Exciting Classical Music to Listen to This Fall
Contents
From Beethoven to Brahms, we’ve gathered a list of some of the most exciting classical pieces to listen to this autumn.
Beethoven- Symphony No. 5 in C minor
Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, was written between 1804 and 1808. It is one of the best-known compositions in classical music and one of the most frequently played symphonies. First performed in Vienna’s Theater an der Wien in 1808, the work achieved its prodigious reputation soon afterward. Symphonies did not have much place in the public concerts of Beethoven’s day and were always less popular than his works for solo piano and small ensembles; but the Fourth Symphony was a work on which Beethoven lavished attention, despite having begun composition with little expectation that it would ever be performed.
The Fifth Symphony emerged from other pieces by Beethoven that, while completed works in their own right, are also notable as studies towards the Fifth. The opening four notes of the famous motif—often referred to as “fate knocking at the door”—appear in a 1794 sketch for a piano sonata, now lost; they also appear in the choral ending to his setting of Friedrich Schiller’s poem “An die Freude” (Ode to Joy), composed some years later as part of his Ninth Symphony; he also used them many times elsewhere.
Brahms- Symphony No. 4 in E minor
Few composers are as inexorably linked to a single season as Johannes Brahms is to autumn. The stark beauty of his Symphony No. 4 in E minor, composed in the mid-1880s, seems to capture the chilly air and lengthening shadows of that time of year. It’s no surprise, then, that this work has become one of the most popular symphonies in the repertoire, and is a perennial favorite of classical music lovers in the fall.
Brahms- Symphony No. 4 in E minor is one of the most exciting and beautiful classical pieces to listen to in the fall season. The composition captures the chilly air and lengthening shadows of autumn perfectly, making it a perfect soundtrack for this time of year. If you’re looking for something to help you get into the autumn spirit, Brahms- Symphony No. 4 in E minor is an excellent choice.
Dvorak- Symphony No. 9 in E minor
This is one of the most popular symphonies ever written and is commonly known as the “New World Symphony.” It was composed by Antonin Dvorak while he was the director of the National Conservatory of Music of America from 1892 to 1895. It was inspired by his trip to the American Midwest, and its themes reflect Native American and African-American influences. The work culminates in a beautiful, uplifting melody that has become one of the most recognizable tunes in all of classical music.
Mahler- Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor
Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 is widely considered to be one of the composer’s most accessible and popular works. The piece is full of memorable melodies, beautiful harmonies, and a sense of emotional power and intensity that is sure to captivate any listener. If you’re looking for an exciting classical work to listen to this fall, Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 is a great choice.
Mendelssohn- Symphony No. 4 in A minor
Mendelssohn’s “Italian” Symphony is one of his most popular works, and for good reason. It’s an effusive, exuberant work, full of sunny melodies and effervescent rhythms. It’s the perfect antidote to the chill of autumn.
Schubert- Symphony No. 8 in B minor
As the leaves begin to change color and the weather gets cooler, we start to crave comfort foods and cozy nights spent indoors. For many of us, this also means turning to music that is a little more mellow and introspective. If you’re looking for some classical music to accompany your autumnal moments, here are a few pieces that are sure to fit the bill.
One of the most popular pieces of classical music ever written, Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony has an ethereal quality that is perfect for contemplation on a cool autumn day. The work was left incomplete at the time of Schubert’s death, but its beauty still shines through.
Another work with a touch of melancholy is Brahms’ “Ein deutsches Requiem.” This choral masterpiece was written in memory of Brahms’ mother, who died when he was just 28 years old. The work is full of hope and healing, making it perfect for those times when we need a little reminder that better days are ahead.
If you’re in the mood for something a little more upbeat,Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9 in D minor” is always a good choice. Though it starts off with a dark and foreboding opening, the work eventually blossoms into one of the most joyous endings in all of classical music. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a gray autumn day.
