[Classic] Introducing famous songs about love
In classical music, which mostly consists of pieces without lyrics, there are actually many works themed around love.
Even with pieces you already know, understanding the composer’s intentions and background can change the way you hear them dramatically—so take this opportunity to explore classical love songs.
These works, each expressing different forms of love, may convey something meaningful to us living today, transcending time.
Songs about love with lyrics are wonderful, of course, but I hope this also conveys the appeal of classical music that expresses itself through melody and resonance alone.
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[Classics] Introducing famous songs about love (1–10)
Adagietto, fourth movement from Symphony No. 5Gustav Mahler
A song that delicately portrays the poignant feelings of youth.
Composed by Gustav Mahler as an expression of love for his fiancée Alma, this work is a serene movement scored only for strings and harp.
Also known as the “Adagietto of Love,” its gently flowing, beautiful melody conveys complex emotions such as love, loss, and loneliness.
It became widely famous after being used in the 1971 film “Death in Venice,” and has since been performed in many contexts.
When you feel deep love or disappointment, it will be music that resonates with your heart.
A masterpiece that conveys Mahler’s delicate sensibility—please give it a listen.
String Sextet No. 2 in G majorJohannes Brahms
Johannes Brahms’s String Sextet, composed in 1865, is one of his representative works.
It is notable for incorporating the so-called “Agathe motif,” said to convey his feelings for his former lover Agathe von Siebold.
Although purely an instrumental piece, Brahms’s inner conflicts and experiences in love are expressed in its timbres.
It premiered in Boston in October 1866 and was performed in Zurich the following month.
It remains beloved today, appearing, for example, in the final scene of the film The Cement Garden.
This work, with its deep emotion and rich harmonies, is sure to leave you with a warm feeling.
Aria from Orchestral Suite No. 3J.S.Bach
It is widely known as Air on the G String.
It is also used at weddings, and the melody played by the violin is simply beautiful.
The string instruments sing with a gentle, expressive tone.
Rather than a passionate, fiery romance, it gives the impression of a calm and composed, mature love.
Ballet music ‘Romeo and Juliet’Sergei Prokofiev
It’s the ballet music from that famous love story.
As artistic censorship tightened within the Soviet Union, staging the ballet’s premiere proved difficult.
So this piece was created with the idea of “at least releasing the music.” Even just listening to it, scenes of Romeo and Juliet’s romance seem to come to life, don’t they?
Joy of LoveFritz Kreisler
This work is characterized by its light piano and refreshing melody.
It is said that Fritz Kreisler composed it after meeting and marrying his wife Harriet, expressing the joy of love.
Set to a waltz rhythm imbued with a Viennese atmosphere, it features the violin’s beautiful use of sixths and thirds.
It was first recorded in New York in May 1910 and has been recorded several times since.
Kreisler’s performing style—marked by expansive tempo fluctuations and generous vibrato—further enhances the piece’s appeal.
It’s a recommended track for anyone in the mood for romance.