A Classical Christmas Playlist chosen by Martin Roscoe

To celebrate the festive season, we are delighted to share a series of classical Christmas playlists selected by Buxton International Festival artists with you.

Pianist Martin Roscoe reveals his favourite pieces in this first collection. These can either be viewed individually on YouTube via the links below or watched as an entire playlist.

Martin Roscoe’s extraordinary career spans over four decades and he is one of the most regularly played pianists on BBC Radio 3, having had over 600 broadcasts including seven BBC Proms appearances.

Dohnanyi : Pastorale on a Hungarian Christmas Song for solo piano

I have been a champion oh the music of Erno von Dohnanyi for many years and have recorded all his solo music for Hyperion, including this magical and delightful miniature.

Watch Dohnányi: Pastorale

Wagner: Quintet from Act 3 of Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg

I’m a Wagner addict, and, avoiding some of his most intense music at this time of the year, this beautiful Quintet is heart-warming and satisfying.

Watch Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: “Selig, wie die Sonne” (Quintet)

Beethoven Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor “Pathetique” , Second movement; Adagio Cantabile

If it weren’t for the fact that 2020 is the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth I’d be looking at including Schubert. However , the pandemic has spoilt the Beethoven celebrations for me, with many cancelled or postponed concerts. So I’m including what is probably my favourite of all, the wonderful slow movement of the Pathetique.

Watch 2nd movement of Beethoven’s “Pathetique” sonata no 8 in C minor Op 13

Watch the full playlist on YouTube.