Classical Music Pieces That You Should Listen to

Entertainment and Media - Music

By: Thorgrym 02-Mar-2011

Introduction:

Classical music appeals to me on many levels. Sometimes it is nice to just sit back and listen to - I mean, really listen to - an entire symphony. Other times, classical music is great to play in the background - like while you are at work. Some pieces can help you to relax while other pieces can inspire you. Whatever your goal, there is a piece of classical music that will suit the moment.
Here, I have compiled a list of five of my favorite classical music pieces.

Vivaldi's "Concert For Strings In G"

This is a great, albeit really short, piece of classical music. I was first introduced this piece while watching the movie, 'All That Jazz.' Joe Gideon, the main character, pops in a cassette with this piece on it and plays it every day during his morning ritual. Prior to the internet, the only place that I could find this piece was on the soundtrack for the movie. The soundtrack simply lists the title of the piece as 'Concerto in G' thus making it somewhat difficult to locate! It was not until recently that I was able to find a more descriptive name for the piece.
'Concerto "Alla Rustica," for strings & continuo in G major, RV 151 1. Presto' is the full name. Given this information, it is apparent that this piece is the first movement in the concerto entitled 'Alla Rustica' which is made up of only three movements - Presto, Adagio, and Allegro. At only 1:19 in duration, Presto is the shortest piece of classical music now in my collection.

Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons"

'The Four Seasons' set is certainly Vivaldi's best-known work. It consists of four concertos that are each named for one of the seasons.
It is hard not to like this piece (these pieces?) of classical music. Though snippets of the piece have been used in everything from elevator music to commercials, I never tire of hearing it.

Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring"

I was first introduced to Stravinsky and 'The Rite of Spring' in a unique way...
In high school, I was really expanding my musical interests. At one point during that expansion, I began to explore the Boston-based bands. We had a local music store, Strawberries, that had a phenomenal local music section. One of the bands that I was turned on to - thanks to a college radio station - was Birdsongs of the Mesozoic. After hearing their music, I went to Strawberries to see if I could find one or more of their albums. The only one in stock was 'Magnetic Flip' so I bought it. Birdsongs of the Mesozoic actually covered 'The Rite of Spring' on this album! Their version, suitably titled '(Excerpts from) The Rite of Spring' is only 6:50 long. Stravinsky's work is considerably longer at more than 30 minutes.

Pachelbel's "Canon In D Major"

If a piece of classical music could suffer from being overplayed, this one would definitely qualify. It is frequently used in weddings, commercials, and - of course - elevators. Even still, I still like to hear it. It is very peaceful and lends itself to moments of relaxation.

Beethoven's "Bagatelle No. 25 In a Minor"

I would hazard a guess that everyone is familiar with this classical music piece - even if only from Schroeder's (from 'The Peanuts') rendition of it.
Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor, more commonly known 'Für Elise' is very uplifting.

Final Thoughts

Whether a piece of classical music evokes memories of earlier days or inspires you to create art of your own or simply pleases the ear, your list of favorites will likely differ from mine. I hope, though, that you are inspired to listen to some of the pieces mentioned above and, perhaps, find a new addition to your list.

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hummingbirdee 3/3/2011
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These are all beautiful classical pieces. I have neglected listening to these for a while now. Thanks for the reminder.
litetender 3/2/2011
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These are also (at least for me) really good pieces to listen to while writing! Thanks so much, h5!
SherriThornhill 3/2/2011
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I enjoy classical music in certain moments:-)
LangleyCornwell 3/2/2011
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Super list. You've got two of my all-time favorites here. Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and Pachelbel's "Canon In D Major." Predictable I know, but as you said, still wonderful.
AkbarTheTentmaker 3/2/2011
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Akbar concurs.
snowfence 3/2/2011
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Thanks for the awesome list of top five classical music pieces. H5