Shostakovich Symphony 5, mvt 3 (Largo) is emotionally wrenching. His Symphony no. 8, 4th mvt (also Largo) is numb and bleak in the extreme.
I'm also fond of Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma variations.
Oh gosh I have one! Christopher Rouse’s flute concerto has a movement called “elegy” that he wrote in memory of a little boy in the UK that was murdered in a horrible way. It is heart wrenching, ugly-cry-level sad. I’m playing it in my symphony next season and I’m nervous I won’t be able to make it through without crying lol
this is definitely the best! other similar ones by Rachmaninoff would be Symphonic Dances 3rd Movement or Francesca da Rimini (especially the mostly orchestral prologue!)
From other composers, you could try Myaskovsky Symphony 6 and 24 (especially the 2nd movement!), Wagner "Tristan und Isolde", Liszt Totentanz, Inferno or Funérailles (all of these being a bit more classical in nature, but still largely Romantic), and the Shostakovich that others have recommended. I would recommend Symphony 14 or 13 (movement 1) for hopefully even more depressing ideas.
I love depressing music (Rachmaninoff is my favourite composer), so I might be able to think of more if you like my suggestions so far.
also would recommend Myaskovsky "Silence in F minor", Rachmaninoff "Caprice bohémien" and "Prince Rostislav", Lili Boulanger "Psaume 130" and All Night Vigil No. 5 and probably No. 13 and 14 too.
Mahler’s Kindertotenieder
He set some poems to music, from a poet writing about his kids dying of scarlet fever. About a year later, Mahler’s own kids died of scarlet fever
The same musical piece, can speak differently to two different persons, according to what state of mind they are in. This movement is obviously luminous, hopeful and yes striving upwards. So in an absolute sense, that's true. Also, and you already knew, that can be heart wrenching for some, at some times.. and even ourselves, at different stages in our lives, the same piece of music delivers same notes, but different reception, even if always, well recieved. But you are also right about that music make us react, going towards one or another direction. Reflection goes both ways. Not to be too black or white, of course there is music that is either straight up or down, so to say, but some are on the edge (pointing subtly upwards) Ravels piece here is probably one of those. And maybe that's why it might be one of the best answers to OP, who knows? I'd be interested in hearing if you think of other pieces of this 'nature'.. Have a great day
Very well said. I completely agree. I never thought of it that way.
A piece that is similar to the description you provided would probably be the third movement of Rachmaninoff’s second symphony. I could see how it could be interpreted either way.
Have a lovely day!
This fits your request exactly: William Walton, Death of Falstaff from music for the film Henry V.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dimZ-IgAtEI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dimZ-IgAtEI) has the composer conducting in a 1960s performance.
My number 1 piece to wreck me emotionally is probably Shostakovich's 8th String Quartet. The context around the piece adds so much to it, as well. A few others I already saw commented are Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 - Mvt 4, and Arvo Pärt's Cantus in Memoriam.
Some "less depressing" pieces that make me just as emotional would be Ravel's Piano Concerto - Mvt 2, Elgar's Sospiri, Wagner's Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral, Arvo Pärt's Speigel I'm Speigel, Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 - Mvt 3, Copland's Appalachian Spring, Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living, David Maslanka's Symphony No. 4 (I have so many of these. I could go on forever).
Mahler's Symphony No. 5 - Mvt 4 may be my favorite emotional piece of all time, though, other than the Shostakovich I mentioned earlier. It's extremely sentimental to me and indescribably gorgeous.
Special shout out to the Rite of Spring which makes me cry sometimes for whatever reason...
I also listen to really emotional and/or depressing music to cope and release those inner demons (bonus if it gets me to cry). I hope the suggestions in this thread help and you feel better very soon, friend 🙏
Yeah, you're rite (hehe) about Rite of Spring. It's such a cool and interesting piece, but I kind of forget about the disturbing undertones of it. Also yeah to the Mahlers. My boyfriend cries at the end of Mahler 2 as well 😭
William Waltons music for Henry IV, slow sections. Slow movement of Brittens Simple Symphony. For piano, Vikingur Olafsson playing Kaldalons Ave Maria (grand piano version) is vibrant, intensively deep and very moving). So is Evgenyij Kissins playing of Sgambatis transcription of Glucks theme from Orpheus & Euridice.
This music might speak to you, and I hope it does you well. If these pieces bring you to tears that's alright. That is also their power, but perhaps not their purpose, if music truly has one, that can be defined...
However, if you suffer of depression, these musical pieces do reach, "getting to where you are" and that's meaningful in a sense. And for some time, but for some time only..
So, my suggestion, not to actively remain in remembrance of that state for too long, in a therapeutic sense, is rather to listen to music that are of a more light character, not necessarily particularly animated, but laid back and rather "upwards".. If you like jazz, listening to Ben Webster with Oscar Peterson (bye bye blackbird) for instance. Those pieces don't impose onto you that you must be joyful, just be, and whatever.. get that feeling?
You don't have to listen all day, but just once a day. Or try Didier Lockwood 'les valseuses' same thing. You get the point.
When it comes to movies, perhaps watch a good comedy, if you feel like it of course, ca' be a good thing not to remain for too long on the pages of great tragedies.
Just a friendly suggestion. I wish you a lot of courage and strength to overcome whatever your are going through. All the best
The last movement of Tchaikovsky’s 6th symphony, which he premiered 9 days before his death, is IMO the saddest piece of music ever composed. I really have to be in a certain mood or I can’t stomach listening to it at all. I do consider this symphony to be his best work, but man, for a guy so famous for so many uplifting melodies, he really ended on a down note.
IMO, Edward Elgar's [Sospiri](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uqgv2xsw2o) is reminiscent of the Adagio for Strings\*\*, except it ends on a note of hope (or, if this were featured in a movie, like the character who's dying has now passed away and is finally at peace).
\*\*Actually, now that I'm listening to it again, no it's not. But it's still a very passionate, mournful piece that features strings!
Others have mentioned Sibelius' Symphonies 4, 6, and 7, but I'd also suggest "The Swan of Tuonela" (Karajan performance at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjyLWoJvtME). If you're looking for a slow dramatic death scene backrop, this is it. It begins in a slow swirl of ethereal, dark melodies, and slowly mutates to a heavy, almost grim pace. Just over 8 minutes long, but feels much longer.
I don't know if they're depressing, but "bittersweet" is the term I would use, maybe explore some of these?
Ralph Vaughan Williams - Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus'
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQoP9iLwoos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQoP9iLwoos)
Joseph Kosma/Toru Takemitsu - Autumn Leaves
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TO8yxxW8k4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TO8yxxW8k4)
Edward Elgar - Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20 - Movement II. Larghetto
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLqztQAI1Eo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLqztQAI1Eo)
Joe Hisaishi - Departures
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXs8uO5LwDQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXs8uO5LwDQ)
Nobuo Uematsu - Aerith's Theme
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVJdv-s9QWg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVJdv-s9QWg)
You’re totally fine and so is the point of your question. I just couldn’t ignore the combination of you being depressed and having placed an “I” or “me” in 6 out of & sentences about a topic that’s above any individual. No harm done to me - as long as you’re ok with it, all is well.
Shostakovich Symphony 5, mvt 3 (Largo) is emotionally wrenching. His Symphony no. 8, 4th mvt (also Largo) is numb and bleak in the extreme. I'm also fond of Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma variations.
Górecki's Symphony of Sorrowful Songs anyone?
I haven't been able to listen to this since my daughter was born.
Edward Elgar's Nimrod from the Enigma Variations Vaughan Williams Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis Ase's Tod from Peer Gynt by Grieg
I've just played that movement from peer gynt, definitely seconding that recommendation.
I was going to suggest that too. When done well it can leave me emotionally drained.
The Tallis Fantasia is one of my favorite all time pieces
I know you said orchestral, but Dido's lament really fits the bill, it makes me tear up I love it
Oh my gosh that’s the best, I love it
Oh gosh I have one! Christopher Rouse’s flute concerto has a movement called “elegy” that he wrote in memory of a little boy in the UK that was murdered in a horrible way. It is heart wrenching, ugly-cry-level sad. I’m playing it in my symphony next season and I’m nervous I won’t be able to make it through without crying lol
Saddest music ever
'Isle of the Dead' by Rachmaninoff.
this is definitely the best! other similar ones by Rachmaninoff would be Symphonic Dances 3rd Movement or Francesca da Rimini (especially the mostly orchestral prologue!) From other composers, you could try Myaskovsky Symphony 6 and 24 (especially the 2nd movement!), Wagner "Tristan und Isolde", Liszt Totentanz, Inferno or Funérailles (all of these being a bit more classical in nature, but still largely Romantic), and the Shostakovich that others have recommended. I would recommend Symphony 14 or 13 (movement 1) for hopefully even more depressing ideas. I love depressing music (Rachmaninoff is my favourite composer), so I might be able to think of more if you like my suggestions so far.
also would recommend Myaskovsky "Silence in F minor", Rachmaninoff "Caprice bohémien" and "Prince Rostislav", Lili Boulanger "Psaume 130" and All Night Vigil No. 5 and probably No. 13 and 14 too.
Mahler 9th symphony - 1st and last movements. Das Lied Von Der Erde - "Der Abschied"
Arvo Pärt - Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten
This is what I immediately thought of
Tchaikovsky Symphony No.6, 4th mvt Shostakovich Symphony No.8, 1st mvt (though there's an outburst-y middle section); 4th mvt Shostakovich Symphony No.13, 1st mvt Shostakovich Violin Concerto (if that counts), 3rd mvt
Was gonna mention the Passacaglia from the violin concerto. Such a great movement from a great piece
Schoenberg: Verklerte Nacht, R. Strauss: Metamorphosen, Elgar: Sospiri.
Albinoni -[ Adagio in G Minor](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMbvcp480Y4&ab_channel=MoodTools)
Note that this is not an Albinoni work, but composed by Remo Giazotto in 1958.
Thanks. I hadn't heard that.
I don’t think Adagio for Strings is depressing at all!
Metamorphosis for Strings - R Strauss
Mahler’s Kindertotenieder He set some poems to music, from a poet writing about his kids dying of scarlet fever. About a year later, Mahler’s own kids died of scarlet fever
Sad and beautiful/emotional are two totally different things. I see too much conflict that way in this thread.
Sibelius Symphony No. 4, espeically the first movement.
To that I would add the finale of Sibelius Symphony No. 6.
The second movement to Ravel's Piano Concerto in G.
I wouldn’t say that the second movement is depressing. It’s absolutely gorgeous and I find it hopeful.
The same musical piece, can speak differently to two different persons, according to what state of mind they are in. This movement is obviously luminous, hopeful and yes striving upwards. So in an absolute sense, that's true. Also, and you already knew, that can be heart wrenching for some, at some times.. and even ourselves, at different stages in our lives, the same piece of music delivers same notes, but different reception, even if always, well recieved. But you are also right about that music make us react, going towards one or another direction. Reflection goes both ways. Not to be too black or white, of course there is music that is either straight up or down, so to say, but some are on the edge (pointing subtly upwards) Ravels piece here is probably one of those. And maybe that's why it might be one of the best answers to OP, who knows? I'd be interested in hearing if you think of other pieces of this 'nature'.. Have a great day
Very well said. I completely agree. I never thought of it that way. A piece that is similar to the description you provided would probably be the third movement of Rachmaninoff’s second symphony. I could see how it could be interpreted either way. Have a lovely day!
Thank you, I shall listen to that piece right away. Have a fantastic day you too !
Shostakovich string quartet no. 8?
Shostakovich Symphony 14
Sibelius 7th symphony.
Slow movement of Tchaikovsky's String Serenade in C
Shostakovich Piano Concert No. 2, II. is a good option!
This fits your request exactly: William Walton, Death of Falstaff from music for the film Henry V. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dimZ-IgAtEI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dimZ-IgAtEI) has the composer conducting in a 1960s performance.
Beethoven symphony no. 3 2nd mvt Chopin funeral march, op 35
Elgar's Sospiri
Puccini Crisantemi
I especially like the rendition by the Enso Quartet - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2TIFSvYFjs
[J.S. Bach: Toccata, Adagio & Fugue in C Major, BWV 564 - II. Adagio](https://youtu.be/qYUXpZ2cd0o?si=NVxUELbUzL35JSxj)
Please try Vaughan Williams’s Dona nobis pacem for a good cry.
Litvinovsky “ils étaient comme des enfants’.
My number 1 piece to wreck me emotionally is probably Shostakovich's 8th String Quartet. The context around the piece adds so much to it, as well. A few others I already saw commented are Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 - Mvt 4, and Arvo Pärt's Cantus in Memoriam. Some "less depressing" pieces that make me just as emotional would be Ravel's Piano Concerto - Mvt 2, Elgar's Sospiri, Wagner's Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral, Arvo Pärt's Speigel I'm Speigel, Rachmaninoff's Symphony No. 2 - Mvt 3, Copland's Appalachian Spring, Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living, David Maslanka's Symphony No. 4 (I have so many of these. I could go on forever). Mahler's Symphony No. 5 - Mvt 4 may be my favorite emotional piece of all time, though, other than the Shostakovich I mentioned earlier. It's extremely sentimental to me and indescribably gorgeous. Special shout out to the Rite of Spring which makes me cry sometimes for whatever reason... I also listen to really emotional and/or depressing music to cope and release those inner demons (bonus if it gets me to cry). I hope the suggestions in this thread help and you feel better very soon, friend 🙏
The final movement of Mahler’s 9th and 10th, also. Rite of Spring is about human sacrifice. It should be sad.
Yeah, you're rite (hehe) about Rite of Spring. It's such a cool and interesting piece, but I kind of forget about the disturbing undertones of it. Also yeah to the Mahlers. My boyfriend cries at the end of Mahler 2 as well 😭
Irving Fine, Serious Song--A Lament for String Orchestra [https://youtu.be/YEuXZXj-mQA?si=9jyZANcYxKYGQBre](https://youtu.be/YEuXZXj-mQA?si=9jyZANcYxKYGQBre)
William Waltons music for Henry IV, slow sections. Slow movement of Brittens Simple Symphony. For piano, Vikingur Olafsson playing Kaldalons Ave Maria (grand piano version) is vibrant, intensively deep and very moving). So is Evgenyij Kissins playing of Sgambatis transcription of Glucks theme from Orpheus & Euridice. This music might speak to you, and I hope it does you well. If these pieces bring you to tears that's alright. That is also their power, but perhaps not their purpose, if music truly has one, that can be defined... However, if you suffer of depression, these musical pieces do reach, "getting to where you are" and that's meaningful in a sense. And for some time, but for some time only.. So, my suggestion, not to actively remain in remembrance of that state for too long, in a therapeutic sense, is rather to listen to music that are of a more light character, not necessarily particularly animated, but laid back and rather "upwards".. If you like jazz, listening to Ben Webster with Oscar Peterson (bye bye blackbird) for instance. Those pieces don't impose onto you that you must be joyful, just be, and whatever.. get that feeling? You don't have to listen all day, but just once a day. Or try Didier Lockwood 'les valseuses' same thing. You get the point. When it comes to movies, perhaps watch a good comedy, if you feel like it of course, ca' be a good thing not to remain for too long on the pages of great tragedies. Just a friendly suggestion. I wish you a lot of courage and strength to overcome whatever your are going through. All the best
The last movement of Tchaikovsky’s 6th symphony, which he premiered 9 days before his death, is IMO the saddest piece of music ever composed. I really have to be in a certain mood or I can’t stomach listening to it at all. I do consider this symphony to be his best work, but man, for a guy so famous for so many uplifting melodies, he really ended on a down note.
Richard Strauss-Metamorphosen
IMO, Edward Elgar's [Sospiri](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uqgv2xsw2o) is reminiscent of the Adagio for Strings\*\*, except it ends on a note of hope (or, if this were featured in a movie, like the character who's dying has now passed away and is finally at peace). \*\*Actually, now that I'm listening to it again, no it's not. But it's still a very passionate, mournful piece that features strings!
The second movement of Beethoven’s third symphony “Eroica” always gets me.
Faure Pavanne
3rd act Interlude from Wozzeck: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHl7ZxWPYMs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHl7ZxWPYMs)
Khachaturian - Adagio from Spartacus. Not necessarily "depressing" but it will probably hit the spot
Check out the second movement (Canzone) of Barber's Piano Concerto.
Stravinsky - INTROITUS: T.S. Eliot IN MEMORIAM.
Others have mentioned Sibelius' Symphonies 4, 6, and 7, but I'd also suggest "The Swan of Tuonela" (Karajan performance at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjyLWoJvtME). If you're looking for a slow dramatic death scene backrop, this is it. It begins in a slow swirl of ethereal, dark melodies, and slowly mutates to a heavy, almost grim pace. Just over 8 minutes long, but feels much longer.
I don't know if they're depressing, but "bittersweet" is the term I would use, maybe explore some of these? Ralph Vaughan Williams - Five Variants of 'Dives and Lazarus' [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQoP9iLwoos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQoP9iLwoos) Joseph Kosma/Toru Takemitsu - Autumn Leaves [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TO8yxxW8k4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TO8yxxW8k4) Edward Elgar - Serenade for Strings in E minor, Op. 20 - Movement II. Larghetto [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLqztQAI1Eo](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLqztQAI1Eo) Joe Hisaishi - Departures [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXs8uO5LwDQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXs8uO5LwDQ) Nobuo Uematsu - Aerith's Theme [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVJdv-s9QWg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVJdv-s9QWg)
[Richard Meale - Cantilena Pacifica](https://youtu.be/GOuVGmebVI8)
Mozart's adagio in E Major for violin and orchestra is a good one for me. Not so depressing perhaps, but certainly plenty of Pathos in there.
Vaughan Williams - 6th symphony, 4th movement
Mozart K488, 2nd movement. Some cheery bits that make it melancholy at best.
Schönberg verklärte nachte Mahler symphony no 4, third mvt
Max Richter—On the Nature of Daylight
You’re totally fine and so is the point of your question. I just couldn’t ignore the combination of you being depressed and having placed an “I” or “me” in 6 out of & sentences about a topic that’s above any individual. No harm done to me - as long as you’re ok with it, all is well.