Classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
Classical music created by various musicians over a long history.
From pieces whose beautiful melodies bring peace of mind to those whose grandeur overwhelms you, the range is truly diverse.
With so much out there, many people may feel, “I want to listen, but I don’t know where to start.”
For you, we’ve picked out some recommendations to get you started—“Begin with these!”
Please take a moment to enjoy the world of classical music that continues to be loved across the ages.
- [Orchestra] Introducing famous and popular pieces
- Cool classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Mozart: An Introduction to His Signature and Popular Works
- Classical Masterpieces: Recommended Works You Should Hear at Least Once
- Debussy’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
- Timelessly beautiful classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.
- Brahms's masterpieces. Popular classical music.
- Classical music by Japanese composers. Recommended classical music.
- [Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- A poignant classic masterpiece. Recommended classical music.
- [François Couperin] Introducing famous and popular pieces by the composer who loved the harpsichord
- Classic masterpieces recommended for women
Classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music (81–90)
Overture from the opera “La gazza ladra” (The Thieving Magpie)Gioachino Rossini
It’s a piece that appears in Haruki Murakami’s The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.
The protagonist whistles along to it while listening to FM radio and boiling spaghetti.
The Thieving Magpie is introduced as the piece that signals the beginning of the story.
If you’re not into opera, you probably wouldn’t have many chances to hear it, but I imagine many people bought the CD after reading the novel.
Dies Irae from RequiemGiuseppe Verdi
This work, one of the Catholic Mass settings, was composed by Verdi in memory of the Italian literary giant Alessandro Manzoni and premiered on May 22, 1874, the first anniversary of Manzoni’s death, at the Church of San Marco in Milan.
Along with the works of Mozart and Fauré, it is regarded as one of the “Three Great Requiems.” “Dies Irae” is the second movement within it.
‘Brindisi’ (Drinking Song) from the opera La TraviataGiuseppe Verdi
The young nobleman Alfredo falls in love with Violetta, and through Alfredo’s passionate love, Violetta discovers true love.
However, Alfredo’s father disapproves of their romance, and the two are separated.
After overcoming hardships they meet again, but Violetta has contracted tuberculosis, and she dies in Alfredo’s arms.
“The Drinking Song” is sung in the scene where Alfredo leads a toast in high society, exuberantly celebrating the glittering world of the social elite.
Swan of TuonelaJean Sibelius
This piece was inspired by Chapter 16 of the Finnish epic Kalevala and depicts a swan swimming on the River Tuonela, the river of the land of the dead.
Fitting for the realm of death, the music unfolds throughout with a quiet, otherworldly atmosphere and a relaxed tempo that evokes the afterlife.
Toccata and Fugue in D minorJ.S.Bach
Composed by Bach at the age of 21, this is a famous organ piece.
The intro is often played in comedy sketches and anime.
I imagine some of you have found yourselves humming it when you want to gloss over something that went wrong or turn tragedy into laughter.
It’s one of those pieces everyone—from children to the elderly—knows, yet few know the title.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach
This is a church cantata said to have been composed by Bach in 1723 for the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It consists of ten movements, and the final chorale is widely known as “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” Many people today may recognize it as background music in classical settings.
Bach, often called the father of music, wrote many works employing refined counterpoint.
Hungarian Dance No. 5Johannes Brahms
Originally composed as a set of piano duets for four hands, the Hungarian Dances consist of 21 pieces.
Among them, No.
5—arranged for orchestra—is particularly famous and popular.
In addition to the orchestral version, there are also versions for violin and for solo guitar.