[Classical Music] A carefully curated selection of masterpieces born in the pivotal era that bridged the Baroque and Romantic periods
The “Classical era,” in which composers of the Viennese Classical school—centered on Haydn, Beethoven, and Mozart—were active.
Composing in homophony, with melody supported by accompaniment, became mainstream, and musical forms and genres such as sonata form, the symphony, concerto, string quartet, and piano sonata were established.
It is an indispensable period when discussing the history of classical music.
In this article, we introduce particularly famous pieces and works considered historically important from among the music born in that Classical era.
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Classical Music: A curated selection of masterpieces born in the crucial era connecting the Baroque and Romantic periods (1–10)
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 “Choral”Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s Symphony No.
9 in D minor, Op.
125, the “Choral,” is extraordinarily famous.
It possesses a comprehensive scope that can be seen as a culmination of pre-Classical music, while also serving as a landmark work that paved the way for the coming era of Romantic music.
The fourth movement is performed with soloists and chorus and is known as the “Ode to Joy.” Although the original lyrics are in German, they have been translated into countless languages around the world.
Conceived as early as when Beethoven was 22, the piece could be called his life’s work, and its influence on not only the music world but also on culture and the arts is immeasurable.
Queen of the Night Aria from the opera The Magic FluteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Among Mozart’s operas, The Magic Flute is especially popular.
In it, this aria is sung when the Queen of the Night, seeking revenge, orders her daughter Pamina to kill her archenemy Sarastro.
It is renowned as a piece requiring extraordinary virtuosity, with extremely high notes that are very difficult to control.
It’s said that only a small handful of professional sopranos can sing it well.
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K. 525Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
In late 18th-century Vienna, Mozart was one of the composers who led the golden age of Classical music.
His works are highly regarded for their graceful melodies and intricate structures, and they remain widely beloved today.
Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K.
525, is a chamber work written in the serenade form, a light genre intended for social occasions.
Its movements captivate listeners in turn: a bright and lively first movement, a beautifully lyrical second, an elegant minuet for the third, and a spirited finale.
In particular, the Romance of the second movement is notable for its sweet, memorable melody.
This piece is well-suited to enrich various everyday moments, such as a leisurely afternoon or a cherished conversation with someone special.
Classical Music: A curated selection of masterpieces born in the pivotal era bridging the Baroque and Romantic periods (11–20)
Horn Concerto No. 1 in D major, K. 412/514Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
A master of Classical music who displayed extraordinary talent from childhood and composed over 800 works across a wide range of genres, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
His Horn Concerto No.
1 in D major, K.412/514—written for his close friend and exceptional horn player Joseph Leutgeb—captivates with its technical difficulty and Mozart’s characteristically refined melodies.
In particular, the encouragements and jokes written in the score for the performer reveal the intimacy of their relationship.
It’s a highly recommended piece not only as an introduction to classical music but also for anyone who wants to savor a masterpiece.
Piano Sonata No. 14, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight”Ludwig van Beethoven
Among Beethoven’s piano sonatas, this work is widely loved for its popular melody.
The nickname “Moonlight” comes from a comment by the poet Rellstab.
The first movement carries a solemnity that evokes the night, while the third movement is strikingly different, with a stormy, lightning-like intensity.
It’s a piece that lets you enjoy Beethoven’s many facets.
String Quartet No. 67 in D major, Op. 64 No. 5, Hob. III:63Franz Joseph Haydn
Franz Joseph Haydn, a master of the Viennese Classical school, produced numerous masterpieces, especially in symphonies and string quartets.
His String Quartet No.
67 in D major, Op.
64 No.
5, Hob.
III:63—affectionately known as the “Lark” for its striking violin melody that soars in the upper register—is a celebrated work.
Across its four movements, it showcases Haydn’s distinctive sophisticated musical architecture and rich expressive power.
With its serene, songful themes, lively rhythms, and touches of counterpoint, this multifaceted work offers listeners both joy and deep emotion.
Symphony No. 101 in D major, Hob. I:101Franz Joseph Haydn
Franz Joseph Haydn, a composer who represents the Viennese Classical school.
He left outstanding achievements in the fields of the symphony and string quartet, earning him the titles “Father of the Symphony” and “Father of the String Quartet.” His Symphony No.
101 in D major, Hob.
I:101, composed during his stay in London, is a masterpiece known as one of the “London Symphonies.” This work captivates with the diversity and originality of each movement, especially the second movement, whose rhythm evokes the ticking of a clock’s pendulum.
The regularly pulsing rhythm seems to express the invariability of the passage of time.
Other highlights include the lively melody of the third movement and the fourth movement’s structure, which feels like a fusion of sonata form’s development and recapitulation.
It is a must-listen for anyone who wants to savor the world of Classical-era music.