Recommended classical masterpieces for autumn
Introducing recommended classical masterpieces that evoke the feeling of autumn!
There are many works in classical music that take the four seasons as their theme.
This time, we’ve picked pieces ranging from those that explicitly focus on “autumn” to those that simply evoke an autumnal mood.
From darker tones to brighter ones, we’ve selected a variety of styles, so you’re sure to find a piece that matches your preferred atmosphere!
We’re also sharing episodes and fun little facts, so if you love classical music, be sure to read to the end!
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Classic Masterpieces Recommended for Autumn (71–80)
CanonJohann Pachelbel
Composed by the German Baroque-era composer Johann Pachelbel, this piece is affectionately known as “Pachelbel’s Canon.” Reappraised in the 1900s, it is now frequently heard at weddings and even appears in instrumental sections of Tatsuro Yamashita’s songs, so you may encounter it quite often.
Moreover, many modern songs have been created using this piece’s chord progression, making it one of those works that continue to live on in contemporary music.
Symphony No. 5, First Movement “Fate”Ludwig van Beethoven
This piece is Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, affectionately known in Japan as “Fate.” Listening as you follow the ingenious structure—from the striking opening, through the depths of darkness, step by step into a brighter world—is truly thrilling.
It feels almost like riding a roller coaster.
Even within the first movement there’s a shift from darkness to light, and across movements I through IV the music grows progressively brighter, so I recommend listening to all the movements straight through.
Symphony No. 6 “Pastoral”Ludwig van Beethoven
Known as the “Pastoral,” Symphony No.
6 is one of Beethoven’s most celebrated works, rivaling the fame of Symphony No.
5, the “Fate.” It is also a very rare example of a piece to which Beethoven himself gave programmatic titles.
Characterized by a gentle, expansive development that seems to convey the calm atmosphere of abundant nature, it offers a different side of Beethoven in contrast to the impassioned “Fate.” The composer himself stated that it is not a depiction of rural scenery, but rather an expression of the joyful feelings of people in the countryside.
In any case, let us immerse ourselves in the world of the “Pastoral” and savor the bountiful autumn.
The Sorcerer’s ApprenticeDeyukasu
This is an orchestral piece composed in 1897 by the French composer Paul Dukas.
It is based on Dukas’s adaptation of Goethe’s ballad “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” which itself was inspired by Lucian of Samosata’s poem “Philopseudes” (Lovers of Lies).
The piece became even more famous after it was used in Disney’s 1940 animated film Fantasia, in which Mickey Mouse plays the sorcerer’s apprentice.
Although a classical work, it has a dramatic, somewhat pop-like quality that suits animation, rather than being a piece meant purely for contemplative listening.
In conclusion
From timeless classics that almost everyone has heard at least once to postwar works that even many non-enthusiasts might not know, we’ve curated classical masterpieces perfect for autumn listening.
Spend a luxurious moment losing track of time on a long autumn night, immersing yourself in classical music—let this playlist be your companion.