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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- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
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Classic masterpieces recommended for autumn (1–10)
Nocturne No. 15 in F minor, Op. 55 No. 1Frederic Chopin
Frédéric Chopin left behind 21 beautiful nocturnes.
While the romantic No.
2 and No.
20, which gained attention in the film The Pianist, are well known, the melancholic No.
15 in F minor, Op.
55-1 is also exceptionally beautiful and one of the works well suited to the artsy mood of autumn.
Though the piece conveys unbearable sorrow and suffering, the bright arpeggios at the end bring a sudden sense of relief, as if a weight has been lifted from the heart.
By all means, listen as you savor the way the music slowly transforms within its quiet flow.
The Seasons, Op. 37b – October: Autumn SongPyotr Tchaikovsky
Among the works of Russia’s great composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, when it comes to pieces themed around autumn, The Seasons is indispensable.
As its title suggests, it portrays a year in Russia through twelve piano pieces, and here we’ll introduce the tenth piece, Autumn Song.
Unfolding with a plaintive touch amid silence, it evokes something akin to the Japanese sense of wabi-sabi.
Simply listening conjures up images of solitary autumn scenes; though unshowy, its profoundly imaginative melody is captivating.
Incidentally, each piece in The Seasons is accompanied by an epigraph in verse, and for Autumn Song a poem by fellow Russian Tolstoy is quoted.
Be sure to check it out together!
The Maiden with Flaxen HairClaude Debussy
Claude Achille Debussy, the French composer known for delicate and beautiful melodies such as Clair de Lune and Arabesque.
The Girl with the Flaxen Hair is one of Debussy’s masterpieces that expresses the color flaxen through sound.
It is the eighth piece in Book I of his Preludes, which consists of 12 pieces.
Originally, he composed a song with the same title based on a poem by Leconte de Lisle.
Later, he rearranged it as a piano piece, and that version became widely known as a masterpiece.
Its soft, gentle tone evokes the image of flaxen hair and brings a sense of calm.
It’s a classic you’ll want to listen to in autumn, when bright brown tones suit the season!
September (from Das Jahr)Fanny Mendelssohn
Felix Mendelssohn, a representative composer of the German Romantic movement in the 19th century, left many masterpieces and is well known even to those not deeply versed in classical music.
But did you know that his elder sister, Fanny Mendelssohn, was also an outstanding composer and pianist? In recent years, research has advanced and she has been reevaluated from various perspectives.
Among her vast body of works, one of her most celebrated pieces is Das Jahr, a piano cycle of 13 pieces—twelve for each month of the year, plus an epilogue—composed as a musical remembrance of her travels in Italy.
The piece introduced here, “September: At the River,” is part of that collection; its flowing triplet melody is said to evoke the image of a running river.
It remains a favorite among many pianists today, so be sure to check it out!
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” First MovementLudwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.
14 in C-sharp minor, Op.
27, No.
2, widely known as the “Moonlight Sonata.” In particular, the first movement, which proceeds slowly as if expressing deep sorrow, is a masterpiece that is almost always cited as a “beautiful piano work.” The nickname “Moonlight Sonata” was taken from a remark made by a music critic after Beethoven’s death.
We cannot be certain what the composer himself had in mind, but isn’t there no word more fitting for this piece than “moonlight”?
Variations on AkatomboMiyake Haruna
Many people immediately think of Kósçak Yamada’s “Red Dragonfly” as a quintessential autumn children’s song.
Composer and pianist Haruna Miyake took the simple melody—evoking an autumn sky where dragonflies dance—and developed it into five variations, creating this “Red Dragonfly Variations.” While honoring the original, the arrangement adds bold touches to the nostalgic tune, so even those familiar with the song can enjoy it afresh without resistance.
It’s also recommended to follow the melody of “Red Dragonfly” with your eyes and ears—and try performing it yourself!
Liebesträume No. 3Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt, the musical giant Hungary is proud of.
The third piece of his piano work Liebesträume (“Dreams of Love”) has captured the hearts of many.
Originally composed as a song in 1845 and arranged by Liszt himself for solo piano in 1850, this piece features a gentle, emotionally rich melody that is perfect for a long autumn night.
Based on a poem by Ferdinand Freiligrath, it expresses both the preciousness and the transience of love.
Beloved at weddings and in concert halls, it leaves a deep resonance in listeners’ hearts.
Why not add it to your favorites as music to keep you company on an autumn evening?