World classic hits. The most famous classical music works. Franz Schubert.** Unfinished Symphony
This is not a list of the 10 greatest works; such a list is simply impossible to compile. However, each piece on this list is great for different reasons, and each is iconic either for the history of music, for society, or for a particular composer.
1.Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 5
Perhaps the most famous of all symphonies is Beethoven's classic. If you like this symphony, try listening to the other 8 symphonies composed by Beethoven.
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart “Marriage of Figaro”
Perhaps the pinnacle of Mozart’s work in opera, based on Beaumarchais’s comedy “Crazy Day or The Marriage of Figaro,” a magnificent cocktail of wonderful music and comic situations.
3. Johann Strauss (Jr.) “On the Beautiful Blue Danube” (The Blue Danube)
This elegant waltz has become the unofficial anthem of Austria (where Mozart is “our everything”), gracefully capturing the beauty of the big city of Vienna.
4. Gioachino Rossini “The Barber of Seville”
Another interesting comic opera, now from the great Italian composer. Rossini used the famous overture from this opera in two of his other operas.
5. Richard Wagner “Siegfried Idyll”
A symphonic piece created as a birthday present for his wife and named after her newborn son, who was named after the hero of the opera “Siegfried”. The main theme of this play is taken from the opera “Siegfried” from the cycle “The Ring of the Nibelung”.
6. Hector Berlioz “Fantastic Symphony” (Symphonie Fantastique)
French composer Hector Berlioz's greatest contribution to orchestral music, Symphony Fantastique is a wonderfully colorful and expressive work.
7. Robert Schumann “The Poet's Love” (Dichterliebe)
One of the greatest song cycles for piano and voice. A set of 16 poems by Heinrich Heine, set to music by Schumann, revives in the heart hope and pride in the wonderful ability and destiny of man - to love!
8. Dmitry Dmitrievich Shostakovich Symphony No. 10
After Stalin's death in 1953, Shostakovich, after a long period of forced creative restriction, was finally able to freely create an epoch-making work. The result was one of the great symphonies of the 20th century, in which the composer summed up the era of Stalinism and is considered to have created a unique musical portrait of Stalin.
9. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6
Tchaikovsky's final work is a masterpiece of emotional anguish. It seems that such deep scenes of spiritual life, despair and hopelessness have never been expressed in music with such incomparable talent and beauty.
10. Gustav Holst Suite “The Planets”
A monumental musical work dedicated to the planets of the solar system and the gods of the same name. The suite describes seven planets, the composer missed Earth, and Pluto had not yet been discovered, and now it is no longer a planet.
Here is a list of 10 composers you should know. Of each of them it can be said with certainty that he is the greatest composer who ever lived, although in fact it is impossible, and indeed impossible, to compare music written over several centuries. However, all of these composers stand out among their contemporaries as composers who composed music of the highest caliber and sought to push the boundaries of classical music to new limits. The list does not contain any order, such as importance or personal preference. Just 10 great composers you should know.
Each composer is accompanied by a quotable fact of his life, remembering which you will look like an expert. And by clicking on the link to the last name, you will find out his full biography. And of course, you can listen to one of the significant works of each master.
The most important figure in world classical music. One of the most performed and respected composers in the world. He created in all genres that existed in his time, including opera, ballet, music for dramatic performances, and choral works. The most significant in his legacy are considered to be instrumental works: piano, violin and cello sonatas, concertos for piano, violin, quartets, overtures, symphonies. The founder of the romantic period in classical music.
Interesting fact.
Beethoven first wanted to dedicate his third symphony (1804) to Napoleon; the composer was captivated by the personality of this man, who seemed to many at the beginning of his reign a real hero. But when Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor, Beethoven crossed out his dedication on the title page and wrote only one word - “Heroic”.
"Moonlight Sonata" by L. Beethoven, listen:
2. (1685-1750)
German composer and organist, representative of the Baroque era. One of the greatest composers in the history of music. During his life, Bach wrote more than 1000 works. His work represents all the significant genres of that time, except opera; he summarized the achievements of musical art of the Baroque period. The founder of the most famous musical dynasty.
Interesting fact.
During his lifetime, Bach was so underrated that less than a dozen of his works were published.
Toccata and Fugue in D minor by J. S. Bach, listen:
3. (1756-1791)
The great Austrian composer, instrumentalist and conductor, representative of the Vienna Classical School, virtuoso violinist, harpsichordist, organist, conductor, he had a phenomenal ear for music, memory and the ability to improvise. As a composer who excelled in any genre, he is rightfully considered one of the greatest composers in the history of classical music.
Interesting fact.
While still a child, Mozart memorized and recorded the Miserere (cat. chant on the text of the 50th Psalm of David) by the Italian Gregorio Allegri, having listened to it only once.
"Little Night Serenade" by W.A. Mozart, listen:
4. (1813-1883)
German composer, conductor, playwright, philosopher. He had a significant influence on European culture at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, especially modernism. Wagner's operas are stunning in their grandiose scale and eternal human values.
Interesting fact.
Wagner took part in the failed revolution of 1848-1849 in Germany and was forced to hide from arrest by Franz Liszt.
"Ride of the Valkyries" from R. Wagner's opera "Walkyrie", listen
5. (1840-1893)
Italian composer, central figure of the Italian opera school. Verdi had a sense of the stage, temperament and impeccable skill. He did not deny operatic traditions (unlike Wagner), but on the contrary developed them (the traditions of Italian opera), he transformed Italian opera, filled it with realism, and gave it the unity of the whole.
Interesting fact.
Verdi was an Italian nationalist and was elected to the first Italian parliament in 1860, following the declaration of Italian independence from Austria.
Overture to D. Verdi's opera "La Traviata", listen:
7. Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Russian (American - after emigration) composer, conductor, pianist. One of the most significant composers of the twentieth century. Stravinsky's creativity is consistent throughout his entire career, although the style of his works was different in different periods, but the core and Russian roots remained, which were evident in all his works; he is considered one of the leading innovators of the twentieth century. His innovative use of rhythm and harmony has inspired and continues to inspire many musicians, not just in classical music.
Interesting fact.
During World War I, Roman customs officers confiscated Pablo Picasso's portrait of Stravinsky as the composer was leaving Italy. The portrait was painted in a futuristic manner and customs officers mistook these circles and lines for some kind of encrypted secret materials.
Suite from I.F. Stravinsky's ballet "Firebird", listen:
8. Johann Strauss (1825-1899)
Austrian composer of light music, conductor and violinist. "King of Waltzes", he created in the genre of dance music and operetta. His musical heritage includes more than 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas and ballets. Thanks to him, the waltz became extremely popular in Vienna in the 19th century.
Interesting fact.
Johann Strauss's father is also Johann and also a famous musician, so the "Waltz King" is called the youngest or son, his brothers Joseph and Eduard were also famous composers.
Waltz by J. Strauss "On the Beautiful Blue Danube", listen:
9. Sergei Vasilyevich Rahmaninov (1873-1943)
Austrian composer, one of the outstanding representatives of the Viennese classical music school and one of the founders of romanticism in music. During his short life, Schubert made significant contributions to orchestral, chamber and piano music that influenced an entire generation of composers. However, his most striking contribution was to the development of German romances, of which he created more than 600.
Interesting fact.
Schubert's friends and fellow musicians would get together and perform Schubert's music. These meetings were called "Schubertiads". Some first fan club!
"Ave Maria" by F.P.Schubert, listen:
Continuing the theme of great composers you should know, new material.
1. “Symphony No. 5”, Ludwig van Beethoven
According to legend, Beethoven (1770-1827) for a long time could not come up with an introduction to Symphony No. 5. But when he lay down to take a nap, he heard a knock on the door, and the rhythm of this knock became the introduction to this work. Interestingly, the first notes of the symphony correspond to the number 5, or V in Morse code.
2. O Fortuna, Carl Orff
Composer Carl Orff (1895-1982) is best known for this cantata with dramatic vocals. It is based on the 13th century poem “Carmina Burana”. It is one of the most frequently performed classical pieces around the world.
3. Hallelujah Chorus, George Frideric Handel
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) wrote the oratorio Messiah in 24 days. Many melodies, including "Hallelujah", were later borrowed from this work and began to be performed as independent works. According to legend, Handel had music played in his head by angels. The text of the oratorio is based on biblical stories; Handel reflected the life, death and resurrection of Christ.
4. “Ride of the Valkyries”, Richard Wagner
This composition is taken from the opera "Die Walküre", which is part of the cycle of operas "The Ring of the Nibelung" by Richard Wagner (1813-1883). The opera "Valkyrie" is dedicated to the daughter of the god Odin. Wagner spent 26 years composing this opera, and it is only the second part of a grandiose masterpiece of four operas.
5. “Toccata and Fugue in D minor”, Johann Sebastian Bach
This is probably the most famous work by Bach (1685-1750) and is often used in films during dramatic scenes.
6. “Little Night Serenade”, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(1756-1791) wrote this legendary 15-minute composition in just a week. It was officially published in 1827.
7. “Ode to Joy”, Ludwig van Beethoven
Another of Beethoven's masterpieces was completed in 1824. This is the most famous fragment of Symphony No. 9. The most amazing thing is that by that time Beethoven had already become deaf and... nevertheless, he managed to compose such an outstanding work.
8. “Spring”, Antonio Vivaldi
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) - composer of the Baroque era, wrote four works in 1723, each of which personified one season. The Seasons are still very popular, especially Spring and Summer.
9. “Pachelbel Canon” (Canon in D major), Johann Pachelbel
Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) was a composer of the Baroque era and is considered the most influential composer of this period. He amazed the world with his sophisticated and technical music.
10. Overture from the opera “William Tell”, Gioachino Rossini
This 12-minute composition by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868) is the last part of a four-movement overture. The other parts are less well known today, but the composition was made famous by its use in Warner Brother's Disney Looney Tunes cartoons.
English version
"Of the pleasures of life, music is second only to love; But love is also a melody". A.S. Pushkin "The Stone Guest"
Classical music
Classical music- This....? No, you are not reading a music history textbook. Everyone here knows what it is, otherwise you wouldn’t have come to this section with the opportunity to download classical music to your computer or listen to classical music online for free directly on the website.
Stereotypes about classical music
When the words “classical works” are mentioned, each of us will imagine our own images. For some, beautiful classical music is certainly associated with Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” and the opening chords of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. For others, it’s Paganini’s caprices or Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.” Arias and romances, operas and operettas, symphonies, quartets, and this is not a complete list of the genres that come to mind when we talk about classics.
However, the majority of listeners participating in surveys to determine their favorite type of music prefer other genres. Only a small percentage of respondents will give an answer in favor of classical music. Based on this, there is a common opinion that this music is “elite” - high music, that it is accessible to a few, or even that it is music for highbrow intellectuals and snobs.
What is this opinion based on? On what facts? Or is this rather a consequence of the emotional reaction of people who did not delve into the essence of the matter, but simply accepted the opinions of others as a given? Acceptance of stereotypes leads to rejection and reluctance to become more familiar with this broad and important, perhaps the most important of all musical movements. All this is reminiscent of an episode that happened in a restaurant, when a guest, not having had time to fully taste the ordered dish, already calls the chef to express his complaints to him.
Before we truly recognize the essence of a thing, we have already formed our own opinion regarding it or we have borrowed it. Why do people use stereotypes that lead to such widespread beliefs that classical music cannot be understood without special education, or that it is boring and that it would be better to listen to something easy and not waste time trying to understand the real possibilities of classical music, what a rich can she offer a choice to everyone, for every taste and for every mood?
Classical music as a basis for other styles and directions
In order to understand the essence, you just need to open up to the music, discarding preliminary conclusions made about it, clear your mind of previously perceived ideas, the roots of which you can no longer find, and hear what is there. Classical music has a lot to offer, because over the centuries its rich repertoire has been formed, consisting of instrumental and vocal works, solo and ensemble music, from a variety of styles and genres, complemented by the technical and stylistic individuality of various composers.
It was she who laid the foundation for the development of modern music, from which such trends as minimalism, popular music and even electronic and many others grew. Yes, but how could it be otherwise? It couldn't have been any other way. We just have to trace the historical chain of development of music, and then all of the above becomes obvious.
As long as classical music has existed, it has been honing its means and stylistic techniques. It would be surprising if other musical movements, newer ones that appeared much later, did not take advantage of the arsenal of means that the classics have at their disposal. She, like a kind parent, gives everything she has so that the younger generation can take advantage of the fruits and create something new and unique from them.
Listen to classical music online
Listen to classical music for the soul
Why think that to listen to classics you need to try to understand something, make some effort? They are not needed at all! Music itself will reveal itself to you through sounds, images and states. She is just waiting for this, she wants to be heard. The section of the site contains a collection of classical music with its best examples, from baroque compositions by Vivaldi and Bach to concerts by Beethoven, as well as works by romantic and impressionist composers.
In this selection, calm classical music is represented by compositions written in different eras and marked by stylistic diversity: the philosophical music of Brahms and Beethoven side by side with the pure serenity of Mozart’s piano concertos or the pleasantly relaxing melancholicity of Chopin’s nocturnes, nostalgic-spatial Rachmaninov’s opuses will remind those living in distant lands of their native spaces , and the impressionistically shaky play of colors in Debussy’s music will be revealed to you in “Moonlight” and the piano prelude “The Girl with Flaxen Hair.”
Schumann's miniature, 3-minute masterpiece "Träumerei" will open the door to the Universe of dreams and classical music, which you can listen to again and again, surrendering to your dreams and letting the music gently, like a fluffy cloud, envelop your consciousness. Fairy-enchantress, never before has classical music online been presented with the best examples of compositions from various historical eras, chosen by the delicate taste of a connoisseur, helping to create a mood and thereby have a beneficial effect on your psyche.
Some people think that classical music is too boring and will certainly fall asleep as soon as it is played, while others, on the contrary, get real pleasure from listening to classical works. And for such people there is nothing better than a ticket to a concert of some famous symphony orchestra in order to enjoy this incomparable feeling of live music live. So, our article today is devoted rather to the second category of people. However, even if you consider yourself to be the first, don’t be disappointed right away - try to look at this music in a new way, perhaps it will suit your current mood just right.
List of the most famous works of classical music
1. Ludwig Van Beethoven “Moonlight Sonata”, 1801
This work was first heard by audiences in the summer of 1801. Surely you have at least once heard either the melody itself or its name. However, few people know that the work was originally called “Almost a Fantasy” and was dedicated to Beethoven’s young student. And the name by which the melody is known today was invented by one music critic after the death of the composer himself.
2. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart “Turkish March”, 1783
This is one of the movements of Sonata No. 11. By the way, the name “Turkish March” is also not the original version. Initially the work was called “Turkish Rondo”. However, since it was incredibly popular among Turkish musicians, they later renamed it “Turkish March”. In addition, this name was assigned to it also because it contains a sufficient number of percussion instruments, which is typical for Turkish Janissary orchestras.
3. Franz Schubert “Ave Maria”
As the composer himself admitted, he did not intend to write such a religious composition. This work was originally written for the poem “The Maiden of the Lake” by W. Scott. But later, several years after writing this work, an unknown musician set the Ave Maria prayer to Schubert’s music.
4. Frederic Chopin “Impromptu Fantasy”
This melody was written at the height of the Romantic era. Chopin dedicated it to his friend and was forbidden to publish it anywhere. However, his friend disobeyed Chopin’s instructions and, five years after the great composer’s death, decided to publish his work. The reason for such a strict order regarding the publication of the melody was that the composer himself considered his work too similar to the work of Beethoven’s student. However, no one except the author considered this popular melody to be plagiarism.
5. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov “Flight of the Bumblebee”
The history of the creation of this most brilliant work is quite simple. The composer was an outspoken fan of Russian fairy tales. This feature of his led to the creation of an opera based on the fairy tale by A.S. Pushkin’s “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”, part of which is the most masterly work “The Flight of the Bumblebee”.
6. Niccolo Paganini “Caprice No. 24”
This is the last of the caprices composed by the great violinist. Initially, each of the caprices was composed only to hone the skill of playing the violin. In the future, many music critics considered Caprice No. 24 to be the most difficult of the works to play on the violin, which still has no equal.
7. Claude Debussy “Moonlight”
This work can rightfully be considered one of the most popular today. It has been used to one degree or another in 120 films. This wonderful melody was written by the composer under the impression of a poem by the French poet Paul Verlaine.
