Ethan Lee
Real-life image of my friend with AirPods while studying.
Max Bruch, Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 26, Second Movement: Adagio
Until a couple of years ago, I yearned to stop hearing this tune. It drifted out of my violinist sister’s room almost every day to the point that I was sick of it. But now, after a 4-year respite, the subtle crescendos and restrained intensity within the piece contribute to a perfect piece to listen to while sitting in the corner of a dim and quiet room with my eyes closed.
Ludwig Van Beethoven, Cello Sonata No. 3 in A Major, Op. 69, Third Movement: Adagio Cantabile
As a cellist, it’s one of my dream pieces to play; it feels like I’m floating on a soft, cozy cloud while listening to a gentle and heavenly melody.
Sergei Rachmanioff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18, 2nd movement: Adagio Sostenuto
This is a piece I discovered recently and added to my classical music playlist in an instant. How much more dreamlike and tranquil would it feel like to listen to it live in a concert hall?
Dmitri Shostakovich, Romance from The Gadfly
As a baby, I remember falling asleep to this simple and gentle melody.
Robert Schumann, Piano Quartet in E Flat Major, Op. 47, Third Movement: Andante Cantabile
Although I don’t listen to a lot of chamber music (music composed for a small ensemble of instruments), I always come back to this piece for how all the different instruments play the same longing, hopeful tune.
Sergei Rachmaninoff, Sonata for Cello and Piano in G Minor, Op. 19, Third Movement: Andante
In the world of classical music, there are so many underrated, unsettling, and slow scores — but the chemistry of cello and piano in this piece holds a special place in my heart.
Franz Schubert String Quintet in C Major, Op. 163, D. 956, 1st Movement: Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Joyful, light, pure, and innocent — and with a snippet of uncertainty. Yeah, Schubert’s brilliance captures all of these sensations. Listening to it is a true emotional rollercoaster.
Tchaikovsky, The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act Two, No. 14a, Pas de deux: Andante Maestoso
Whenever listening to this piece, I’m completely wretched by the dolce and grand melody, often feeling a sense of isolation from the world. It’s the best piece to lock yourself into a room alone when listening to it.
Frederic Chopin, Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65, Third Movement: Largo
I get chills every time I listen to this one — crying and sorrowful emotions are naturally ingrained in this piece. The piece brings out the internal sentimental emotions you never realized were within yourself.
Gustav Mahler Symphony No. 5, 4th Movement: Adagietto. Sehr langsam
I will never forget the moment when I first listened to this piece, sitting in the corner of McAfee Center last year. Time seemed to stand still as I was captured by the lyrical melody and the emotional, passionate outbursts of the orchestra.