[Classical] Recommended classical music perfect for Halloween

Piano Sonata No. 9 “Black Mass,” Op. 68Alexander Scriabin

Sokolov plays Scriabin – Black Mass Sonata: Piano Sonata No. 9, Op. 68 (1912-13)

The dramatic progression from a melody that quietly wells up from the depths of darkness to a climax like a storm that swallows everything is perfect for creating a mysterious and slightly scary Halloween mood! Composed by Alexander Scriabin, a composer deeply devoted to mysticism, this piece seems to portray profound themes not of evil, but of the inner darkness of humanity and spiritual transcendence.

Published in 1913, it has been recorded by many great pianists, including Vladimir Horowitz.

Use this piece, with its swirling, complex dissonances, as background music, and you’ll instantly evoke a far more sophisticated atmosphere.

If you take it on at the piano, aim to convey the whirlwind of shifting emotions with dynamic expressiveness as you play!

Reading Dante: Sonata-FantasiaFranz Liszt

Vitaly Pisarenko plays Liszt – Après une lecture du Dante – Fantasia quasi sonata, S161/7

Inspired by depictions of hell in literary works, Franz Liszt’s grand masterpiece is perfect when you want to create a Halloween atmosphere that’s not just scary but profoundly evocative.

From the very beginning, the dissonance known as the “Devil’s interval” resounds, instantly dragging listeners into an unsettling world.

Records show that the work’s prototype was performed in Vienna in November 1839; it was later revised and included in the album Années de pèlerinage, Deuxième année: Italie.

Famous interpretations by Alfred Brendel and Georges Cziffra are well known.

As a piano piece it is extremely challenging, and the key is to bring out the dramatic contrast between infernal torment and heavenly redemption.

Aim to express a grand, story-like world.

Piano Etudes, Book II, No. 13 “Devil’s Staircase”György Ligeti

György Ligeti: Étude No. 13: L’escalier du diable / The Devil’s Staircase

Brimming with an intense, unrelenting sense of urgency—like sprinting up an endless staircase—this piece is one of György Ligeti’s piano études.

Its incessantly rising figures, as if desperately clawing one’s way out of hell, seize the listener’s heart.

It’s the perfect work when you want to stage a Halloween night with genuine terror, not just fun.

You can hear it on the album “LIGETI, G.: Piano Works – Etudes, Book 2 / Musica Ricercata / 2 Capriccios…” released in January 2001.

The performance demands extraordinary technique and mental fortitude, but if you can pull it off, you’ll unquestionably overwhelm your audience.

Even as mere background music, it delivers a powerful impact that saturates the space with unfathomable dread.

Children’s Album, Op. 39 – No. 20: The WitchPyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky”Polka” Op.39 No.14 with score (from Album for the Young) | Ayato Sunabe

This piece, which carries an ominous air as if something bad is about to happen, is one of the piano miniatures from Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Album for the Young, Op.

39, dedicated to his nephew.

It’s said that the affectionate gift had all its sketches completed by May 1878.

In this work, the swift tempo captures both the witch’s uncanny allure and a comically frightening mood—perfect for Halloween.

The collection containing this piece was first published in October 1878.

It’s great as background music, but if you play it on the piano, it’s sure to liven up any party.

Aim for a dramatic performance with a brisk, crisp touch that evokes a witch darting through the air!

Dance of DeathCamille Saint-Saëns

Saint-Saëns – Danse macabre | WDR Funkhausorchester

An orchestral piece composed by Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns in 1874.

Inspired by the medieval European tradition of the Dance of Death, this work explores the universal themes of life and death.

Written for solo violin and orchestra, the violin symbolizes Death, its eerie yet captivating melody threading throughout the piece.

The intense rhythms and dynamic orchestration underscore the impermanence and urgency of the danse macabre.

Since its release, it has been performed by orchestras around the world and preserved in numerous recordings.

It’s a perfect piece for those who want to revel in a spooky atmosphere on Halloween night.

Main Theme from the film “Halloween”John Carpenter

Michael Myers – Halloween Theme Song (Piano Version)

A track that exudes a tension like something unknowable is closing in! This is the theme from the American film “Halloween,” which portrays a cruel killer who strikes again and again on Halloween night.

The composition itself is very simple, with the same rhythm and progression repeating throughout.

Yet the exquisite combination of chords creates an indescribable thrill.

By keeping the rhythm strictly precise and playing steadily without dynamics, you can conjure an even more eerie atmosphere.

Turn off all the lights and play it on the piano, and you’ll likely feel plenty of fear even when you’re alone…

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Mars, from The Planets (suite)Gustav Holst

Holst: The Planets, ‘Mars’ – BBC Proms

The first movement of The Planets, composed by Gustav Holst.

Written between 1914 and 1916, it was influenced by World War I.

It portrays Mars, the god of war, featuring intense rhythms and powerful brass.

The tense music vividly depicts the terror and destruction of war, leaving a strong impression on listeners.

It’s perfect for creating a spooky atmosphere at a Halloween party or for enjoying music with cinematic impact like a film soundtrack.