[Classical] Classical music BGM. Recommended classical music as background music for work and study.

Enigma Variations ~ NimrodEdward Elgar

[Tugan Sokhiev] Elgar: Nimrod — Edward Elgar: Nimrod, from “Enigma Variations” [Bolshoi]

One of the signature works by British composer Edward Elgar—also known for “Pomp and Circumstance”—is his orchestral set of variations, the Enigma Variations.

The piece is notable for its unique origins: it was inspired by Elgar’s interactions with his friends and grew out of an improvisation.

The Ninth Variation, dedicated to deep friendship, begins with a quiet string harmony and gradually builds to a grand emotional climax that deeply moves listeners.

This solemn and beautiful melody has been cherished as music emblematic of ceremony and visual storytelling, having been performed at the 1997 funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, and quoted in the film Dunkirk.

Its dignified, reverent tone makes it an ideal choice for focused work or as calming nighttime background music.

Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach

Bach: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

Johann Sebastian Bach, known as the “Father of Music.” The chorale that closes his church cantata Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, composed in 1723, is likely something everyone has heard at least once.

Its warm yet majestic sonorities evoke a deep sense of peace and unwavering hope.

Beloved as a staple at celebrations such as weddings, it is also widely known in the piano arrangement by Myra Hess.

Its quiet, refined harmonies won’t disrupt your thoughts; rather, they gently enhance your concentration.

Give it a listen as background music to clear your mind while studying or doing desk work.

Violin Sonata No. 9 “Kreutzer”Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven.Violin.Sonata.No.9.Op.47.kreutzer.[Anne-Sophie Mutter.-.Lambert.Orkis]

A passionate piece by Ludwig van Beethoven in which the piano and violin spar as if striking sparks.

Composed during the period when Beethoven’s style was shifting into his so-called “heroic” middle phase, it is distinguished by an energy that powerfully stirs the listener’s soul.

Its overwhelming drama inspired the great writer Tolstoy and is known for having given rise to a novel of the same name.

Since its score was published in 1805, numerous recordings have been made, including the album “Beethoven Violin Concerto & Violin Sonata No.

9 ‘Kreutzer.’” When you want to push your concentration to the limit or need a catalyst for creative work, there may be no piece more fitting than this.

Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 “From the New World”Antonín Dvořák

Antonín Dvořák, Symphony No. 9 'From the New World'

Among Dvořák’s symphonies, this piece—often counted among the “three great symphonies” alongside Beethoven’s Symphony No.

5 in C minor and Schubert’s Symphony No.

7 in B minor “Unfinished”—is so famous that many people are inclined to use it as background music to lift their spirits.

It is said that Dvořák composed this work as a message from America to his homeland of Bohemia, and when heard as a whole symphony, it feels profoundly dramatic.

With its wide dynamic contrasts and strong sense of message, it resonates with many listeners and has been heard by countless people.

It’s a recommended classical piece for those who want to work or study while heightening their sense of elation.

Ave MariaCharles Gounod

Gounod “Ave Maria”

It is a piece composed by the French composer Charles Gounod, who used the lyrics of “Ave Maria” based on the “Prelude No.

1 in C major” from Book I of Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier.

This classical masterpiece has been sung by various singers around the world and enjoys wide popularity.

Two ArabesquesClaude Debussy

Debussy / Two Arabesques No. 1 / Performed by Ichiro Kaneko

It is a piano piece composed by the French composer Claude Debussy and is considered one of his signature works.

The piece consists of two movements and follows the ternary form typical of Romantic music.

It is a well-known masterpiece, widely recognized by the general public because it is used in anime and manga, among other media.

The Maiden with Flaxen HairClaude Debussy

The Maiden with Flaxen Hair — Debussy

This is the eighth piece from Claude Debussy’s Preludes for piano.

It’s a very short work—just one two-page spread—but its beauty is well known, and it is often used in TV commercials; it also suits background music for work or study perfectly.

Written in G-flat major with six flats, it can be quite challenging to read at first, but once memorized, its gentle, relaxed character makes it easy to play, so pianists love to perform it.

The title “The Girl with the Flaxen Hair” is borrowed from the phrase “la fille aux cheveux de lin” found in a poem by the Parnassian poet Leconte de Lisle.