Summer Classics Playlist

It's May, the sun is blazing and sunhats and floral shorts have put in their first appearances of the summer. This set our Editor's mind towards favourite classical tracks to celebrate the season, so we've put together a short playlist.

La Carpinese, a traditional shepherd’s tarantella from Carpino, is top of Mark's 'most played' iPod playlist. Here it is performed by the brilliant L'Arpeggiata. Be instantly transported to the Italian hills in a heatwave: 

Gershwin's “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess (chosen by Alison) must be one of the quintessential summer favourites. 

It's a month away from Midsummer, but Anna's mind has turned towards Shakespeare for inspiration, with Mendelssohn's Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream:

Someone had to go for the obvious Vivaldi and Simon happily obliged. Il Giardino Armonico whips up a great summer storm here - umbrellas at the ready!

Dance editor Catherine has gone for Debussy's dreamlike reverie, the Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, famously danced by Nijinsky for the Ballets Russes. Here's Rudolf Nureyev instead:

David has gone for the sounds of a summer evening in Seville with Joaquín Rodrigo's Sones en la Giralda.

What would feature on your summer playlist? Leave a comment below or catch us on Twitter @Bachtrack with the hashtag #summerclassics