Morning Classics | A selection of classic masterpieces recommended for those who want to wake up feeling great

Concerto in G minor for Strings, RV 152Antonio Lucio Vivaldi

Concerto for Strings in G Minor, RV 152: II. Andante molto e sempre pianissimo

Antonio Vivaldi, the great composer who sustained the late Baroque era.

Vivaldi favored the so-called ritornello form of three movements—fast, slow, fast—and his Concerto for Strings in G minor, RV 152, is one of those works.

Although this piece is somewhat minor in the repertoire, among aficionados it is known as a soothing masterpiece that helps one relax.

Maintaining such a calm impression while shifting between contrasting tempos is a feat achievable only through highly sophisticated composition.

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Album for the Young, Op. 68 No. 41 “Nordic Song”Robert Alexander Schumann

Album für die Jugend, Op. 68: No. 40, Nordisches Lied. Gruß an G.

Robert Schumann’s masterpiece Album for the Young is a collection of 43 pieces in two parts, as the title suggests, written for children.

Many of the pieces are gentle and perfectly suited to mornings, but the one I especially recommend as morning BGM is No.

41, “Nordic Song,” from Album for the Young, Op.

68.

Its slightly wistful mood makes it a perfect fit for a dark, rainy morning.

Be sure to check it out.

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Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95, B. 178Antonín Leopold Dvořák

Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178 “From the New World”: II. Largo

Antonín Dvořák, the celebrated Czech composer whose talent was recognized by Brahms—one of Germany’s “Three Bs”—is best known for his Symphony No.

9 in E minor, Op.

95, B.

178.

Dvořák, a melody-maker of the classical music world, wrote this as his final symphony, and it is commonly known by the title “From the New World.” The appeal of this work lies in its floating, airy atmosphere.

While the first movement features the natural minor scale, from the second movement onward a soft, weightless mood unfolds.

It’s a highly relaxing piece—perfect for the morning.

Be sure to give it a listen.

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Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43, Variation 18: Andante cantabileSergei Vasil’evich Rachmaninov

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation XVIII – Andante cantabile

Sergei Rachmaninoff achieved great success not only as a composer but also as a pianist.

Among his many masterpieces, the one I especially recommend as BGM for the morning is the “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.

43, Variation 18: Andante cantabile.” With its grand and elegant melody, this piece may be less suited as background music for a leisurely morning and more ideal as an alarm to wake up to, don’t you think?

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The Symphonic Poem ‘The Moldau’Bedřich Smetana

Smetana ~ Moldau

This symphonic poem by the Czech composer Bedřich Smetana vividly portrays the majestic journey of a river through music.

It begins with the shimmering of two springs depicted by flute and clarinet, gradually swelling into a broad current that reflects the bustle of a peasant wedding and a fantastical scene of fairies dancing under the moonlight.

The river’s stately flow through the ancient city of Prague is so grand that it’s unforgettable after a single hearing.

A movement from the renowned symphonic cycle Má vlast, this work was composed in 1874 as Smetana was losing his hearing, and its beautiful melodies have captivated many listeners.

It has been widely cherished and used in films such as The Tree of Life.

It’s a perfect piece for those seeking a refreshing mood on a summer day or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in richly pictorial orchestral music.

The Carnival of the Animals, No. 13: The SwanCamille Saint-Saëns

Dai Miyata / Saint-Saëns: The Swan (Le Cygne)

A celebrated work by Camille Saint-Saëns, based on a melody from the suite Le Carnaval des animaux.

Originally conceived as one of the pieces in a suite intended as entertainment for Carnival in early 1886, it was the only movement the composer allowed to be published during his lifetime.

The flowing melody played by the cello evokes the elegant figure of a swan gliding over the water and conjures the dreamlike imagery of the legendary “swan song.” The ballet The Dying Swan, created by Anna Pavlova in 1905 to this music, is renowned worldwide, and figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu’s exhibition performance to the piece also moved many audiences.

This is a piece for those who want to immerse themselves in the beautiful tone of the cello—a sound that seems to make you forget the summer heat and refresh the spirit.

Brandenburg Concerto No. 3J.S.Bach

J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 BWV 1048 / J.S. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048

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.