Recommended classical masterpieces for BGM. Soothing classical music.

La CampanellaFranz Liszt

Adrian Justus : Paganini “LA CAMPANELLA” (versión original)

Campanella means “bell” in Italian, and there are four pieces by Liszt titled La Campanella.

The most famous is the third piece from the Grandes études de Paganini.

It’s surprising that such a difficult piece is called an étude, but in fact this version is toned down to a more general level; there’s also a set called Études d’exécution transcendante d’après Paganini.

Technical prowess aside, the piece also carries a certain poignancy, so it might feel natural to use it for a farewell scene.

Farewell SongFrederic Chopin

Chopin Farewell Song – Etude Op. 10 No. 3 (Violin & Piano)

I chose a violin and piano version of Chopin’s beautiful Farewell piece, which is almost too famous as a piano work.

Chopin himself praised it as a work unlike any other in its beauty, and the indescribable pathos it carries—whether it’s a parting that means never meeting again, or the pain of separating despite being in love—makes it a masterpiece that wells up with longing.

It’s a piece you really want to listen to closely, but as background music, it especially evokes memorial recollections at scenes of eternal farewell.

Etude Op.10 No.3 “Farewell”Frederic Chopin

Chopin – Farewell Etude

Here lies a masterpiece woven from luscious melodies and profound emotion.

This gem of an étude by Frédéric Chopin is lovingly known as the “Farewell” or “Tristesse” due to its beauty.

Composed in 1832, it opens with a gentle, graceful theme and unfolds into a passionate middle section.

Chopin pursued not only technical advancement but also richness of musical expression.

This piece is perfect for moments of relaxation or calm.

Used as background music, it will add a touch of color to everyday life.

Swedish Rhapsody No. 1 “Midsummer Vigil”Hugo Alfvén

Mantovani – Swedish Rhapsody

Originally derived from a Swedish folk song, this piece has verses one through three and portrays a day in the life of a young person.

In Japan, it’s also a lively, cheerful tune, so it’s been used in a variety of shows and programs.

While “The Entertainer” is the classic choice for magic tricks, I think this piece also fits well.

Harp ConcertoGeorg Friedrich Händel

Handel: Harp Concerto, 1st Movement / Kyoto Botanical Garden

An elegant piece in which the harp’s timbre resonates pleasantly.

Until Handel composed solo works for the harp, the instrument had never truly taken a leading role; however, this piece sparked the creation of numerous harp concertos.

It’s music you can listen to naturally, yet it conveys a profound depth.

Wedding Dance from CoppeliaLéo Delibes

From the ballet suite “Coppélia”: 2. Wedding Dance

The story of Coppélia, famous as a ballet, comically depicts a slightly madcap tale of falling in love with the doll Coppélia.

The plot follows a young man whose soul is breathed into the doll, bringing her to life; she is eventually blessed by the villagers and gets married.

As the title suggests, the music is pleasantly easy on the ears and well-suited to scenes like a wedding banquet.

The Skaters’ WaltzModest Mussorgsky

The Skaters’ Waltz (Philadelphia Orchestra)

It’s a classic among pop classics.

If you go to an ice rink, this piece is always playing.

Even if you don’t go to the rink, everyone knows it! Since it’s a waltz, it’s naturally elegant and beautiful, but it also has a somewhat comical element, making it a familiar masterpiece of the waltz genre.

As for BGM usage, of course it’s at ice rinks.