Introducing someone to classical music is not quite the same as recommending the greatest compositions ever written. If someone has never listened to classical music, I wouldn’t necessarily start with Beethoven’s late string quartets, Bach’s Goldberg Variations, or some of the more intellectually demanding works in the repertoire. These are extraordinary compositions, but they might not be the most inviting starting points for an inexperienced listener.
My primary objective is to make someone enjoy classical music from the very first listen. I want to choose pieces that capture the listener’s attention, offer memorable musical experiences, and hopefully encourage them to explore the genre further. With that in mind, I’ve used the following criteria to make my selection:
- Melodic accessibility: This is my most important criterion. The music should be relatively easy to listen to, with beautiful, memorable melodies and musical passages that can immediately capture someone’s attention. A newcomer shouldn’t need to understand music theory or be familiar with classical forms to enjoy it.
- Musical quality: Accessibility alone isn’t enough. Every selection must also be a genuinely good composition, with musical substance, thoughtful construction, and qualities that reward repeated listening.
- Not excessively overplayed: I’d rather introduce people to compositions they might not already know from advertisements, films, television, or background music. This doesn’t mean avoiding famous works altogether, but I want to go beyond the usual handful of familiar pieces.
- Variety of composers and periods: Classical music encompasses several centuries of musical development. I want the selection to offer a taste of different periods, styles, and compositional approaches, rather than concentrating exclusively on one era or composer.
- Variety of musical forms and instrumentation: Symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and programmatic orchestral works offer very different listening experiences. I’d like the list to demonstrate some of that diversity, including the distinctive sounds and possibilities of different instruments and ensembles.
- Immediate emotional and musical impact: The music should have something to communicate, whether through drama, excitement, beauty, tenderness, humor, or sheer orchestral brilliance. I want the listener to feel something, even without knowing anything about the composition’s historical background.
One important clarification: this is not a list of the ten greatest classical music compositions ever written. Some of the greatest works in the repertoire are deliberately absent, not because I consider them inferior, but because they don’t necessarily meet my criteria for introducing a newcomer to classical music. Conversely, including a composition here doesn’t mean I consider it superior to other works by the same composer.
The purpose is much simpler: to provide an enjoyable first encounter with classical music and, hopefully, inspire someone to listen to more. With that in mind, here are ten pieces I’d recommend to anyone who wants to discover the world of classical music.
Of course, compiling a list of just ten pieces is inevitably limiting. There are countless wonderful compositions that could easily have made the cut, and some readers might wonder why certain seemingly obvious choices are missing. That’s perfectly understandable. This is not intended to be a definitive or comprehensive list, but simply my humble attempt to select ten works that I believe offer an enjoyable introduction to classical music. I’m sure many people would make different choices, and that’s part of what makes music so wonderful.
1. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Scheherazade, Op. 35
If I had to choose one orchestral composition to introduce someone to classical music, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade would be among my first choices. Completed in 1888, this symphonic suite is inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, the collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian folk tales.
One of its greatest strengths is its extraordinary orchestration. Rimsky-Korsakov was a master of orchestral color, and Scheherazade is a wonderful demonstration of what a symphony orchestra can achieve. Different instruments and sections of the orchestra take turns presenting melodies, creating contrasts in mood, atmosphere, and intensity. The solo violin, representing Scheherazade herself, is particularly memorable and provides a recurring musical thread throughout the work.
Melody is another major reason for its inclusion. The composition is full of beautiful, expressive, and easily recognizable themes. It also has plenty of dramatic moments, energetic passages, and quieter, more lyrical sections, keeping the listener engaged from beginning to end.
You don’t need to know anything about music theory or the stories behind the composition to enjoy it. Its colorful orchestration, memorable melodies, and almost cinematic storytelling make Scheherazade an ideal introduction to the possibilities of orchestral music.
Why I think it deserves its place
It satisfies almost all my criteria particularly well:
- Melodic accessibility: Excellent. There are several memorable themes.
- Musical quality: An outstanding example of late Romantic orchestral writing.
- Orchestration: Perhaps its strongest feature. It’s a masterclass in instrumental color.
- Emotional impact: It moves between tenderness, mystery, excitement, and drama.
- Familiarity: Famous among classical music enthusiasts, but not quite as universally overexposed as some standard concert-hall selections.
Something worth listening for
Pay particular attention to the solo violin, which represents Scheherazade herself. Its recurring, lyrical theme appears throughout the composition, connecting the four movements and giving the work a sense of continuity. Also, listen to how Rimsky-Korsakov uses different instruments to create distinct atmospheres and evoke different scenes. The woodwinds, brass, harp, and percussion all have important roles, and the orchestral colors are constantly changing. In the third movement, The Young Prince and the Young Princess, listen especially for the beautiful, flowing melodies. In the fourth movement, notice how earlier musical themes return, eventually leading to a spectacular orchestral finale.
2. Antonín Dvořák, Symphony No. 9 in E minor, From the New World, Op. 95
Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony, popularly known as From the New World, is one of the most accessible and enjoyable symphonies ever written. Composed in 1893 during the composer’s stay in the United States, it reflects his fascination with American music and culture, particularly African American spirituals and Native American musical traditions. Dvořák was interested in how these musical influences might contribute to the development of a distinctly American musical identity.
One of the symphony’s greatest strengths is its abundance of memorable melodies. The second movement, Largo, contains one of the most beautiful and recognizable melodies in the symphonic repertoire. The English horn introduces its famous main theme, creating a wonderfully lyrical and melancholic atmosphere. The other movements offer a very different experience: the first is dramatic and energetic, the third is rhythmically engaging, and the fourth is a powerful, triumphant conclusion.
The symphony is also an excellent introduction to the traditional four-movement symphonic form. Each movement has its own character, but they work together to create a coherent and satisfying musical journey.
You don’t need any knowledge of classical music to appreciate this work. Its memorable themes, emotional contrasts, and rich orchestration make it an ideal starting point for anyone discovering symphonic music.
Why I think it deserves its place
- Melodic accessibility: Outstanding. The Largo melody is particularly memorable, but the other movements are full of attractive musical ideas, too.
- Musical quality: One of the great symphonies of the Romantic period, with excellent thematic development and a strong overall structure.
- Orchestration: Dvořák makes wonderful use of the orchestra, particularly the woodwinds and brass.
- Emotional impact: It combines nostalgia, melancholy, drama, excitement, and triumph.
- Familiarity: The symphony is well known, especially its second movement, but the complete work deserves far more attention than its famous melody alone.
Something worth listening for
In the second movement, pay particular attention to the English horn. Its distinctive, slightly melancholic tone is a perfect match for Dvořák’s melody. Also, don’t miss the fourth movement. Its famous opening brass theme is one of the most exciting moments in the entire symphony.
3. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Piano Trio in A minor, Op. 50
Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A minor is one of the most emotionally powerful works in the chamber music repertoire. Completed in 1882, it was dedicated to the memory of his close friend and mentor, the pianist Nikolai Rubinstein, who had died the previous year. This personal background helps explain the work’s deeply emotional character.
Written for piano, violin, and cello, the trio offers a different listening experience from a symphony or concerto. Instead of a large orchestra, we hear just three instruments, each with its own distinctive voice. Tchaikovsky makes remarkable use of this relatively small ensemble, combining lyrical melodies, virtuosic piano passages, and expressive exchanges between the violin and cello.
The work consists of two large movements. The first, Pezzo elegiaco, begins with a beautiful, melancholic melody and develops into an expansive and dramatic musical journey. The second movement, Tema con variazioni, presents a relatively simple theme followed by a series of variations. Tchaikovsky transforms this theme in numerous ways, moving between playful, lyrical, dramatic, and virtuosic passages before bringing the work to a deeply moving conclusion.
Although it is a lengthy composition, its memorable melodies and emotional intensity make it rewarding even for someone unfamiliar with chamber music. It’s also a wonderful introduction to the expressive possibilities of the piano trio.
Why I think it deserves its place
- Melodic accessibility: Excellent. The opening theme is beautiful and immediately engaging, and the variations offer plenty of memorable musical passages.
- Musical quality: A substantial and ambitious chamber work, demonstrating Tchaikovsky’s melodic gift and compositional skill.
- Instrumentation: An excellent introduction to chamber music, showing how three instruments can create a remarkably rich musical experience.
- Emotional impact: Perhaps its greatest strength. The work moves between melancholy, tenderness, exuberance, and tragedy.
- Familiarity: Less frequently encountered by general audiences than Tchaikovsky’s symphonies and concertos, making it a particularly worthwhile introduction to his chamber music.
Something worth listening for
Pay particular attention to the second movement and its variations. Listen to how Tchaikovsky takes one theme and gives it different personalities, sometimes transforming it almost beyond recognition. Also, notice the dialogue between the piano, violin, and cello. Although the piano often has a prominent role, the string instruments are not simply accompanying it; they have their own independent musical lines.
4. Johann Sebastian Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047
Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos are among the finest examples of Baroque instrumental music, and the Second Concerto is particularly exciting. Composed around 1721, it belongs to a collection of six concertos that Bach dedicated to Christian Ludwig, Margrave of Brandenburg. Although the collection is now regarded as one of the great achievements of the Baroque period, there is little evidence that the Margrave ever had the concertos performed.
What makes the Second Concerto particularly interesting is its unusual combination of four solo instruments: trumpet, recorder, oboe, and violin. Rather than having a single soloist, Bach creates a musical dialogue between these instruments, each with its own distinctive sound and character. The natural trumpet is especially remarkable. Unlike modern trumpets, it has no valves, making the high and technically demanding trumpet part particularly impressive.
The concerto consists of three movements. The first is energetic and full of lively exchanges between the soloists and the accompanying strings. The second movement, Andante, is more intimate and lyrical, with the trumpet absent, allowing the recorder, oboe, and violin to take the foreground. The final Allegro assai is lively and rhythmically engaging, bringing the concerto to an exhilarating conclusion.
For someone unfamiliar with Baroque music, this is an excellent introduction to Bach’s instrumental writing. Its lively character, contrasting instrumental colors, and constant interaction between the soloists make it engaging without requiring any knowledge of counterpoint or Baroque musical forms.
Why I think it deserves its place
- Melodic accessibility: Good. Although its melodies are not as immediately recognizable as those in the Romantic works on this list, the lively themes and instrumental exchanges make it enjoyable.
- Musical quality: Exceptional. It’s a wonderful demonstration of Bach’s compositional mastery and his ability to combine independent musical lines.
- Orchestration and instrumentation: One of its greatest strengths. The unusual combination of four solo instruments creates a fascinating variety of sounds and textures.
- Emotional and musical impact: The concerto is energetic, playful, elegant, and full of musical vitality. The contrast between the lively outer movements and the more restrained middle movement is particularly effective.
- Variety: It introduces the listener to the Baroque concerto grosso tradition and provides a welcome contrast to the large Romantic orchestral works elsewhere on this list.
- Familiarity: Less commonly encountered by general audiences than Bach’s most famous works, making it a good opportunity to introduce someone to his instrumental music.
Something worth listening for
Pay particular attention to the trumpet in the first and third movements. Its extraordinarily high register is one of the defining characteristics of this concerto. Also, listen to the second movement, where the trumpet drops out entirely. Notice how the recorder, oboe, and violin interact, each contributing its own melodic line. This contrast between the movements demonstrates Bach’s remarkable ability to create different musical atmospheres using the same small group of instruments.
5. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 is one of his most dramatic and emotionally compelling concertos. Completed in 1785, it is particularly interesting because Mozart chose D minor, a key he also used for some of his darkest and most dramatic music, including the famous Requiem. Unlike many of his more cheerful and elegant concertos, this work has a restless, almost turbulent character that makes it immediately engaging.
The concerto is written for solo piano and orchestra, and Mozart creates a fascinating relationship between the two. The orchestra establishes the dramatic atmosphere, while the piano enters with passages that range from delicate and lyrical to powerful and virtuosic. Rather than simply alternating between orchestral passages and piano solos, the two engage in a continuous musical dialogue.
The first movement, Allegro, is dramatic and energetic, with a persistent rhythmic tension. The second movement, Romanze, offers a striking contrast. It begins with a beautiful, gentle melody, although a more turbulent middle section briefly interrupts its peaceful atmosphere. The final movement, Rondo, returns to the dramatic character of the opening, with lively exchanges and a satisfying conclusion.
This concerto is an excellent introduction to Mozart’s ability to combine elegance, emotional depth, and musical sophistication. Its memorable melodies and dramatic contrasts make it accessible even to someone who has never listened to a piano concerto before.
Why I think it deserves its place
- Melodic accessibility: Excellent. The second movement, particularly, contains a beautiful and memorable melody. The outer movements are more dramatic, but their themes are engaging and easy to follow.
- Musical quality: One of Mozart’s finest piano concertos, demonstrating his extraordinary ability to combine melodic invention with sophisticated musical construction.
- Emotional impact: Particularly strong. The contrast between the dark, restless outer movements and the lyrical second movement gives the concerto considerable emotional depth.
- Instrumentation: A wonderful introduction to the piano concerto, demonstrating the relationship between a soloist and a full orchestra.
- Familiarity: Although well known among classical music enthusiasts, it is less universally familiar to general audiences than some of Mozart’s most frequently performed works.
Something worth listening for
Pay particular attention to the second movement, Romanze. Its opening melody is one of Mozart’s most beautiful piano concerto themes. Notice how the peaceful atmosphere is suddenly interrupted by a dramatic D minor section before the original melody returns. In the first movement, listen to how the piano gradually becomes part of the orchestral argument rather than simply playing over an accompaniment. Also, if you listen to a performance with a soloist’s own cadenzas, pay attention to the first movement’s cadenza, where the pianist gets an opportunity to demonstrate both virtuosity and musical interpretation.
6. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551, Jupiter
Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, popularly known as the Jupiter Symphony, is his final symphony and one of the greatest achievements of the Classical period. Completed in 1788, it represents the culmination of Mozart’s symphonic writing. Despite its remarkable musical sophistication, it is also an exceptionally enjoyable work, full of memorable melodies, elegance, energy, and dramatic contrasts.
The symphony consists of four movements, each with a distinctive character. The first movement is majestic and energetic, combining grandeur with Mozart’s characteristic melodic inventiveness. The second movement, Andante cantabile, is more lyrical and expressive, offering a beautiful contrast. The third movement is an elegant Minuet, while the finale, Molto allegro, is arguably the most remarkable part of the entire work.
The finale is particularly famous for its extraordinary use of counterpoint. Mozart combines several independent musical themes, eventually bringing them together in a magnificent contrapuntal climax. Even without understanding the technical aspects of counterpoint, a listener can appreciate the excitement and complexity of the music as the different melodic lines interact.
The Jupiter Symphony is a wonderful introduction to the Classical symphony. It demonstrates how a composer can combine elegance, structural clarity, melodic beauty, and remarkable intellectual sophistication without sacrificing accessibility or enjoyment.
Why I think it deserves its place
- Melodic accessibility: Very good. Mozart’s melodies are elegant, memorable, and easy to follow, particularly in the first and second movements.
- Musical quality: Exceptional. This is widely regarded as one of the greatest symphonies ever composed and a landmark in the development of the symphonic form.
- Orchestration: Mozart achieves a remarkable richness of sound with the Classical orchestra, using the different instrumental sections with great precision and balance.
- Emotional impact: The symphony combines grandeur, elegance, lyricism, playfulness, and intellectual excitement.
- Musical sophistication: The finale offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate counterpoint and thematic development, even without any formal musical training.
- Familiarity: A cornerstone of the classical repertoire, but perhaps less familiar to general audiences than Mozart’s most popular operatic and instrumental melodies.
Something worth listening for
The fourth movement deserves particular attention. Listen for the five-note musical motif that appears near the beginning and becomes one of the building blocks of the finale. Mozart gradually introduces several contrasting themes and eventually combines them in an extraordinary contrapuntal passage near the end. What makes this particularly impressive is that the different melodies remain individually recognizable even when played simultaneously. Also, pay attention to the second movement, Andante cantabile, for a wonderful example of Mozart’s lyrical side. The contrast between its gentle character and the monumental finale is one of the symphony’s greatest pleasures.
7. Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is one of the most energetic and rhythmically compelling works in the symphonic repertoire. Completed in 1812 and premiered in Vienna the following year, it was an immediate success. Its rhythmic vitality and infectious energy make it particularly suitable for someone discovering classical music.
Richard Wagner famously described the symphony as the “apotheosis of the dance,” and it’s easy to understand why. Rhythm plays an essential role throughout the work, with recurring rhythmic patterns driving the music forward and giving each movement a distinctive character.
The symphony consists of four movements. The first begins with a relatively slow and expansive introduction before developing into an energetic Allegretto vivace. The second movement, Allegretto, is perhaps the most famous. Its repeated rhythmic pattern creates an almost hypnotic atmosphere, while the melody gradually builds in intensity through the orchestra. The third movement, Presto, is lively and exuberant, offering a striking contrast to the second. The final movement, Allegro con brio, is an extraordinary display of energy, with powerful rhythmic momentum carrying the music to its conclusion.
Unlike some symphonies that rely heavily on lyrical melodies, Beethoven’s Seventh demonstrates how rhythm, repetition, and orchestral energy can be just as compelling. It’s an exhilarating listening experience and a wonderful introduction to Beethoven’s symphonic world.
Why I think it deserves its place
- Melodic accessibility: Good. Although the symphony is driven more by rhythm than by long, lyrical melodies, it contains plenty of memorable musical themes, particularly in the second movement.
- Musical quality: Exceptional. It’s one of Beethoven’s greatest symphonies and a remarkable demonstration of his compositional imagination.
- Rhythmic appeal: Perhaps its greatest strength. The persistent rhythmic patterns make the music engaging and exciting, even for someone unfamiliar with classical music.
- Orchestration: Beethoven makes excellent use of the orchestra, building intensity through layers of instruments and powerful contrasts.
- Emotional impact: The symphony moves between grandeur, melancholy, playfulness, and almost uncontrollable excitement.
- Familiarity: The second movement is widely recognized, but the complete symphony is less familiar to general audiences.
Something worth listening for
Pay particular attention to the second movement, Allegretto. Listen to the repeated rhythmic figure that begins quietly and gradually spreads throughout the orchestra. Notice how Beethoven builds an increasingly powerful emotional effect without relying on dramatic changes in tempo. It’s a wonderful demonstration of how repetition, rhythm, and orchestration can transform a relatively simple musical idea into something extraordinary. In the final movement, listen to the relentless rhythmic energy and how Beethoven maintains its momentum almost to the very last note.
8. Sergei Rachmaninoff, Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto is one of the most beloved works in the Romantic piano concerto repertoire. Completed in 1901, it is a remarkable combination of emotional intensity, sweeping melodies, and virtuosic piano writing. If someone asked me to recommend a composition that demonstrates the sheer melodic beauty of Romantic music, this would be among my first choices.
The concerto also has an interesting personal history. Rachmaninoff composed it after a difficult period in his life, following the disastrous reception of his First Symphony in 1897. He suffered from severe depression and creative difficulties, eventually seeking treatment from neurologist and psychiatrist Nikolai Dahl. With Dahl’s help, Rachmaninoff gradually regained his confidence and returned to composition. The Second Piano Concerto was dedicated to him in gratitude.
The work consists of three movements. The first opens with a series of dramatic piano chords that gradually build in intensity before the orchestra introduces the main theme. The second movement, Adagio sostenuto, is particularly beautiful, featuring some of the most lyrical and romantic music Rachmaninoff ever wrote. The final movement is energetic and passionate, culminating in one of the most exhilarating conclusions in the concerto repertoire.
What makes this work especially suitable for a newcomer is its abundance of memorable melodies. The piano and orchestra complement each other beautifully, creating a rich and emotionally engaging musical experience. It is a wonderful introduction to the Romantic piano concerto.
Why I think it deserves its place
- Melodic accessibility: Exceptional. The concerto is full of sweeping, memorable melodies, particularly in the second and third movements.
- Musical quality: One of the great Romantic piano concertos, combining sophisticated composition with extraordinary melodic invention.
- Orchestration: Rachmaninoff creates a rich, warm orchestral sound, with beautiful exchanges between the piano and different instrumental sections.
- Emotional impact: One of its strongest qualities. The music moves between melancholy, tenderness, drama, passion, and triumph.
- Virtuosity: The piano writing is technically demanding, but the virtuosity serves the musical expression rather than becoming an end in itself.
- Familiarity: Quite popular, particularly its second movement, but its popularity is well deserved. It’s one of those famous works that genuinely earns its place in a beginner’s introduction.
Something worth listening for
Pay particular attention to the second movement, Adagio sostenuto. Listen to the beautiful dialogue between the piano, flute, clarinet, and strings. The melody passes between instruments, creating a wonderfully intimate atmosphere despite the presence of a full orchestra. Also, listen to the opening of the first movement: the piano begins with a series of gradually intensifying chords, creating the impression of something slowly awakening before the orchestra enters with the main theme. Finally, don’t miss the main theme of the third movement, one of Rachmaninoff’s most memorable melodies, which returns triumphantly near the end.
9. Bedřich Smetana, The Moldau [Vltava], from Má vlast
Smetana’s The Moldau, or Vltava in Czech, is one of the most beautiful examples of programmatic orchestral music. Composed in 1874, it is the second of six symphonic poems that make up Má vlast (My Homeland), a cycle inspired by Czech history, landscapes, and legends.
The composition follows the course of the Vltava River, from its two small sources through forests and countryside, past villages and celebrations, through the rapids of the St. John’s Rapids, and finally towards Prague, where the river flows majestically past the historic Vyšehrad fortress. Smetana depicts this journey through music, using different instruments, melodies, and orchestral textures to evoke the changing scenery.
One of the work’s greatest strengths is its main theme, a beautiful and memorable melody introduced by the flutes and clarinets. It represents the river itself and returns throughout the composition, providing a sense of continuity as the musical landscape changes. Smetana also incorporates a lively folk dance, a mysterious nocturnal passage, and a dramatic depiction of the river’s rapids.
You don’t need to know the geography of the Czech Republic or understand the historical background to enjoy this work. Its flowing melodies, vivid orchestration, and clear musical narrative make it one of the most accessible and rewarding introductions to programmatic orchestral music.
Why I think it deserves its place
- Melodic accessibility: Excellent. The main river theme is one of the most beautiful and recognizable melodies in the orchestral repertoire. It’s easy to remember and follow.
- Musical quality: A superb example of the symphonic poem, demonstrating Smetana’s ability to develop a musical narrative through orchestration and thematic repetition.
- Orchestration: One of its greatest strengths. Smetana uses different instrumental combinations to depict the river’s journey and the changing landscapes along its course.
- Emotional impact: The music moves between peacefulness, mystery, celebration, drama, and grandeur.
- Programmatic appeal: Its narrative is relatively easy to follow, making it particularly suitable for someone unfamiliar with abstract orchestral music.
- Familiarity: The main theme is quite famous, but the complete work deserves to be heard rather than simply recognized as a familiar melody.
Something worth listening for
Pay attention to the opening, where two flutes introduce the musical representation of the river’s first small streams. The clarinets gradually join them, and the music grows into the famous main river theme, eventually taken up by the full orchestra. Notice how this theme returns throughout the composition, even as the surrounding music changes dramatically. Also, listen for the lively village wedding dance, followed by the mysterious nocturnal passage with its delicate orchestration. Finally, the depiction of the rapids is particularly exciting, before the river reaches Prague in a majestic orchestral conclusion.
10. Alexander Borodin: Polovtsian Dances, from Prince Igor
Alexander Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances is one of the most immediately appealing pieces of orchestral music in the Romantic repertoire. Originally part of his opera Prince Igor, the dances are performed in Act II, when Prince Igor is being held captive by the Polovtsians. Their leader, Khan Konchak, arranges a performance of dances and songs for his prisoner.
Borodin began composing the opera in 1869, but it remained unfinished when he died in 1887. His fellow composers Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Alexander Glazunov later completed and orchestrated it. The Polovtsian Dances have since become popular as a standalone concert work.
What makes this music particularly attractive is its extraordinary variety. It moves between lyrical, flowing melodies and energetic, rhythmically exciting dances, with Borodin using the orchestra to create a rich and colorful sound. The famous choral passage, often known in English as Fly Away on the Wings of the Wind, is especially beautiful. It provides a wonderful contrast to the more vigorous sections and brings the work to a memorable conclusion.
I’d recommend listening to a performance that includes the chorus. The combination of orchestra and voices makes the piece even more impressive.
Why I think it deserves its place
- Melodic accessibility: Several melodies are immediately memorable, particularly the beautiful choral theme.
- Musical quality: The work combines lyrical writing, rhythmic variety, and sophisticated orchestration.
- Emotional impact: It moves naturally between tenderness, excitement, and grandeur.
- Variety: The contrasting dances and the use of chorus offer a different experience from the symphonies and concertos elsewhere on this list.
- Immediate appeal: It is colorful, energetic, and enjoyable even without knowing the opera or its story.
Something worth listening for
Pay particular attention to the contrast between the different dances. Some passages are graceful and lyrical, while others are vigorous and rhythmically intense. Then listen for the choral section, Fly Away on the Wings of the Wind. Its beautiful melody, supported by the orchestra, is the emotional highlight for me. If you listen to the complete version with chorus, you’ll hear how Borodin brings the various musical sections together into a magnificent finale.
Sources
- Scheherazade (Rimsky-Korsakov) on Wikipedia
- Scheherazade, Op.35 (Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolay) on the International Music Score Library Project website
- Symphony No. 9 “From The New World” (Dvořák) on Wikipedia
- Symphony No.9, Op.95 (Dvořák, Antonín) on the International Music Score Library Project website
- Piano Trio (Tchaikovsky) on Wikipedia
- Johann Sebastian Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos on Wikipedia
- Piano Concerto No. 20 (Mozart) on Wikipedia
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Concerto # 20 in D minor on ClassicalNotes.net
- Symphony No. 41 (Mozart) on Wikipedia
- Symphony No. 7 (Beethoven) on Wikipedia
- Symphony No.7, Op.92 (Beethoven, Ludwig van) on the International Music Score Library Project website
- Piano Concerto No. 2 (Rachmaninoff) on Wikipedia
- “A detailed explanation of why Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2 is an unassailably epic work of genius” on the Classic FM website