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

Little Symphony in B-flat major, 1st movementCharles Francois Gounod

Gounod: Petite Symphony in B-flat major, 1st movement — Michiyoshi Inoue conducting the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa

Composed in 1885 for wind instruments, this piece is actually better known than Gounod’s two symphonies for orchestra when people refer to “Gounod’s Symphony.” Scored as a chamber work for nine players—two each of flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and horn—it is a simple yet elegant and refreshing composition.

Symphony in D minor, Movement IIICésar Franck

Franck: Symphony in D minor, Movement III — Ormandy conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra

Following the release of symphonies by Lalo and Saint-Saëns, Franck, encouraged by his pupils to write a symphony, began composing as well.

By the autumn of 1887 he had completed a draft, and the work was finished in August of the following year.

It is said that Franck himself, unfazed by the poor reception at the premiere, replied contentedly to his family, “It sounded just as I imagined.”

Knoxville: Summer of 1915Dawn Upshaw

Knoxville: Summer of 1915

This is “Knoxville: Summer of 1915,” sung by American soprano Dawn Upshaw.

It’s a work by Samuel Barber, an American composer active in the 20th century.

Although the piece is relatively long at about 15 minutes, the mood shifts dramatically in places, making it feel as if an entire play has been packed into it.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Memories of the AlhambraFrancisco Tárrega

Kaori Muraji – Recuerdos de la Alhambra – Memories of the Alhambra

A classic guitar masterpiece whose refreshing tones resonate pleasantly.

It is a 1896 tour de force by the Spanish composer Francisco Tárrega.

Spun from memories of his visit to the Alhambra Palace, the melody conjures images of the palace’s fountains and gardens.

The delicate performance employing tremolo technique evokes the murmur of water and the whisper of the wind.

Why not listen at leisure while reflecting on Spain’s history and culture? It’s a breezy piece that helps you forget the summer heat.

Summer Night on the River – 2001 Remastered VersionFrederick Delius

2 Pieces for Small Orchestra: No. 2, Summer Night on the River

Here is a piece composed by Frederick Delius in 1911.

Although he was a British-born composer, it is said that his exposure to African American spirituals during his youth in Florida—where he worked in orange cultivation—later influenced his music.

After leaving Florida, he stayed in Leipzig, Germany, and Paris, France, to pursue musical studies.

The piece in the video depicts a summer night on the river in Paris; it’s a fascinating work with a distinctive atmosphere.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Guangxi Impression: II. Summer CicadaGao Hong

Guangxi Impression: II. Summer Cicada

She is a performer of the Chinese instrument pipa, which is similar to a lute.

She was born in 1964 and has lived in the United States since 1994.

In addition to performing traditional Chinese pieces, she continues to collaborate with musicians from various genres, and her activities are wide-ranging.

This piece, too, has a mysterious atmosphere where stillness and motion, as well as Western and Eastern music, seem to coexist.

It’s nice to relax by listening to this cool, refreshing track that would suit the surface of the water in summer.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Suite “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” HWV 351, No. 4 “Rejoicing”Georg Friedrich Händel

Handel: Suite “Music for the Royal Fireworks”: Rejoicing [Naxos Classical Curations #Energetic]

A magnificent piece of festive music by George Frideric Handel, a British composer of German origin.

Composed in 1749 at the request of King George II to celebrate the conclusion of a peace treaty, its brilliant, lively allegro rhythms superbly convey an atmosphere of joy and festivity.

Richly scored for brass and percussion to create splendor and power, it also features the beautiful tones of oboes and horns.

While the original was performed by a military band, modern performances often add strings for a fuller, richer sound.

A refreshing piece that makes you forget the summer heat—perfect to accompany an elegant afternoon tea.

Symphony No. 3, Movement IGustav Mahler

Mahler: Symphony No. 3, Movement I (Inbal)

Mahler built a small “composing hut” on the shores of Lake Attersee in Steinbach, where he enjoyed his summer holidays by composing in the mornings and taking walks in the afternoons.

He captured that beautiful nature in his Symphony No.

3.

The Third Symphony once bore the title “A Summer Morning’s Dream” and was even listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest symphony in the world.

3 Preludes, Op. 56: No. 2. SummerHenning Mankell

3 Preludes, Op. 56: No. 2. Summer

Henning Mankell, known as a Swedish author.

Here is a piece composed by his grandfather, who had the same name, Henning Mankell.

You might call it a hidden gem; Mankell’s music wasn’t much highlighted after it was written, but pianist Anna Christensson was captivated by its brilliance and made this recording.

This majestic piano work, which evokes the Swedish landscape, makes you feel as if you’ve traveled to the northern lands.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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AsturiasIsaac Albéniz

Ana Vidovic plays Asturias by Isaac Albéniz on a Jim Redgate classical guitar

Isaac Albéniz is one of Spain’s greatest composers, renowned for works rooted in Spanish folk music, and he left us with many masterpieces.

Among his pieces, the one that’s especially perfect for summer is Asturias.

It’s one of his signature piano works, often performed on Spanish guitar.

Though you might expect fiery passion, its weighty, darker tone evokes the melancholic feeling of a summer sunset.

How about listening to this piece while watching the summer sun go down, a bitter coffee in hand?

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Ryo

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