Lovely classics

Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once

Graduated from a music school / 21 years of piano experiencesatomi
I began playing the piano at the age of four and spent six years at a conservatory, focusing mainly on classical music while honing my skills. In addition to solo performance, I studied extensively in chamber music and two-piano repertoire, and I had the opportunity to perform twice on stage as a soloist in piano concertos. While not to the same extent as classical, I also learned jazz and pop through practical performance. I was active as a pianist in various settings, including instrumental and vocal/choral accompaniment, performance assistance for other departments, and recording sessions. Beyond the piano, I devoted five years to the trombone in a wind ensemble. I hope to draw on these experiences to share the charm of music with many people.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!

Classical music, the foundation of all music.

It began with chants sung in churches and led to the birth of countless composers and works.

In Japan, classical music remains close to us even today—taught in music classes and played as background music in a variety of settings.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of classical pieces: from famous works you’ve likely heard somewhere at least once, to lesser-known pieces that will still linger in your ears.

Please enjoy these masterpieces of classical music—performed in many forms, from sacred music and symphonies to piano solos and concertos, including works arranged for different instruments.

Classical Masterpieces | Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once (51–60)

String Quartet No. 19 in C major, K. 465 “Dissonance”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465 “Dissonance”: I. Adagio – Allegro (Live)

String Quartet No. 19 in C major, K. 465 “Dissonance”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Watch “String Quartet No. 19 in C major, K. 465 ‘Dissonance’ by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart” on YouTube

It is nicknamed the “Dissonance” because the first 22 measures of the opening movement feature an introduction full of dissonance.

That dissonant sound was difficult to understand at the time, to the point that, when it was published, some even claimed it must be a copying error.

However, after the introduction, the music becomes characteristically clear and Mozartean, and it ranks among the finest works in chamber music.

It is the last of the six string quartets known as the “Haydn Set,” which Mozart dedicated collectively to Haydn.

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Symphony No. 101 in D major “The Clock”Franz Joseph Haydn

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 101 “The Clock”

Symphony No. 101 in D major “The Clock”Franz Joseph Haydn

Aside from functional harmony, other characteristics of the Classical period include the development of the symphony and the development and perfection of the sonata form.

The greatest symphonic composer of the Classical era is Haydn, who left more than 100 symphonies.

The “Clock” is one of the most representative among them.

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In conclusion

We’ve picked out a variety of classic masterpieces! From well-known pieces you learn at school to lesser-known works, we’ve introduced a range—did any composers or pieces catch your eye? Beyond the ones we featured this time, there are countless great works in classical music, so be sure to check them out. If you find a favorite, it can be fun to explore the composer’s history from there!