As fun as it might be to listen to the auto-tuned machinations of artists like Calvin Harris or Jessie J (whatever you kids like these days), we need to revive our cultural roots and go back to where it all started: classical music.
There’s something enchanting about the haunting pitch of a first violin at the start of a symphony that gives us the “feels.” Classical music tells so many stories, from the exciting adventures of Princess Scheherazade to the mischievous deeds of the gypsy Carmen. It’s impossible to not admire the pure genius of composers who begin with a blank piece of sheet music and produce unthinkable harmonies and melodies that stand the test of time (even non-fans will recognize “Claire de lune” or “Fur Elise”).
Many believe that one must be a classical music buff or play an instrument to appreciate classical music. This couldn’t be more wrong. All it takes is an open mind and a willingness to temporarily break away from the Top 100 list on iTunes to catch a glimpse of the magical world of classical music, an art form that has been around for more than 1,600years.
That doesn’t mean listening to Eminem or Ariana Grande is worthless, but if we forget the composers who have captured the emotions of the past and the present — the tales that are woven through harrowing chord progressions and the whispers of a flute concerto — we will be neglecting our culture and history.
Without further ado, here are our recommendations for the classical music newbie.
For anger management
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Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”: Don’t be fooled by the name. The first movement begins with angelic, lyrical chords, but the third movement is pure violence, with cascading, overlapping chords that conclude each measure with a bang.
For stress relief
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Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise”: Whether you choose to listen to a vocal or instrumental version of this masterpiece, you won’t be disappointed. As the entire song is sung on the same note, you’ll be lulled out of your “I failed that test” depression by the warm tones.
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Debussy’s “Suite Bergamasque”: All five dances, reminiscent of a Monet painting from the Impressionist period, will put you in a trance of wonderment with their colorful and mellifluous melodies. Our personal favorite is “Claire de Lune,” in addition to “Prelude.”
For romantics
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Wagner’s “Tristan and Isolde”: This 12th-century French tale of star-crossed lovers who commit adultery to be with each other, and their tragic fate, probably inspired everything from Guinevere and Lancelot to the Nicholas Sparks movie you pretended you didn’t watch.
For plotting your arch enemy's demise
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“Dies Irae,” Gregorian chant: Is there a better way to pump yourself up for planning your nemesis’ “Day of Judgment” — the title of the piece — than listening to this ultra-creepy quasi-song, which really just consists of a bunch of robed monks “singing” Requiem mass in Latin? No. No, there isn’t. (Bonus: this was used in the soundtrack of the anime “Death Note.”)
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Camille Saint-Saens’ “Danse Macabre”: The “Dance of Death” started out as a genre of medieval allegory designed to remind people how puny and insignificant their lives were, because everyone dies anyway. Cheerful, right? Multiply that with the brilliant French composer Saint-Saens, and you have a gorgeously ominous piece.
Just because
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Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade”
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Dvorak’s “New World Symphony”
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Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto in e minor”
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Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 “Leningrad”
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Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 3”
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Stokowski’s “Fantasia” soundtrack
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Pachelbel's “Canon in D”
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Handel’s “Messiah”
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Chopin’s “Nocturne in E-Flat Major”
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Bach’s Air (“on the G string,” string orchestra)
Disclaimer: We do not guarantee that all types of classical music will work for everyone. But we can promise that there is something for everyone, so if you find yourself bored or unhappy, listen to a different composition. YouTube is a great starting point for exploration of the genre. It also helps to see concerts live and appreciate the skills of the musicians.
