Music that’s good for prenatal care: classic masterpieces and popular recommended songs to help mom and baby relax

Variations on “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”Vorufuganggu Amadeusu Mōtsaruto

Prenatal Education Classics – Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Variations 7–12 – (IYASHINOOTO Birdsong ver.)

Here is a piano piece composed by Mozart in 1778.

Based on the song “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman,” which was popular in France at the time, it consists of 12 arrangements/variations, and it’s enjoyable to hear how the piece transforms with each variation.

Incidentally, the lyrics to “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” from which the title “Twinkle, Twinkle Variations” derives, were written after Mozart’s death.

It’s suitable for prenatal listening, and it’s also a good piece to play for babies after they’re born and during early childhood.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Ave MariaSharuru Gunō / Yohan Zebasuchian Bahha

Gounod “Ave Maria”

This piece is a work composed by Gounod in 1859, set against Bach’s Prelude No.

1 in C major from The Well-Tempered Clavier.

Even today, there’s a technique of layering new melodies or rap over older tracks; you could say this was an early example of that approach.

Set to the accompaniment of Bach—who wrote a great deal of church music—this piece portrays Mary, the mother of Christ.

It’s truly well-suited for prenatal listening, and just hearing it can make you feel as if your heart has been purified.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Spring from “The Four Seasons”Antonio Vivarudi

Vivaldi - Spring from The Four Seasons - High Quality - FULL

This piece is one of the works from Vivaldi’s collection published in 1725 known as The Four Seasons, and it is the most famous among them.

Even those who aren’t classical music fans have likely heard it at least once.

Vivaldi was a multifaceted figure—a Catholic priest and a virtuoso violinist—but in the classical world he was largely forgotten during the 18th and 19th centuries and was only reevaluated at the end of the 19th century.

This piece, which depicts the arrival of spring in Venice, suits the heart of an expectant mother beautifully.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Nocturne No. 2Furederikku Shopan

Chopin: Nocturne No. 2

Here is a nocturne composed by Frédéric Chopin in 1831.

Among Chopin’s nocturnes, this is probably the most famous and familiar piece.

You often hear background music arrangements of it in many places.

It is said to have been strongly influenced by John Field, who is considered the originator of the nocturne.

Compared to many of Chopin’s works, its performance difficulty is relatively low, so if you have some piano experience, it might be a good piece to try playing yourself.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Movement IVorufuganggu Amadeusu Mōtsaruto

Serenade No. 13 in G major, K. 525 “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” Movement I

Mozart is one of the most popular composers recommended for prenatal music.

It’s said that the reason is the subtle fluctuations in his pieces, reminiscent of the murmur of a stream or the chirping of birds.

Even for mothers who aren’t very familiar with classical music, his Eine kleine Nachtmusik should feel approachable.

Many people likely listened to it in their school music classes.

It’s also a good idea to start with pieces like this and then branch out to other works by the same composer.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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