If you think no one is listening to classical music in 2019, think again. Over 11 million Americans regularly tune into public classical music radio stations.
If you’ve grown tired of pop or hip hop singers or you’re curious about why classical music endures, here are five of the best pieces ever composed. Listening to these timeless compositions is a great way to start your classical music journey.
1. The Blue Danube Waltz by Johann Strauss II
If you’ve ever seen Stanley Kubrick’s 1969 epic film 2001: A Space Odyssey, you’ll instantly recognize Strauss’s composition. The Austrian composer wrote the waltz in honor of the Danube River which flows through his home country and Germany. You’d be hard pressed to feel down while listening to this uplifting piece.
Few people may know that The Blue Danube has lyrics that pay homage to Strauss’s homeland. However, most performances of the piece play the instrumental version, and you hardly need singers to feel what the song is about.
2. Symphony No. 5 in C Minor by Beethoven
You have to give major props to Ludwig van Beethoven. He started to lose his hearing in his 20s and was completely deaf at the time of his death, yet he composed some of the most recognizable classical music pieces.
One of these is his famous Symphony No. 5 in C minor, with its famous and foreboding “Da da da dummm” opening. The song has endured so much it was even turned into a 1970s disco tune.
3. Clair de Lune (moonlight) No. 3 in D-flat Major by Claude Debussy
The title says it all, although French composer Claude Debussy borrowed it from an 1869 poem that spoke of dancing masqueraders. The song evokes beauty and mystery, much like the nocturnal activities that take place at night.
This piano piece is often a favorite of those learning how to play the instrument. You can click here to download the sheet music for this song.
4. Molto Allegro from Symphony No. 40 by Mozart
There are many YouTube videos of Mozart compilations that can help with studying and concentration. His well-known Molto Allegro piece is one of them which is interesting given that allegro means “very fast.”
Mozart was 32 when he composed Molto Allegro. He would die only three years later, but like all of his catalog, the song endures. Sadly, music historians believe that Mozart never actually heard this particular song performed live.
5. Nocturne in E-flat Major Op. 9 No. 2 by Chopin
Many of Frederick Chopin’s fans believe this most famous song by him was saying, “I love you” over and over again.
The serene Nocturne was written when Chopin was only 20 years old. The blissful fluttering of notes that repeats throughout the composition will have you daydreaming of warm spring days and new romance.
Classical Music Never Goes Out of Style
Many new generations of music listeners are discovering classical music. Listening to these five suggestions may just open up a whole new genre for your music collection.
Here at OTBVA, we love giving you content on all forms of music as well as entertainment, gaming, and more. Check out our other music posts for more insights on music and artists.