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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Heart-wrenching classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music (31–40)
Ancient Airs and Dances for Lute, Suite No. 3Respighi
Respighi, the Italian composer whose wife was also a well-known composer, crafted a stunning melody in his Ancient Airs and Dances for Lute, Suite No.
3, where the beauty of the harmonies is truly captivating.
Many people have probably heard it at least once, even if they don’t know the title.
If that’s you, be sure to check out the full piece here.
ZigeunerweisenPablo de Sarasate
The title means “Melodies of the Gypsies (Roma),” and the piece is composed by combining several tunes from Hungarian folk songs and popular music.
The original version is for solo violin and orchestra, but it is often performed with piano accompaniment as well.
In particular, the second section, which is based on Hungarian folk songs played with a mute, exudes a sense of melancholy.
A recording performed by Sarasate himself still survives.
Piano Concerto, First MovementRobert Schumann
This is the only piano concerto that Schumann completed.
While he composed many piano pieces and songs, around this time he also began working on various orchestral works, including his four symphonies.
The first movement was finished first, and the second and third movements were completed four years later.
At times the piano takes on an accompanying role to the orchestra or trades melodies with it, reflecting Schumann’s approach of treating the piano as one of the orchestral instruments.
Enigma Variations ~ NimrodEdward Elgar
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.
Symphony No. 3, Movement IIIJohannes Brahms
The premiere performer described it as “Brahms’s ‘Hero,’” but the overall mood of the piece evokes melancholy and romance rather than struggle.
Over the timbre of the woodwinds, the cello sings a sorrowful melody.
This theme has also been used in films and, with lyrics added, has been sung as popular music.
Poignant classics: Recommended classical music (41–50)
Chaconne in G minorTomaso Antonio Vitali
Vitali was a violinist born in Italy during the Baroque era, the same period as Bach.
Although a few of his works survive, only this Chaconne in G minor is widely known.
A chaconne is a triple-meter dance from that era, and when one mentions a chaconne, it is said to be either Bach’s or Vitali’s, so famous is the piece.
It is a beautiful work of a passionate theme and variations, but recent research has suggested the possibility that this piece may not actually be by Vitali.
Air on the G StringJ.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach, whose portrait was almost invariably displayed in music rooms, is regarded as a composer at the very end of the Baroque era and is highly esteemed among classical composers.
The Air on the G String is one of the six Brandenburg Concertos and is an instrumental work widely beloved in Japan.