Classic masterpieces recommended for women
We’ve put together a selection of classic masterpieces especially recommended for women.
Looking back, classical musicians in the past—both composers and performers—were almost all men.
In recent years, however, the number of female conductors and performers has grown significantly.
Watching performances on TV or video sites, you can see that many women are now thriving in the field.
There are also many pieces written for or associated with women, such as The Maiden’s Prayer by the rare female composer in classical music, Tekla Bądarzewska, and Elgar’s Salut d’Amour, dedicated to his beloved wife.
Think of this as a beginner’s guide to classical music.
We’ve included many familiar pieces, so why not take this opportunity to make classical music your hobby?
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Classic masterpieces recommended for women (21–30)
The Carnival of the Animals, No. 14: FinaleCamille Saint-Saëns
A dazzling, exhilarating piece that feels like the grand finale of a festival—that’s the closing movement of Camille Saint-Saëns’s suite The Carnival of the Animals.
Composed in 1886 for a private performance and first made public only after the composer’s death in 1922, the work builds from the piano’s brilliant opening trills as various instruments join in, with motifs of animals from earlier movements appearing one after another—truly the climax of the celebration.
The humorous tone pervades the whole piece, and the ending, capped with playful animal imitations, adds to its delightful charm.
It is also known for its use in Disney’s 1999 film Fantasia 2000, and it’s the kind of music that can sweep away the summer heat and leave you feeling refreshed.
Even those who don’t often listen to classical music are sure to discover its joy.
dreamClaude Debussy
What we introduce here is a beautiful piano miniature by Claude Debussy from 1890, as if drifting through a dream.
It is characterized by a gently sweet melody and arpeggios that weave a fantastical atmosphere, inviting the listener into a pleasant doze.
Close your eyes quietly, and you can almost see a cool, serene scene—like dozing in the shade on a summer day.
The piece was later given lyrics by Larry Clinton and became a hit in 1938 as “My Reverie,” sung by artists including Bing Crosby.
It’s highly recommended for those seeking a musical experience that makes you forget the summer heat, or for times when you want to soak in a calm mood—you’re sure to have a lovely time listening.
Classic Masterpieces Recommended for Women (31–40)
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.
Quiet lagoonEric Coates
How about a waltz-serenade that makes you want to listen on a leisurely summer evening? Composed by Eric Coates in 1930, this piece is said to have been inspired by the gentle seaside scenery of Sussex and townscapes dyed by the sunset.
The violin’s sweet melody will resonate pleasantly, like a gentle breeze drifting over a calm, twilight sea.
Lyrics were added in 1940, and it became a beloved standard for many.
It has long been familiar as the theme of a popular, long-running BBC radio program, and may evoke a certain nostalgia.
It’s the perfect piece for those moments when you want to forget the bustle of everyday life and sink into a tranquil mood.
Put it on, and spend some unhurried time while you listen.
Summer MorningHeino Kasuki
This is a piano piece by the Finnish composer Heino Kaski, known as Op.
35-1 “Summer Morning.” The work features a beautifully transparent melody that seems to capture the pure air of a Nordic morning in sound.
Its delicate trills evoke the sparkle of sunlight filtering through leaves, and the gentle yet gradually broadening brightness will refresh the listener’s heart.
It has a cool, invigorating quality that makes you forget muggy heat, and it’s perfect for quietly enjoying music.
Believed to have been composed in the early 1920s, it is also included in pianist Izumi Tateno’s acclaimed album “Piano Works.”
String Quartet No. 2, Movement 1Alexander Borodin
Known as a masterpiece brimming with lyrical beauty, this string quartet captivates with its sweet, lovestruck melodies and delicate fragility.
Highlights include the theme that begins in the cello and passes to the first violin, as well as the lively interplay among the instruments.
It is also a highly rewarding piece for performers.
Begun in July 1881 and completed by September—a remarkably swift pace—the work overflows with a warm resonance filled with love.
It is an ideal choice for those who wish to savor beautiful melodies and rich expressiveness.
Pavane for a Newborn PrincessCharles-Henry
Characterized by an elegant and serene melody, this piece is filled with joy and hope celebrating the birth of new life.
Despite its brief duration of about 1 minute and 25 seconds, it demands delicate touch and expressive nuance.
The key to performance lies in conveying the work’s grace and joy through subtle changes in phrasing and dynamics.
Often featured in piano education settings, it is recommended for those wishing to cultivate expressiveness or seeking an encore piece for a recital.
In May 2023, a concert including this piece was held at the Paris Conservatoire, captivating the audience.