If someone without much experience in classical music asked me to provide them with a playlist, I would try to find some pieces that would already sound familiar while showcasing what Classical music can offer. The following are the songs I would choose, along with a brief description for why each is included:
1. Richard Strauss – Fanfare from Also Sprach Zarathustra
My playlist starts off the same way as many large works, with a fanfare. Also Sprach Zarathustra’s fanfare is immediately recognizable as the music from the opening theme of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and it feels like a good way to start showing the impact classical music has on today.
2. Peter Tchaikovsky – 1812 Overture
Sticking with recognizable music, even to someone with limited background in Classical music, the second track will be the 1812 Overture. It’s a short, energetic work that shows the excitement classical music can inspire.
3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
The third track is Mozart’s most famous serenade. The music is light and airy, and shows how much can be done with a small string ensemble. Nachtmusik also shows the versatility of the great Mozart, who is better known by the unfamiliar as a symphonic composer.
4. George Frederic Handel – Music for the Royal Fireworks
This piece is interesting because it fits two different definitions. It is both a version of the overture and a suite for wind instruments. It traces its routes to the same place as many Baroque pieces, royal peerage. Most importantly though, it sounds exciting and could easily be set to fireworks still today.
5. Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons
The fifth track will be the entirety of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. These all give the listener the opportunity to hear virtuoso violinists along with the musical representation of the seasons crafted by Vivaldi. This is one of the finest examples of a violin concerto and is really representative of the genre.
6. Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphony No. 9 in D Minor
Beethoven’s final symphony, it is representative of his mastery of the symphonic form. This is perhaps the best symphony ever written. It also contains the memorable Ode to Joy choir part, which truly shows the full power of the symphony.
7. Franz Schubert – The Winter Journey
Transitioning from large scale instrumental works to vocal pieces, The Winter Journey by Franz Schubert is an example of the song cycle that became popular in the Romantic era. This is a drastic change of pace from earlier works in this playlist, but it does help transition into the next few examples.
8. Giacomo Puccini – “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot
This aria for the tenor voice is one of the most recognizable songs from opera. It tells a story with lyrics and music, and the act is a good example of the recitation and aria form.
9. Tchaikovsky – The Nutcracker
Here we come back to Tchaikovsky, because he happens to have written both the best and most famous overtures and ballets. The Nutcracker is what first comes to my mind when I think of ballet, and it is so well written it tells a story without any visual accompaniment.
10. Hans Zimmer – End Credits from “Pirates of the Caribbean”
To close the playlist, I chose a more modern work that shows what classical music can do today. This piece is recognizable and catchy, and sends its movie and this playlist to an appropriate end.
I believe this playlist would do a good job of showcasing what classical music has to offer to all types of listener. Thank you all for a great six weeks; I’m glad we all got to about music together!
I really like the inclusion of Hans Zimmer, I think he has some of the best music for films.