A poignant classic masterpiece. Recommended classical music.
Introducing heartrending classical pieces in one go!
Even when we say “heartrending classical music,” the moods and styles vary widely.
This time, we’ve picked out a range of moving masterpieces—from piano and violin works to miniatures, chamber music, concertos, and orchestral pieces.
Alongside the classics, we’ve lined up a wide selection that includes lesser-known, more obscure works that even avid classical listeners might not immediately recognize.
Whether you’re just getting into classical music or already deeply immersed, there’s plenty to enjoy—so please relax and read to the end!
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A poignant classic masterpiece. Recommended classical music (71–80)
Hymn No. 320: “Nearer, My God, to Thee”Eliza Flower)
The hymn based on Jacob’s dream is a work themed around the desire to draw closer to God.
Set to a beautiful melody by Eliza Flower, it has continued to move listeners deeply.
Its lyrics convey the meaning of approaching God even through hardship, and it is also known from the Titanic episode.
In Japan, it has been used in the final episode of A Dog of Flanders and at funerals, and is cherished as a song of parting tinged with poignancy.
This piece is recommended for those facing life’s trials and for anyone seeking a hymn that resonates with the heart.
Since its publication in 1841, it has become a classic sung around the world.
Swan of TuonelaJean Sibelius
The Swan of Tuonela is the second piece in the symphonic poem set Lemminkäinen Suite (Four Legends).
This piece depicts the image of a swan swimming on the River Tuonela in the story, and throughout the entire work the English horn performs the swan’s sad and beautiful melody.
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.
Poignant masterpieces of classical music. Recommended classical pieces (81–90)
Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral from the opera LohengrinWilhelm Wagner
This piece, with its majestic and sacred atmosphere, unfolds at a leisurely tempo and is distinguished by its rich orchestration.
The harmony between brass and strings is beautiful, leaving listeners deeply moved.
Premiered in August 1850, the work depicts a scene from an opera, superbly conveying the protagonist’s purity and the solemnity of the ritual.
It is often used as background music for weddings and religious ceremonies and is beloved by many.
It is recommended not only for those interested in classical music but also for anyone seeking a beautiful melody that resonates with the heart.
“Agnus Dei” from the RequiemCamille Saint-Saëns
Camille Saint-Saëns was a French composer.
His representative works include The Carnival of the Animals, The Swan, and the Sonata for Oboe and Piano, among many others.
The way some pieces begin, with a sense of unease, even gives a feeling of mystery.
The section known as “Agnus Dei” has also been used in films.
“The Seasons” – 12 Characteristic Pieces, Op. 37bis: October “Autumn Song”Pyotr Tchaikovsky
This is a work by the great composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who has had a significant influence on modern artists.
Tchaikovsky produced many masterpieces, but the one I especially recommend is ‘The Seasons – 12 Characteristic Pieces, Op.
37bis: October, “Autumn Song.”’ The set depicts the lives of people through the seasons and the seasons themselves.
This particular piece is captivating for its somber melody that evokes the poignancy of autumn’s arrival and falling leaves.
Be sure to check it out.
Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat major, D. 960 – I. Molto moderatoFranz Schubert
Opening with a serene melody, this work is a masterpiece Franz Schubert left in September 1828.
The distinctive atmosphere created by the gentle opening theme and the bass trills draws the listener into the depths of the music.
In the development of the melody, three different keys are handled with remarkable skill, producing a wealth of expression and color.
Although an instrumental piece, it possesses a narrative expressiveness, seamlessly blending contrasting elements such as tranquility and unease, brightness and shadow.
Compared to orchestral works or operas, its structure is relatively accessible, making it an ideal piece for those wishing to experience the charm of classical music.