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Lovely classics

Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once

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)

Symphonic Poem ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’Richard Strauss

Richard Strauss: Tone Poem 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra' (Also sprach Zarathustra)
Symphonic Poem 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra'Richard Strauss

Conducted by Herbert von Karajan with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

It is Richard Strauss’s fifth tone poem.

It is based on the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s book of the same name.

After concluding his work on tone poems, he focused primarily on composing operas.

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.

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!