[Classical] Recommended classical music perfect for Halloween

Demon KingFranz Schubert

Franz Schubert: Erlkönig

A song composed by Franz Schubert when he was 18.

It is said he was so moved by Goethe’s poem that he completed it in a single night.

The piece depicts a father fleeing from the Erlking while galloping through the night on horseback, clutching his ailing son.

The piano’s repeated notes evoke the horse’s gallop and the parent and child’s anxiety and urgency, brilliantly expressing the Erlking’s seductive enticements, the father’s desperation, and the boy’s terror.

First performed in 1821, it has since been performed continually by many singers and pianists.

Its unique blend of fear and poignancy makes it perfect for Halloween.

Funeral MarchFrédéric Chopin

Chopin – Marche Funèbre (Funeral March)

This is a work by Frédéric Chopin, known as the “poet of the piano.” Its weighty, resonant chords and the solemn rhythm of a funeral march lend a mysterious, dignified atmosphere to a Halloween night.

It’s a piece rich in narrative, where refined elegance floats within profound sorrow.

The work is included in Piano Sonata No.

2, Op.

35, published in 1840.

It is also famous for having been performed at historic memorial occasions, such as President Kennedy’s state funeral.

Highly recommended for those who want to create an authentically Gothic ambiance for their party.

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.

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.