Cool classical masterpieces. Recommended classical music.

Prelude Op. 23 No. 5 in G minorSergei Rachmaninov

Rachmaninoff / Preludes (Prelude) Op. 23 No. 5 in G minor, 2009 Ōji Prize

Rachmaninoff, a Russian pianist and composer who represents the 20th century.

His works are characterized by simple yet beautiful and valiant melodies, leaving a powerful impression as if raw emotion is being expressed through music.

Among his 24 preludes, this piece is one of the most well-known.

From the outset, the bold yet freely played, march-like rhythm is striking, and the romantic melody heard in the middle section possesses a beauty uniquely Rachmaninoff’s.

It is a captivating piece brimming with the rich, folkloric sentiment of Russia!

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HATSUMI

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Rakoczi March from the dramatic tale The Damnation of FaustHector Berlioz

Rakoczy March (Marche Hongroise)

The Rakoczi March is originally a Hungarian folk song with an unknown composer.

It became famous when Berlioz used it in his own work, The Damnation of Faust.

The Damnation of Faust is based on Faust by the German writer Goethe.

The piece is also used as a Hungarian military march.

Suite No. 2 for Two Pianos “Tarantella”Sergei Rachmaninov

Rachmaninov’s Suite no. 2 in C minor for Two Pianos, op. 17, IV. Tarantelle: Presto

It’s a cool yet passionate piece that combines strength and richness while constantly shimmering with Rachmaninoff’s signature sparkle.

You’ll be captivated from the very beginning.

After the failed premiere of his Symphony No.

1, Rachmaninoff fell into a slump and went through a period where he couldn’t compose.

This piece dates from the time when he was beginning to recover.

Prelude and Fugue from “The Spitfire”William Walton

William Walton / Prelude and Fugue from The Spitfire

The melody that appears shortly after the piece begins has an expansive quality that evokes “flight,” creating a pleasant sense of weightless floating.

The Spitfire was a British fighter aircraft used during World War II.

William Walton was one of the leading British composers of the 20th century and produced many approachable works.

‘Toreador Song’ from Carmen Suite No. 2Georges Bizet

Bizet: From Carmen Suite No. 2, "Toreador Song"

Here is the piece used in Act 2 of the French-language opera Carmen, composed by Georges Bizet.

Because Carmen is an opera centered on a Gypsy woman, Carmen, many of its numbers are written with an awareness of Romani folk music.

This particular piece is the song of the toreador with whom Carmen falls in love.

Since it includes a melody that has been used in commercials as a parody song, it is likely one of those famous tunes known even to people who don’t usually listen to classical music.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Symphonic Scherzo “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”Paul Dukas

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Dukas) — Jean Fournet conducting, NHK Symphony Orchestra

Dukas was a French composer.

This piece was used in Disney’s 1940 animated film Fantasia.

You can almost picture the enchanted brooms fetching water over and over.

In this segment, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice was played by Mickey Mouse.

It’s a cinematic and very accessible classical work.

Etude Op. 8 No. 12Alexandre Scriabine

Vladimir Horowitz Playing Scriabin 12 Etudes Op.8 No.12

One of the pieces from a set of études that Scriabin began writing at the age of 22 and completed the following year.

Letters reveal that, in composing this set, Scriabin had Chopin’s études in mind and structured it so that the twelve pieces would form a cohesive whole.

This étude features frequent leaps and repeated chords, giving it a complex appearance.

It is said that Scriabin himself was particularly fond of performing this piece.

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