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Lovely classics

Classical Music for Summer: A Selection of Cool and Refreshing Masterpieces

What scenes come to mind when you think of summer?

A sparkling blue sea, dazzling white sands under the blazing sun, mountains dressed in vivid green…

Even in sticky, sweltering heat, doesn’t picturing a refreshing landscape make the heat feel just a little more bearable?

In this article, we’ll introduce classic works that are perfect for summer and will help expand those images even further.

Let’s spend this summer feeling refreshed, accompanied by exquisite classical music that creates a cool, breezy atmosphere.

Classics to Listen to in Summer | A Selection of Cool and Refreshing Masterpieces (91–100)

Violin Sonata No. 1 “Rain Song”Johannes Brahms

Brahms – Sonata No.1 G Major – Vivace ma non troppo part I
Violin Sonata No. 1 “Rain Song”Johannes Brahms

This work was completed in the summer of 1879, half a year after the death of Felix, the youngest child of the Schumann couple and a poet, who passed away at the young age of 25.

Also known by the subtitle “Rain Song,” this Violin Sonata No.

1 was written when Brahms was 46 years old, and it is said to embody his feelings for Felix.

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Piano Trio No. 1 “Russian Summer”: I. NocturneJudith Lang Zaimont

This piece is Judith Lang Zaimont’s Piano Trio No.

1 “Russian Summer”: I.

Nocturne.

The beautiful harmony woven by the piano and strings has a gentle quality, like flickering shafts of sunlight filtering through leaves on a summer day.

In true contemporary fashion, it’s wonderful how even dissonance is transformed into part of the work’s allure.

Yoimachi Jēn
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Kesailta (Summer evening), Op. 1Oskar Merikanto

This is “Kesäilta (Summer Evening), Op.

1” by the Finnish composer Oskar Merikanto, who was active from the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century.

It conjures up images of European summer scenes.

Overall, it’s a very sunny, cheerful piece.

The mysterious atmosphere that appears when the music suddenly swells toward the end makes the work even more compelling.

Yoimachi Jēn
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Piano Suite “The Seasons” June: BarcarollePyotr Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky’s piano cycle The Seasons depicts all twelve months in music, written to appear monthly in a Russian music magazine from the January to the December 1876 issues.

While a barcarolle (boat song) is usually composed in 6/8 time, the piece “June: Barcarolle” is written in 4/4; nevertheless, its boat-like rocking rhythm feels completely natural.

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Frosoblomster (Froso-Flowers), Book 1, Op. 16: No. 2. Sommarsang (Summer Song)Wilhelm Peterson-Berger

Frosoblomster (Froso-Flowers) , Book 1, Op. 16 (arr. J. Johansson) : No. 2. Sommarsang (Summer…
Frosoblomster (Froso-Flowers), Book 1, Op. 16: No. 2. Sommarsang (Summer Song)Wilhelm Peterson-Berger

Wilhelm Peterson-Berger was a Swedish composer and music critic.

The Japanese title is “Flowers of Frösö,” with Frösö being an island in Jämtland, Sweden.

It’s said that the island could be seen even from his hospital room as he was passing away.

The gentle, flowing melody and the bright tones of the flute soothe the heart, conjuring images of the rich nature and blossoms on the island the composer loved.

It’s a perfect piece for those who want to enjoy a leisurely summertime.

kurichan
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6 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 61: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in G Major, “A Summer Morning On The Lawn”Dmitri Kabalevsky

6 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 61: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in G Major, “A Summer Morning On The Lawn”
6 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 61: Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in G Major, "A Summer Morning On The Lawn"Dmitri Kabalevsky

Dmitry Kabalevsky was a Russian pianist and composer who left many outstanding works and passed away in 1987.

You might recognize him as the composer of “Galop” from The Comedians, a piece often played as background music at school sports festivals.

The work mentioned here was composed between 1958 and 1959; its form is a prelude and fugue, but each piece bears a title related to landscapes, making it a collection that invites listeners to imagine beautiful scenery.

If you play the piano, you may find it enjoyable to give it a try.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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In conclusion

How was it? From refreshing pieces to vibrant works that energize a summer-weary mind and body, we introduced famous classical pieces perfect for the season.

There were a variety of works—from those with “summer” in the title like Gershwin’s “Summertime” and Kaski’s “Summer Morning,” to orchestral performances and solo piano pieces.

I hope you found a favorite among the videos we featured.

There are still many more works that depict summer, so please keep listening!