Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
A showcase of stunningly beautiful classics, all at once!
There are so many beautiful pieces in classical music, aren’t there?
This time, I’ve selected works that are especially beautiful—“classics that are just too beautiful.”
It’s a lineup of masterpieces that have been passed down through a long history.
When you think of beautiful classical music, many people imagine something calm and refreshing, but I’ve also picked pieces not only for solo piano but also for voice and full orchestra.
Now then, please take your time and enjoy!
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Masterpieces of classical music that are just too beautiful. Recommended classical music (51–60)
Liebesträume No. 3Franz Liszt
Franz Liszt, the great Hungarian composer who pioneered the New German School and created the symphonic poem.
A composer who marked a turning point in the classical world, he left numerous masterpieces brimming with originality.
Among them, this work has long been cherished as an especially beautiful piece.
Centered on the theme of love, it is said to strongly reflect Liszt’s own romantic experiences.
Composed as a song in 1845 and arranged for solo piano in 1850, it showcases expressions that only the piano’s timbre can evoke.
If you wish to feel the depth and fragility of love, be sure to listen to this piece.
The Symphonic Poem ‘The Moldau’Bedřich Smetana
This symphonic poem by the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana vividly portrays the majestic journey of a river through music.
It begins with the shimmering of two springs depicted by flute and clarinet, gradually swelling into a broad current that reflects the bustle of a peasant wedding and a fantastical scene of fairies dancing under the moonlight.
The river’s stately flow through the ancient city of Prague is so grand that it’s unforgettable after a single hearing.
A movement from the renowned symphonic cycle Má vlast, this work was composed in 1874 as Smetana was losing his hearing, and its beautiful melodies have captivated many listeners.
It has been widely cherished and used in films such as The Tree of Life.
It’s a perfect piece for those seeking a refreshing mood on a summer day or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in richly pictorial orchestral music.
Suite ‘Mirrors’: A Boat on the OceanClaude Debussy
How about a piano piece that carries a cool breeze on a summer afternoon? The opening movement of Claude Debussy’s Petite Suite for piano four hands offers a gentle, beautiful melody that evokes a small boat gliding gracefully across the water and sinks deep into the heart.
Sparkling light and the rippling of water seem to come into view, as if enjoying an Impressionist painting rendered in sound.
First performed in February 1889 in a piano four-hands rendition with the composer himself participating, the work is said to have been influenced by the poetry of Paul Verlaine.
It was later arranged for orchestra in 1907, which has its own distinct charm.
Rich in poetic atmosphere that helps you forget the heat, this piece is perfect for those who wish to enjoy music quietly or add a beautiful accent to everyday life.
The gentle resonance of the piano is sure to bring a most pleasant time.
At the seaside at nightHeino Kasuki
How about a short piano piece that seems to turn the shimmering specks of light along a Nordic night shore into sound? This Finnish work lets the piano’s high register ring with clarity, making you feel as if you’re gazing at twinkling stars in the night sky.
Its allure stands out in the recording left by pianist Izumi Tateno in April 1999, where the delicate tones seep deep into the heart.
The piece’s gentle, dreamlike melody—its hallmark—will help you forget the swelter of summer.
Recommended for those who wish to spend a cool, tranquil moment, listening to beautiful piano sonorities in the stillness.
Masterpieces of classical music that are simply too beautiful. Recommended classical music (61–70)
Pavane for a Newborn PrincessCharles-Henry
Characterized by an elegant and serene melody, this piece is filled with joy and hope celebrating the birth of new life.
Despite its brief duration of about 1 minute and 25 seconds, it demands delicate touch and expressive nuance.
The key to performance lies in conveying the work’s grace and joy through subtle changes in phrasing and dynamics.
Often featured in piano education settings, it is recommended for those wishing to cultivate expressiveness or seeking an encore piece for a recital.
In May 2023, a concert including this piece was held at the Paris Conservatoire, captivating the audience.
Bagatelle, Op. 47Antonín Leopold Dvořák
Bagatelle means “a trifling thing” or “something insignificant,” and by extension refers to a light, small-scale piece.
This work consists of five generally relaxed and gentle pieces.
In each one, you can enjoy a variety of expressions: a poignant, folk-song-like mood, a light and charming dance-like feel, a lively character, and more.
Try listening while imagining the different scenes!
Play of WaterMaurice Ravel
Even just the Japanese title “Mizu no Tawamure” (Play of Water) evokes a wonderfully cool atmosphere! Known as a demanding piece that requires advanced technique, Ravel’s “Jeux d’eau” was composed in 1901 by the French composer Maurice Ravel and dedicated to his teacher, Gabriel Fauré.
The original title, Jeux d’eau, means “fountain,” and it conveys a sense of finding beauty in the orderly, human-controlled movements of water.
Since it depicts the sound of water, the touch is remarkably light—helped by abundant arpeggios—and despite employing bold dissonances for its time, it never loses its beautiful sonority, which truly shows the mark of a genius.
Please enjoy the beautiful water-like timbres that seem to soothe the heat of midsummer.
