10 Famous “Spectacular” Classical Music

When you think of famous classical music, what is the first tune you remember? An enigmatic tune by Beethoven? A joyful composition by Mozart? These are the most celebrated masterpieces of classical music. Ten works by composers from different eras and countries. What do they have in common? They all overcame the barrier of time and became legends of music. Enjoy!

 

1. Carl Orff – O Fortuna “Carmina Burana”

Carmina Burana, Carl Orff’s best-known work is part of a musical trilogy that includes the cantatas “Catulli Carmina” and “Trionfo di Aphrodite”. It is one of the best-known classical pieces today.

 

 

2. Dvořák – Symphony no 9 4th movement Allegro con fuoco

In 1892 Dvořák was invited to direct the National Conservatory of Music in New York. In the United States he received a strong influence from the spirituality of black and traditional American music. At this time he wrote his most famous work, the incredible Symphony No. 9 (“New World”).

 

 

3. Richard Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra

The famous composer Richard Strauss wrote the symphonic poem, completed in 1896, inspired by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s work of the same name. In Nietzsche’s literary work is told the story of the Persian sage Zarathustra who comes out of his isolation to instigate men in search of a new reality for life.

 

 

4. Johann Sebastian Bach – Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565

Toccata and Fugue in D minor is one of Bach’s best pieces and probably the best known organ piece in history. I could say that its sonority reminds a lot of modern melodic heavy metal songs and also a lot of progressive rock solos.

 

 

5. Richard Wagner: “Ride of the Valkyries” from ‘Die Walküre’

Here we can enjoy “Ride of the Valkyries” which opens the first scene of the third act of the famous opera “Der Ring des Nibelungen”, by Richard Wagner. This famous piece of classical music is often performed in concert halls and is present in several films, such as “Apocalypse Now” by Francis Ford Coppola and “The Birth of a Nation” by Griffith.

 

 

6. Beethoven Symphony No. 9 – Mvt. 4

Here is the fourth movement of Beethoven’s absolutely incredible ninth symphony, inspired by Johann Christoph Friedrich Von Schiller’s poem. We hear a veritable “Ode to Joy” (An die Freude), a song of praise and hope that conveys much happiness and peace.

 

 

7. Mozart – Eine kleine Nachtmusik

This serenade is one of Mozart’s most popular pieces. The work is divided into four movements, although in Mozart’s records for this piece it appears with five movements and there is a minuet and trio. The first movement (Allegro) is one of those classical music melodies that surely you must have heard at some point.

 

 

8. Beethoven – Symphony No 5 in C minor Op 67

Composed in four movements, each representing the four elements of nature. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor is one of the most famous pieces in the entire classical music repertoire. At about 30 minutes long, this imposing symphony is a true monument of artistic creation and is also one of the most performed musical works of all time.

 

 

9. Vivaldi – Four Seasons

Now you can listen to the best pieces of classical music by Vivaldi “The Four Seasons”. A musical series consisting of four concertos for violin and orchestra. Each season – spring, summer, autumn and winter – consists of three movements lasting about ten minutes.

Learn more about the music of vivaldi

 

 

10. Johann Strauss II – The Beautiful Blue Danube

Johann Strauss II is certainly among the greatest composers of all time. Born in Austria, he was acclaimed as the King of Waltz when his dance music became known throughout Europe. His 400 waltzes include the famous Blue Danube. He also composed many polkas, mazurkas, and marches.