Classical music can feel overwhelming at first - there are so many composers, styles, and eras of music to choose from! But the good news is that there’s something for everyone, for every occasion, and for every mood. This guide will help you get started with some essential pieces, where to find them, and how to experience them.
What should I listen to first?
Great music is enjoyable on its own, but some works are easier to engage with when you have some background knowledge of classical structures and styles. If you're new to classical music, starting with pieces that immediately connect (through familiar melodies, powerful emotions, or compelling stories, for example) can be helpful. Some people prefer to dive straight in, though! To guide you, I've curated a selection of pieces grouped by mood and style... paired with additional works for next-level listening!
🎭 Dramatic & Powerful
Giuseppe Verdi – Dies Irae (from Requiem) - Thunderous choral music that feels like the end of the world.
Challenge yourself: Benjamin Britten – War Requiem: VI. Libera me - A haunting, intense choral work confronting war and death, with lush choral writing and modern dissonance.
Dmitri Shostakovich – String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110: II. Allegro molto - A fierce, intense quartet with rhythmic urgency and sweeping dissonance.
Challenge yourself: Béla Bartók – String Quartet No. 4: IV. Presto - A whirlwind of intricate rhythms, sharp dissonance, and dynamic extremes.
Sergei Prokofiev – Romeo and Juliet: Montagues and Capulets - Bold and dramatic with a sense of urgency.
Challenge yourself: Igor Stravinsky – The Rite of Spring: Sacrificial Dance - A wild and intense ballet full of primal energy and raw power.
✨ Calm & Reflective
Claude Debussy – Clair de Lune - Soft, dreamy piano music perfect for unwinding.
Challenge yourself: Maurice Ravel – Le Tombeau de Couperin - A complex yet atmospheric piano work in the impressionistic style.
Sergei Rachmaninoff – Bogoriste Dyevo (from All-Night Vigil, Op. 37) - An emotive choral piece filled with quiet intensity.
Challenge yourself: György Ligeti – Lux Aeterna - An eerie, mesmerising choral piece with a celestial quality.
Hildegard von Bingen – O Virtus Sapientiae - Medieval music with an ethereal, spiritual quality.
Challenge yourself: Johannes Ockeghem – Missa Prolationum - A complex medieval choral work with intricate polyphony.
🎉 Joyful & Upbeat
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Light, lively, and perfect for a feel-good moment.
Challenge yourself: Joseph Haydn – String Quartet Op. 33 No. 2 'The Joke' - A lively, humorous piece with playful wit and fun.
Astor Piazzolla – Libertango - A fusion of classical and tango, full of energy.
Challenge yourself: Heitor Villa-Lobos – Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5: Aria (Cantilena) - A rich blend of Brazilian folk music and classical elements, with lyrical intensity.
Aaron Copland – Appalachian Spring: II. Allegro - A blend of American folk tunes and classical form.
Challenge yourself: Jessie Montgomery – Strum - A vibrant piece blending classical and folk influences.
🌊 Evocative & Storytelling
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor – The Song of Hiawatha - An orchestral work inspired by poetry.
Challenge yourself: Olivier Messiaen – Des Canyons aux Étoiles - A captivating, expansive work evoking the American landscape with lush orchestration.
Claude Debussy – La Mer - A mesmerizing impression of the sea.
Challenge yourself: Einojuhani Rautavaara – Cantus Arcticus - A unique blend of orchestral music and nature sounds, evoking northern landscapes.
Giacomo Puccini – Un bel dì vedremo (from Madama Butterfly) - A poignant aria full of longing and hope.
Challenge yourself: Richard Strauss – Morgen! - A beautiful art song with lush orchestration and delicate vocal lines, offering a story of love and hope.
Sound Garden : classical music immersion
Just a short word about Sound Garden! Founded by classical singer Kayla Collingwood, Sound Garden is an online hub to engage with classical music, no matter your age or level of knowledge or experience! Through online content, digital products, and more, Sound Garden's aim is to provide resources for discovering classical music in all its forms.
Where can I listen to classical music?
🌐 Online & Streaming
There are many ways to explore classical music for free, but it's important to remember that musicians and creators involved in the preparation, performance, and recording of music deserve fair compensation for their work. Here are some platforms where you can enjoy classical music for free or through subscription:
Audio streaming: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Idagio, and other streaming services.
National platforms like BBC Sounds (UK) and France Musique (France).
Video platforms such as The Berlin Philharmonic's Digital Concert Hall, Arte Concert, and mezzo.tv.
𝄞 Live Concerts & Operas
Nothing compares to experiencing classical music live! Here’s how to find events near you:
Local symphony orchestras & concert halls – Many have beginner-friendly programmes, outreach projects, or discounted tickets available.
University & conservatory performances – Often free or low-cost and a great way to support young musicians.
Opera houses – Many operas have surtitles (translated text above the stage), so don’t worry if they’re in another language!
Online and print media advertising - Often smaller ensembles and companies will promote their performances through social media or posters. These concerts are often in more intimate settings where you can really see and hear how the music works, and are often low-cost!
Final Tips for Exploring Classical Music
Follow your curiosity – If you hear something you like, look up similar composers or styles.
Watch performances – Seeing musicians in action adds a whole new layer of understanding.
Don’t worry about “getting it” – Classical music is about feeling, not rules. If a piece speaks to you, that’s all that matters.
Classical music has something for everyone - so dive in, explore, and most of all, enjoy your listening journey! 🎶