggested by the title�perhaps imagining a serene valley filled with the ethereal sounds of distant bells. The composition itself conjures a dreamlike landscape through its use of harmonies, resonances, and textures, creating an immersive auditory experience that reflects the mystical allure of the valley depicted in the title.

There is an exotic and alluring mood to this piece what with the compound time metre reminiscent of a Spanish dance. The lyrical and melancholic melody could be that of Carmen, the gypsy temptress in the famous opera by Berlioz.

Sensual, erotic and alluring. The enchanting sound of the opening sirenic motif is echoed by the strings then later by the harp. This is beautifully sculpted chamber music that captures the essence of mystery and enchantment. The mastery of famed French composer Ravel's chamber music writing is demonstrated here with a wonderful array of instruments including harp, wind and strings.

A beautifully evocative piano piece that could be depicting the heat of the desert, with the pivoting 5ths in the left hand reflecting the arduous pursuit of water. The dance-like middle section seems to offer a little more optimism; perhaps it's some dancers, or maybe it's just a mirage as we return to the arid and parched recapitulation of the opening theme. Enjoy Spanish composer Granados' wonderful impressions of the exotic.

A magical tapestry of themes that evoke a sense of mystery and the cold stillness of a misty morning. The cello's lonely melody answers the piano's initially misty harmonies. Later the haunting sound of the violin joins the ensemble.

This ghostly piece will have you mesmerised with its resonance and improvisatory nature that evokes a haunting image. Although it was written by Italian-British composer Clementi, there are precursors to style of the much-loved composer German Romantic composer Beethoven.

The undulating melodic phrase, together with the lapping of the piano accompaniment, carries the listener on coastal travels. We are treated to an evocative and mysterious journey with a sense of melancholy.