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!
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- [Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
- Compilation of Sad BGM You've Heard Somewhere [Famous]
- Cello Masterpieces: A comprehensive introduction to exquisite classical works that let you savor its profound timbre
- Brahms's masterpieces. Popular classical music.
- Piano × Dark Pieces: Classic Masterworks to Sink Deep into Sorrow
- Cool classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Masterpieces of classical piano that are too beautiful for words. A gathering of delicate tones that cleanse the soul.
- Recommended classical masterpieces for autumn
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- Popular classical piano pieces. A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists.
- Classic masterpieces recommended for women
Heart-wrenching classics: Recommended classical music (61–70)
Symphonic Poem ‘My Homeland’ — The MoldauBedrich Smetana
Bedřich Smetana was a Czech composer.
Because German was the dominant language at the time he composed, the piece is known by the German title “The Moldau,” but its original name is the Czech “Vltava.” It’s a very famous work—its beautiful, majestic music is even included in middle school textbooks.
Etude, Op. 2 No. 1Alexander Scriabin
Alexander Scriabin was a late Romantic composer who was called the “Chopin of the Cossacks.” It is said that he composed this piece when he was 14 years old—an astonishing talent.
With its beautiful melody, it is very popular and often performed by renowned pianists.
Why not immerse yourself fully in this classical masterpiece?
Kol NidreMax Bruch
It is a concertante work for cello and orchestra composed by Bruch.
In writing the piece, Bruch drew on Jewish music, using two melodies: the liturgical chant Kol Nidre, sung on Jewish holy days, and the lament “Ah, Weep for Them.” He had a broad interest in various folk musics and incorporated them into his works; Bruch himself was Protestant and is said not to have intended to compose Jewish music.
Song Collection of 14, No. 14: VocaliseSergei Rachmaninov
Vocalise is a singing technique used mainly for vocal exercises, in which one sings only vowels such as “ah,” and this Rachmaninoff piece also has no lyrics.
It was originally written for solo voice and piano accompaniment, but the composer later created an orchestral version himself.
There are many arrangements, including a solo piano version and duet versions for a solo instrument such as cello or violin with piano accompaniment.
In arranged versions, the piece is often transposed to E minor.
Symphony No. 9 “From the New World,” Second MovementAntonín Dvořák
Symphony No.
9 “From the New World” is a representative work from the American period of the Czech composer Dvořák.
The subtitle “From the New World” reflects that Dvořák composed it while thinking of his homeland, Bohemia, from America.
The theme played by the English horn is very famous and has been given lyrics and arranged into songs such as “Going Home” and “Far Away on the Distant Mountain at Sunset,” which are beloved.
“Spring and Autumn” from “Blizzard”Georgy Sviridov
Georgy Sviridov, a composer who represents late 20th-century Russia, remains popular today as a national figure.
In a piece that begins with a flute theme—like spring and autumn—it is crafted into a wistful work that evokes a distant, unseen homeland amid a sense of melancholy.
ElegySergei Rachmaninov
Sergei Rachmaninoff, a composer who was forced to flee Russia and take asylum in the United States.
Many of his works have a dark, melancholic character, revealing how deeply they were written with his homeland in mind.
In the latter half of the piece, a powerful swell brings forth a wave of sorrowful melody.
It’s a magnificent work that makes you want to listen again.
Seaside at Dusk, H.128: No. 3 “The Stormy Seashore”Bohuslav Martinů
This piece depicts waves breaking on a seaside at dusk and the sweep of a blustery wind through deft piano arpeggios.
Composed by Bohuslav Martinů in 1921, it is a short work for solo piano included on the album “Evening on the Sea-shore, H.128 and 3 other pieces.” Within its richly resonant, impressionistic colors, a classical framework—the rondo form—breathes, creating a striking dialogue between nature painting and structural elegance.
Its dynamic development evokes the subtitle “Storm,” and the design, which regains calm after a virtuosic cadenza, leaves a strong impression.
It is a gem for anyone who, in a summertime moment, wishes to immerse themselves in piano music that is both dramatic and refreshingly cool.
Songs Without Words, Book II, Op. 30: No. 6, Venetian Boat Song No. 2Felix Mendelssohn
This piece is filled with the charm of Felix Mendelssohn, the great master of the early German Romantic era.
Born in February 1809, Mendelssohn displayed his talent from a young age.
This work is one of his hallmark Songs Without Words, depicting scenes of Venice through music.
Within its gentle 6/8 meter, it skillfully conveys the quiet sway of a gondola and the occasional surges of emotion.
The calm accompaniment in the left hand and the memorable melodic line in the right leave a deep resonance in the listener’s heart.
Though tranquil, the piece carries a touch of poignancy, making it a soul-stirring work you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.
Suite ‘Mirrors’: A Boat on the OceanClaude Debussy
How about a piano piece that carries a cool breeze on a summer afternoon? The opening movement of Claude Debussy’s Petite Suite for piano four hands offers a gentle, beautiful melody that evokes a small boat gliding gracefully across the water and sinks deep into the heart.
Sparkling light and the rippling of water seem to come into view, as if enjoying an Impressionist painting rendered in sound.
First performed in February 1889 in a piano four-hands rendition with the composer himself participating, the work is said to have been influenced by the poetry of Paul Verlaine.
It was later arranged for orchestra in 1907, which has its own distinct charm.
Rich in poetic atmosphere that helps you forget the heat, this piece is perfect for those who wish to enjoy music quietly or add a beautiful accent to everyday life.
The gentle resonance of the piano is sure to bring a most pleasant time.