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.
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Classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music (41–50)
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3J.S.Bach
This is a signature work by Bach, one of the foremost musicians of 18th-century Germany, notable for its brilliant string timbres and rich expressiveness.
The joyous melodies woven by three groups of strings are perfect for a refreshing study break.
Its intricate counterpoint and lush harmonies are pleasing to the ear and help enhance concentration.
Presented in March 1721 to the Margrave of Brandenburg, this piece—scored solely for strings—conveys a noble, almost celestial quality.
Recommended as a quiet companion for long hours of study or reading, when you want to calm and center the mind.
Water MusicHenderu
A work in which majestic and resplendent orchestral melodies resound with beauty.
Composed by Handel for a boating party on the River Thames in July 1717, this piece musically depicts the gentle flow of the river.
The rich sonorities woven by a variety of instruments—such as horns, oboes, and strings—create an elegant, soothing atmosphere, like light shimmering on the water’s surface.
Even today, its universal appeal is evident in its use as the theme music for NHK-FM’s “Enjoying Early Music” and as the departure melody at Kyoto Station.
It is a recommended piece for tasks or study that require concentration, or whenever you wish to quietly calm your mind.
Classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music (51–60)
La CampanellaFranz Liszt
The delicate melody, modeled after the sound of bells, is striking, with beautiful leaps and ornaments in the high register resonating throughout.
The piano piece, revised in 1851, is characterized by passionate expressiveness that embodies the essence of Romantic music and by virtuosic performance demands.
Inspired by Niccolò Paganini’s playing in 1831, Franz Liszt arranged the theme of a violin concerto for piano.
Frequently used as background music in films and television shows, it has captivated many listeners.
This work is recommended for those who want to study in a quiet environment with focus.
Its bell-like, transparent timbre will calm the mind while maintaining a moderate sense of tension.
Spring from The Four SeasonsAntonio Vivaldi
A masterpiece whose graceful melodies and skillful depictions of nature let you experience a vivid sense of spring’s arrival as if it were unfolding before your eyes.
Composed by Baroque virtuoso Vivaldi and published in 1725, this piece vividly portrays spring scenes such as birdsong, murmuring brooks, and sudden thunder.
Frequently used in films, TV commercials, and weddings—festive occasions of all kinds—its familiar, approachable character is something almost everyone has heard at least once.
It’s also recommended as a companion for studying or reading, helping you sink into the rhythm of nature and boost your concentration.
The gentle melodies resonate pleasantly, creating an environment that makes even long study sessions feel less tiring.
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.
String Quartet No. 1, Second Movement: Andante cantabilePyotr Tchaikovsky
This is a gem of a masterpiece inspired by a Ukrainian folk song.
The serene melody born from the harmony of the strings evokes deep emotion in the listener.
Its beautiful tune, which gently enfolds the feelings of a young person in love, delicately portrays the subtleties of human emotion.
There is an anecdote that even Russia’s great literary giant Tolstoy was moved to tears by this work.
masterfully expressing both the anxieties and hopes of love, it is a piece that offers solace to those troubled by romance.
The moving performance at a special concert in December 1876 was recorded by the composer in his diary as a lifelong source of pride.
Symphony No. 2, Movement IIISergei Rachmaninov
A moving melody woven from beauty and melancholy seeps into the heart.
Beginning with a clarinet solo and expanding to the full orchestra, the sonic world shakes the listener’s soul.
Its lyrical line, which evokes nostalgia and distant memories, feels as if it were singing of a beloved person.
It is also featured in the film “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” known as a classic that colors romantic scenes.
Recommended for those who wish to heal the pain of heartbreak or to bask in memories with someone dear.
Premiered in January 1908 to great success, it is also famous as a work that symbolizes the composer’s rebirth.