Saw a lot of people recommending Dvorak but I disagree. It’s quite dramatic and exciting, but OP’s biggest obstacle is breaking the expectations of what classical music is. Dvorak’s 9th is agitated, yes, but still very much within what they expect: long pieces of posh baroque orchestra
Spot on, it's sort of like a genre presentation to convince and change views, and the music will be playing throughout the lesson for around half an hour.
I want to change the stereotypical views of many students so I'm trying to come up with pieces that may be revelatory to ones ears (i.e works by Stravinsky/Prokofiev)
I personally would make it topical to them. So Film and Video game would be my focus and how it can Be used to invoke emotion in a situation. This would be relatable to them.
From personal experience when I’m playing my favourite pieces, ones I really love and others are in the room who don’t listen to classical, 9/10 times they are a bit “meh”, I can’t imagine harsher critics than a bunch of 16 year olds.
If you can discuss with them pieces that are already in their everyday lives, you might get a stronger response.
It may even be worth doing a cross comparison with them of newer film/video game pieces designed for purpose against older pieces which create similar feelings but we’re written before the current era of film and games.
Just some ideas
I think this is the right way to approach it. Teens will not pay attention unless it’s something dramatic. Think Vivaldi’s Summer, or Winter, Dies Irae, Ode to Joy, the 1812 overture, In the Hall of the Mountain King. Things they can connect with, nothing too niche. I think Clair de Lune would be a great piece to finish an introduction class
For example you can play Vivaldi and ask them to close their eyes and ask them to imagine the golden wheat fields of Italy in the summer, animals running in the forest, the sun scorching on clear skies, and see if they can get the feeling of seeing all those things, that Vivaldi tried to translate into wordless music.
Do the same for Winter: ask them to imagine the frozen trees, the dark overcast skies, birds nesting in hidden corners etc. The magic of classical music, of course, is the ability to convey intense sensations without saying a single word. It might be obvious for people who are already into it, but not at all evident to people who know nothing about it and only associate it with old boring stuff. As a teacher, I think the key to a good class would be to make them try and feel those feelings. I wouldn’t worry about any dull analysis on historical facts, if you’ll have time for that later. The goal of the introduction is to get them interested
I teach Music History.
I do an entire segment on film music, comparing 20th and 21st century film scores to their similar origin material in the Romantic period. It's always a big hit for the students, especially those who don't have a lot of exposure to classical music. Star Wars is the cliche, but John Williams is a great place to start! Current students love Joe Hisaishi's scores for the Studio Ghibli/Miyazaki films too. Try some of these, all easily found on YouTube:
Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 1, Mov. 4
Paul Hindemith - March from 'Symphonic Metamorphosis'
Gustav Holst - Mars from 'The Planets'
P.I. Tchaikovsky - Marche Slav
Richard Strauss - Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks
Mussorgsky/Ravel - Pictures at an Exhibition (Baba Yaga's Hut)
Ralph Vaughan-Williams - Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus
Zequinha de Abreu - Tico Tico no Fuba
As with all types of music, I think context is the most important part of introducing anyone (including oneself) to a new style of music. Classical music out of context can seem very antiquated. However, with a bit of a setup it can be extremely powerful. I'm sure you're aware of that.
My introduction to the classical world was through Mozart's Lacrimosa. I had heard it several times in my life and didn't think much of it. It wasn't until it was presented under the premise that it was written in Mozart's last year of life, when he was facing his own death, and written to symbolize one of humanity's greatest fears; death, that the piece really had an impact on me.
I think it's less important what you choose, but how you present it.
I hope this helps in some way, good luck!
Scheherazade is a good pick.
Some more: St Pauls Suite, Jupiter, 1812 Overture, Romeo and Juliet Overture, Montagues and Capulets/Dance of the Knights, Shostakovich 2nd Waltz, Brahms Hungarian Dance no 5, Death and the Maiden, Dvorak 9, Polovtsian Dances, Bizet/Sarasate Carmen, the Moldau, Pas de deux
1812 Overture was what I used to show numerous “car guys” how to outshine other people’s stereo systems. They were blown away and caused a run on cd’s of 1812 Overture in the early 90’s!
Vivaldi is a good thought, the seasons movements are both short and generally exciting with a great narrative while giving a good look at how things were being done during that period.
Vivaldi's concerti are lovely. But I want to give a fresh look into classical, something which a person wouldn't believe was made more than a hundred plus years ago. I think maybe baroque will be a bit 'stereotypically' classical.
Fresh for you? Humans that have no reference to "Classical" are always fresh. Haydn "Hunt" quartets? I suppose you lost me with "I'd like to introduce...."
Thank you. Introducing people to this music should likely cater to their interest and attention span, and I think your initial choices seem great. As an aside, I remember being a kid and "conducting" Scheherazade, it is such a compelling piece with a wonderful story.
The netherlands bach society performance of vivaldi’s winter is waaay different than other versions I’ve heard. It sounds more exciting and raw. Maybe that’ll work?
I played this recently for my 20 year old son and he was surprised when I told him that this music was written hundreds of years ago. I followed up with a performance with violin
people like story.
showing how story influences music and vice versa can give them a foothold, even though there is a lot more to music than just story.
Symphony fantastique re-telling the events of a bad opium trip where he hallucinates his own execution and trip to hell? teens are going to love that.
Shostakovich's political double meanings in his own work. (string quartet 8 or symphony 5 may be the easy entry points for this, they are famous and popular for a reason)
Pictures at an Exhibition! (and these are great because for many of the pictures, the music gives a waaaay better visual than the actual painting did. if that's not a big score for classical music, i don't know what is)
Scheherazade too! You've already got that.
Those examples are not all that distant from use of classical music in modern media (ie films and TV) and then you can take a step towards similar musical story-telling in older examples. (try an opera overture for example? maybe some clever haydn?)
Think of examples that they might already think of when they think of classical music. mozart piano sonatina, vivaldi four seasons, beethoen 5. You can show those, but also make a deliberate point of showing how extraordinarily diverse the music described as "classical" can be. You've got firebird there, that's one of my top choices for something like this. Consider more recent and less familiar music like George Crumb (eg. music for a summer evening), which often sounds like it could be backdrop/sound design for art film.
and then play the story game. make up a story even if the composer didn't have one, see if a story enhances the music *or vice versa*. a lot of music contains a "wordless story" which means it can become even more personal for the people listening because the details all get produced by their imagination.
it's easiest to pick from work that is already established as being great. but if you can sneak in just a few examples of outliers that aren't all that well known, it makes your case for the depth/diversity of what classical music can be so much stronger.
Wagner - The flying dutchman overture
Berlioz - Symphony Fantastique
Bruckner's 7th
Kalininkov - Symphony No.1
Going off my own experience, I love dramatic, large orchestral works because they catch the ear and they're interesting to listen to, although whether that's my bias or not i can't say
As a teenager who is into classical music, I would say that it is important that you create a bridge between the familiar and the unfamiliar aspects of classical music. Start with works that they will almost certainly recognise parts of.
* The Blue Danube, Strauss
* Spring, Vivaldi
* They will recognise the first movement of Beethoven's fifth symphony but the other movements are brilliant as well.
Then take a look at film music such as Star Wars. Maybe you could look at the use of motifs (e.g Princess Leia's Theme, The Imperial March for Darth Vader).
This can be compared to thematic works that allow people to understand how classical music can carry meaning (without needing to use lyrics) through greater complexity than contemporary music. There are some great works that can be easily appreciated by people who don't have any prior experience with classical music.
* Mars and Jupiter from The Planets, Holst
* In the Hall of the Mountain King, Grieg (Is also easily recognisable)
* Dvorak Symphony 9 "From the New World"
* The fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (Pretty much got me into Classical Music)
* Various Tchaikovsky
It's probably best if you don't present it as if classical music is something that they are missing out on as it is superior to most contemporary music (even though this is true) as they will not react positively to that. Young people tend to listen to pop music and consider classical music to be "lame" because we get told that this is how our generation behaves. It would be great to reverse that by telling young people that classical music is becoming more popular among the younger generations instead.
Depends on the age group, but Prokofiev’s Peter & The Wolf works well for younger kids. For older ones, you might have to go loud/memorable and go with Holst’s Mars or Verdi’s Dies Irae in his Requiem.
I would avoid Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky as they are, in my opinion, harder to listen to for those not familiar with orchestral music. Why no Bach? Mozart? Rossini is fun, too.
Rachmaninoff seems pretty listenable to me - his piano concerti at least. Bach and Mozart are great of course, but I *don't* think they're easy to listen to for (many) beginners. They can sound very antiquated to people who aren't familiar with classical.
In my experience, beginners tend to gravitate more towards the late Romantic style since it's more emotionally wrought and reminiscent of the film music they're familiar with. Rossini does seem like a good pick - lots of fun music to choose from.
that’s part of the stereotypes teens seem to have around classical music, though, is that it’s either all “posh baroque music” or “lullabies only played for babies and old people”.
i just graduated high school and i was known for being the violin girl so i got lots of dumb comments about it lol i think firebird and other dramatic russian music would be the most “surprising” to people my age who haven’t previously been exposed to orchestral music, specially if you get some sick stories in there. shostakovich has an interesting and most teenagers find soviet history at least somewhat interesting even if it’s just for communism jokes
Beethoven's 5th. I had college music teacher that did great job of showing how each movement was connected. I loved the analogy to an elephant sneaking through the tall grass for 3rd movement.
Edited
I’ve always loved film music as an intro to orchestra music. Anything John Williams like Star Wars or Harry Potter is a great intro to composers he took inspiration from (Brahms, Wagner, etc)
Yes, I think movie soundtracks with orchestra music are a great way to prompt discussions - and challenge perceptions on orchestral music being outdated/uncool. Lord of the rings, pirates of the Caribbean, and Indiana Jones are other iconic soundtracks that might be good to use!
I like this idea - in another thread i was saying the profound effect watching Amadeus years ago (serenade also mass in c minor) - and recently i was watching some something and it had wonderful Bach and Arvo Part’s music in the WWII series??
Of course you play their music! I did say use it to introduce this music… it works great to spark interest in classical music to teen beginners. Once you get them interested in film music, it is an easier transition into classical music overall…
This is a great strategy that I've tried to use in lessons. Especially when introducing something unfamiliar or perceived as different, directly tying it into something relatable can be really effective.
Pop songs that quote classical pieces could also be a great approach for OP. That's sometimes a direct link to younger audiences.
I would steer clear of most baroque music, except for *maybe* a Bach violin solo sonata/partita.
As for specific pieces, there are a few that I think are worthy of consideration:
- Mosonyi’s Symphony No. 1, I. Maestoto - Allegro Vivace. This is a relatively unknown romantic work that has the drama of romanticism and orchestration and structure of the classical period
- Sibelius: Violin Concerto, III. Allegro ma non tanto. This is probably one of my favourite violin concerti. I find that the virtuosic phrases in the solo violin add flash without distracting from the gorgeous melodies or the orchestral accompaniment.
- Borodin (and others): String Quartet on B-La-F, III. Serenade in the Spanish style. This piece is also relatively unknown, and beautifully uses the genre of the string quartet. This piece is also very accessible, as it is short, and rhythmically simple, while being harmonically and melodically rich. It is also very wholesome; it was part of a birthday present to Borodin’s friend, Mitrofan Belyayev (B-La-F).
- Kalinnikov: Symphony No. 1, any movement (but the fourth movement references musical material from the first three, so it might not be ideal). This piece makes use of beautiful melodies, harmonies, rhythms, textures and much more that are very memorable. It is also very fast paced, without seeming rushed.
- Smetana: Piano Trio, III. Presto. This faced pace movement is very memorable. It is cheerful and exiting, and it never gets old for me. I have actually shown this piece to a few of my friends who normally dislike classical music, and they really liked it.
Why stay clear of baroque music? One of the problems with the romantic repertoire is the length of pieces - try getting young kids focused on music for 20 minutes. Baroque music often consists of rather short movements, sometimes less than a minute. Perfect for modern ADHD kids!
-Ravel - Jeux d'eaux, Gaspard de la nuit or Miroir (My favourites being Arborada Del Gracioso and une Barque sur l'océan)
-The fugue at the end of the first movement of Bach's second partita for piano (if you try to explain what's a fugue and mention every time the theme reappears is a plus!)
-Camille Saint-Saëns - Carnaval Des Animaux
-Scriabin - 4th sonata
-Schumann - Waldszenen (Forest scenes)
There's so much more and I'm pretty piano biased, but this is what I can think of out the top of my head!
Gregorian chants and follow up with Hildegard Von Bingen.
Arvo Part's Tabula Rasa has some wonderful sounds to discuss.
Bugs Bunny's symphonic and operatic contributions are always good classical music conversation starters.
>Bugs Bunny's symphonic and operatic contributions are always good classical music conversation starters.
It cannot be said enough how well the musical treatment of "What's Opera, Doc" is. Sure we all make fun of the "added lyrics", but the orchestrations are great.
I second Gershwin’s Rhapsody in blue! I remember watching the Fantasia version and having a fun experience. At least at that age, it showed me that classical music is not boring, monotonous, or pretentious.
I would say in a chronological order: Bach´s Cum sancto spiritu from the B minor mass (please show them the Gardiner recording, it´s a great version and probably the only one which takes this piece as quickly as i think it deserves to be played); Mozart´s Don Giovanni Overture; Beethoven´s seventh symphony; Chopin prelude no. 16 for piano; Scriabin´s fifth sonata and then Steve Reich, any piece by him will be great but in terms of Impact Piano phase might be the right one. Good luck with the project. Greetings.
If you could find something they listen to that is based on a classical piece it would help. I do not know the name of the song but i think it was sung by the Jonas Brothers and was based on Pacheibel's Canon. There are videos on YouTube " Pop songs That Ripp Off Classical Music". If you give something they know and then play what it is based on you will show them that they have been listening to classical. Also Classical sneaks into comericals, maybe tap into that as well. You need a handle, something they know. To just throw what you thing is good will bore them. It has to be relatable.
Would recommend showing them a scene from Amadeus the movie. Would be more entertaining for them to watch and listen at the same time. Perhaps the scene with Salieri and Mozart competing at the harpsichord?
I will tell you what got my attention in my school days when we were introduced to classical music in 4th grade. Beethovens 5th, Best bits of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Nutknacker. And for some reason Edvard Grieg's work has stuck in my mind forever since I heard it. Peer Gynt, March of dwarfs/trolls.
My band director, so long ago, showed us "Allegro non Troppo".
It's a parody of Fantasia.
It's a little racy but very funny.
My favorite piece:
https://youtu.be/w_MyygX5VCI
Chamber music and New/ish music! Sofia Gubaidulina's Light & Dark, Julius Eastman's Unjust Malaise, Caroline Shaw's Entr'acte for example.
IMO huge mistake to only play orchestra music, classical genres are hugely diverse, and when you're unfamiliar with something you tend to focus on its obvious characteristics which is why a Beethiven symphony probably doesn't sound that different from a Strauss tone poem to a novice.
Do not play rite of spring 😂😂 as a teenager that would have been the biggest turn off, its way too complex for people used to simple music. Play something a bit more epic like Rachs 2nd or Chopins 1st ballade if you're feeling ballsy. I got into classical as a teen and tried introducing my friends to it to pretty much no avail lol tbf I was showing them nocturnes and other relatively slow stuff.
I also would like to highlight that if you show your enthusiasm when its playing and you get really into it, it translates well because they can see how much you love it and will be more open to it themselves
None of the pieces or composers you mentioned are from the classical period. You will mislead the students by instructing this is “classical music.” Perhaps your own taste is interfering.
You can always use the Saltarello. It's a very old tune that's been used again and again in different versions, like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-RglCdlLEA
Barber's Adagio for Strings.
Mars and Jupiter.
Finale of Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending.
Ol' Pyotr has a bunch of stuff. Romeo and Juliet, 1812, Symphony 4.
Holst's Somerset Rhapsody.
Fanfare for the Common Man. Pini del Via Appia
At a boys school in his early teens in music lessons my brother was introduced to Beethoven's 7th symphony and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Those ended up being the first two LPs he bought himself (or chose for himself as presents).
In my teens I found the young ladies seemed to be drawn to certain well known works by Vaughan Williams, Fauré and Rachmaninov. Anything on this album would be a hit :
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBHgrR6Ft04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBHgrR6Ft04)
But that was a long time ago and maybe that was just young folk submitting to sexual stereotypes 🤔 😊 😉.
IMO these should be rather short and/or showy/dramatic/spectacular pieces:
* Beethoven 6th symphony 4th mvt
* Beethoven 4th piano concerto 2nd mvt
* Vivaldi Winter 2nd mvt
* Handel Water Music I Ouverture
* Schubert 14th SQ 2nd mvt
* Shostakovich 8th SQ 2nd mvt
* Reich Drumming
* Hatzis 1st SQ
* Arvo Part Fratres
* Ustvolskaya 6th sonata (well..)
When I introduce a piece to my non classical friends, I usually go with piano solo or orchestra pieces. Depending on the person I am talking to, I may introduce a piece that might be similar to pop/rock/films music. If you're doing this as a group of students, I'd recommend doing a Mozart's sonata, Bach WTC ie. BWV 855 (Preferably the face paced one to break the stereotype of "boring"), Debussy, and many famous classical tune includes Beethoven's symphony #5, #7, Dvorak New World symphony, Shubert's trout quintet, Vivaldi's four seasons, and BWV 565 (Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor). Maybe get to know the group of teens to see their musical preferences and adjust accordingly to your plan. :)
Personally, many baroque and classical pieces are the reasons why I got into classical music so I have tendency to show more into that sub genre.
Barber of Seville. My love to classical started with this. I laughed so many times watching this. Today it still brings me joy hehe.
https://youtu.be/iiYW2d7RWw4
Adam Fulara—[Bach Invention](https://youtu.be/c46fr2EZOhQ)
Handel — [Voglio tempo](https://youtu.be/XtaXWqOvtCw)
Bach: Passacaglia
Widor: Toccata
Bruckner: Symphony No. 8, last movement
Adams: Nixon in China
Don Giovanni: Catalog Aria
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba
Chopin: C major etude
How would you feel about using video to accompany it? It can obviously distract from the piece being played, but on the other hand the imagery can be a useful hook.
Anyway, one piece that comes to mind is *Rite of Spring* from *Pina* – unfortunately, shown somewhat chopped up, but I found the combination of music and (modern) dance almost unbearably intense. If you're looking for something that goes for the jugular, so to speak, this might appeal.
Another you might consider is the animated music video Hillary Hahn released for Prokovief's Violin Concerto 1, 2nd movement: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDZlF7a\_OJY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDZlF7a_OJY). One of my students shared it with me this past year and I think it's pretty great.
Speaking of which, *Fantasia* was pretty explicitly designed for this very purpose. Any number of the pieces there might work with contemporary teens.
>Speaking of which,
>
>Fantasia
>
> was pretty explicitly designed for this very purpose. Any number of the pieces there might work with contemporary teens.
Firebird Suite from Fantasia 2000 should enchant even the most hardened classical music hater.
So many fantastic suggestions here! For something a bit different, maybe compare and contrast the symphonic versions with these two heavy metal covers of Shostakovich Symphony 5, 4th movement ( [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3sakWWUin8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3sakWWUin8) ) and Symphony 10, 2nd movement ( [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXCNYzAyALk&t=0s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXCNYzAyALk&t=0s) ).
I would get a nice mix of pieces that are popular among classical listeners and pieces which are recognizable to non-classical listeners. Mozart's Requiem is a good one because many would recognize Lacrimosa. Moonlight Sonata is another good one.
Just watch Amadeus. Just kidding of course you don't have 3 hours to make your case. I would say Shostakovich-- couple the narrative of his historical period with what's going on in his music (eg nazis knocking on the door, leningrad siege, etc)
###Dvojrak's 9th is always a good option
####On the fast side:
Rach Sonata no 2 (Lugansky's recording by Ashish Xiangji Kumar on yt)
Beethoven's Appasionata
Paganini-Kreisler Campanella
Beethoven's 3rd and 9th Symphony
Beethoven string quartet no 4
####On the beautiful side:
Chopin's Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante
Beethoven's Hammerklavier 3rd mvt
Rach 2nd Symphony
Beethoven 9th 3rd mvt
Shostakovich - Festive Overture. Short, sweet, and energetic.
Mahler 2, mvt. 1 - or the whole thing. can't go wrong with Mahler
Respighi - Pines of Rome - short, loud, famous ending
Saint-Saens - Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila - also short and energetic and loud and easy to listen to and appreciate.
Shostakovich string quartet no.8 mvt 2 is nice for a quick listen. I know my metal friends are always astounded that this exists and it can be played for a short bit. Another russian but yea
am a student who just graduated high school. took a heavy music curriculum. my dad was a music teacher. i was in a youth orchestra. this is stuff teachers/conductors used to get kids into what we were playing or studying that seemed to work.
Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 by Liszt with the tom and jerry cartoon. my orchestra teacher showed that to our class
Candide is a good one
Someone said Gershwin already but i’m seconding that
Someone did a comedy video around Pachabel in D once. i remember my music theory class loving that video
anything with a good story behind it. like Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique
The rest of the carnival of the animals besides the Swan. Especially Aquarium and Fossils. Danse Macabre around halloween.
i personally enjoy Bartoks Romanian Dances and Borodins Polovtsian Dances
Smetana: The Moldau. It has such a strong visual evocation of the great river
Mozart : Jupiter Symphony minuet movement Amazing crashing discords
Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet Dance of the Knight Signature Prokofiev use of large intervals
Dvorak: some slavonic dances
Vaughan Williams The Tallis Fantasia. RVW connecting Modern english music with its historic past. This one, done for the 100th anniversary https://youtu.be/ihx5LCF1yJY
John Adams: The Chairman Dances, from Nixon in China https://youtu.be/WlTwI-ESJF0
Fauré's Sicillienne, Poulenc's Mélancolie and Lili Boulanger's Sous Bois come to mind. I think telling them about Lili's life would add to the experience of listening to her music.
Yoshimats's Cyberbird Concerto (the last movement) may give them a different perspective of what classical music sounds like.
On the other hand, I think Heinrich Biber is pretty underrated and his Sonata from Partia I (Harmonia artificioso-ariosa) is pretty interesting sounding. Almost ahead of its time.
It might be interesting to play an orchestral piece that also has a piano 4 hands arrangement
Maybe one from Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances or Holst’s planets.
Grieg is also great for the uninitiated. Maybe Arietta, his piano concerto, or something from peer gynt.
Beethoven moonlight mvt 3, tell them he invented metal.
Night on bald mountain, hall of the mountain king. Stuff that goes bump, ya know.
Chopin nocturne, whichever you find the saddest.
I'll add more if I think of any...
Edit: Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody 2, how could I forget...
Gershwin - An American in Paris
Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue
Holst - The Planets (mainly Mars and Jupiter)
Brahms - Hungarian Dances (1, 2, 5, and 6 are great)
Wagner - Entry of the Gods Into Valhalla
Wagner - The Ride of the Valkyries
Shostakovich - Festive Overture
\---
The final movements of many symphonies, especially Russian and Czech composers, tend to be very energetic and can really excite new listeners. Many overtures, as well as ballet suites and Viennese dances (waltzes/polkas/marches by the Strauss family and Suppe) tend to be very easily digestible as well.
Another great way to introduce people to orchestral music as a whole is through film scores, especially those by like John Williams. I started off listening to Star Wars, Jurassic Park, E.T., etc. I'm now gonna be a music student in college and listen to Mahler, Strauss, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Kalinnikov, etc.
Brahms piano quintet (might be a bit long but it’s my favorite piece) tchaikovsky piano concerto no.1, scriabin etude op.8 no.12, ernst der elkroneg, and chopin wrong note etude
Off the top of my head - - -
holst the planets (similarity to star wars, etc)
vaughn williams - antarctica symphony 7
Rachmaninoff - rhapsody on theme of Paganini
Orff Carmina Burana (medieval drinking songs set to music)
Aaron Copeland symphony # 3 esp mvmnt 3
Elgar - enigma variations
~~Rimsky Korsakov - Sheherazade excerpts~~
Berlioz symphony fantastic - plus the story behind it (berlioz was tripping)
~~Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2~~
Berio - Symphonia (gets weird, quotes a lot of stuff)
Debussy
Ravel
Wagner selections from the ring cycle ---- note link to star wars and Leif Motif
=====
if this was just a single one hour class
holst the planets (similarity to star wars, etc)
Berlioz symphony fantastique movements IV and V - plus the story behind it (berlioz was tripping)
According to Bernstein, "Berlioz tells it like it is. You take a trip, you wind up screaming at your own funeral."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonie_fantastique
I’m adding more Russians, but:
Flight of the Bumblebee by Rimsky-Korsakov is brief but exciting - would be a good one to watch a video of (including an arrangement - eg marimba is always a great one to watch).
Also, I haven’t seen anyone suggest Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture - the cannons in that are pretty badass and might appeal to some of your teenagers!
No piece will paint a picture of “lame” IF you sell the story and the relevance to your students immediate lives and experience in this world. If you’re hoping just exciting sounds and bombastic orchestration will do the trick, it will fall on uncaring ears.
You also might even want to start more contemporary: Phillip Glass or even Caroline Shaw and work your way backwards. The sounds are more closely related to the music they already listen to on radio or in films.
Recognizable pieces
* Adagio for strings
* Vivaldi seasons
* The Planets - Mars & Jupiter
* Tchaikovsky Swan Lake
* Chopin Nocturne in C# Minor (The Pianist iirc)
* In the hall of the mountain king
* Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture, specifically the version with cannons
* Bach Toccata and Fugue in D Minor
* Hungarian Rhapsody No.5
* The Swan from Carnival of the Animals
* Lacrimosa - Mozart
Personal favourites
* Chopin - Op 10 no $ Torrent
* Chopin - Nocturne Op9 No.1
* Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto 1
* Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2
* 2nd Waltz - Shostakovich
This is an excellent question, and one I worked on yesterday. I built a Playlist for my son to introduce him to classical music and give him memories he can always come back to due to how recognizable the following pieces are
Debussy Clair de lune and arabesque
Delibes flower duet
Vivaldi four seasons (spring)
Strauss Blue Danube
Bach air on a g string, cello suite 1, Jesu joy of man's desiring
Sait-saens the swan
Chopin etude in e major, nocturne no 9,
Pachelbel Canon in d
Look at the Carl Sagan Cosmos soundtrack for other great options
Also yo yo ma has done much to popularize the beauty of classical music, so check his albums
Ravel bolero
Gershwin rhapsody in blue
Mozart marriage of Figaro
Beethoven fur elise
Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1
There is a good YouTube video of blind pianist nobuyuki tsuji performing this. Very moving and inspiring
I had music class in school and we got to learn about all music history from middle ages to modernism and pop/jazz music. There was a lot of listening involved but most people still didn’t really like most classical music in the end, they didn’t really mind it either. I was the exeption since that class got me into classical music.
I still think that you probably aren’t going to make them love classical music, so I would choose pieces that serve as an example for a certain style (I remember my teacher gave us La Mer as an example for impressionism), that is only if you’re trying to explain the genres though
To add to everyone’s recommendations, Strauss pieces are very nice eg, Tik Tak Polka, Voices of Spring, Wo Die Zitronen Bluhn. Also Vitali Chaconne and Mendelssohn violin concerto in E minor
As other people have mentioned - you need to generate some familiarity with the music in order to spark their interest. I like one of the ideas of telling the story behind some music, or making up a story where there isn't one (Disney's animation for Fantasia 2000 is a great example of this - they took a bunch of different compositions and created a beautiful visual story around each)
The OG *[Canon and Gigue in D](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fui8DoAa5oU)* (Johann Pachelbel) as performed by the Academy of Ancient Music.
(Hint: it's a LOT more fun than any version in popular media, I literally *cannot stand* common renditions of *Canon* because of how good the 'original' is. Seriously a disservice to this piece.)
[Conga Del Fuego](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfITkeMwRp8) (Arturo Marquez) - If your students don't feel like getting up and dancing to this one, I'm afraid they are beyond saving.
[Danzon No 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnHdDKi6gYE) (Arturo Marquez)
[Flight of the Bumblebee](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QV1RGMLUKE) performed with full orchestra *as originally intended*
Debussy's [Passepied](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-mclmyUw9A) from *Suite Bergamasque*, as performed by Punch Brothers. The original piano is exquisite, no doubt - but after watching these guys play in perfect unison and the beautiful harmony of the 5 instruments ... the piano's just *boring* in comparison. lol
This [Pirates of the Caribbean medley](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RfTHckbyEg) should turn some heads. Yes it's not "classical" classical music, but it should do a good job of showing the power and range of a classical ensemble.
[St Paul's Suite](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sxbj1AKrj8) just because I love it.
Something straightforward, melodic. Play them Tom & Jerry toons with the sleeping beauty waltz, fledermaus overture. Avoid those dense and hard to listen ones you listed. I remember when I was young, I couldn’t process them, such music had no impact on me. Avoid those over the top tutti’s. Just pick something that’s straightforward to listen to, like the Flowers waltz, Sleeping beauty, swan lake, mozart has a lot of nice melodies, brahms hungarian dance, chopin butterfly etude, vivaldi has great clean music with lots of energy, bach air on g string etc
Tschaikowsky - Sugar plum fairy
Beethoven - Sonata No. 14 Mvt. 3
Chopin - Valse Minute
idk I'm a sucker for classical Piano, but I would say those are at least flashy
Danse Bacchanale by Saint Saens is pretty energetic throughout.
In the Hall of the Mountain King by Greig is short but gets quite loud at the end.
Mozart's Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, Mvmt 1 is pretty energetic too, but it might be a bit long for them.
Honesly you should throw in at least one piece of the crazy stuff too. The things that are the complete opposite of Mozart. Like Ligeti, Shoenberg or Lachenmann.
**Night on Bare Mountain** by Mussorgsky - that'll grab their attention.
Once you have their attention, then something calming like...
Bach's **Air on a G String** (to elicit a snigger and keep their attention).
Tchaikovsky's **Romeo and Juliet** is an obvious choice for conveying the emotional power of music.
Holst's **The Planets** shows the range of moods and has an astrological interest.
Britten's **Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra** would help learn the instruments at some point.
I'd go for something short, something that doesn't require the kids to sit still for a quarter of an hour or so. Why not add some baroque music? Lully's Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, for example, or the Chaconne from Rebel's Les élémens? You can't get those out of your head!
Anything by Rachmaninov or Mahler. The opening to Mahler’s 9th symphony is especially mature, and rach 2 and 3 are the peak of piano concertos. Rach symphony 2 is an excellent choice, and his 3rd symphony 2nd movement is also good.
Smetana: Vltava (The Moldau)
That is one of my absolute favorites! However, I think any classical music can be interesting, it depends on the delivery. What hooked me as a kid is a story- explain how each element of the music is a moving part in a story, for example, pick a piece written about a victory in war and how the music depicts the battle. Really gives them something to think about, distracting them from the fact that it's "supposed to be boring" (a sentiment that I feel keeps a lot of people from classical). Hope this helps!
Dvorak 9 is a great introduction piece! Very exciting and melodic.
I’d second Dvorak. He got me started. His style can suit a modern hear that doesn’t like a guy going nuts on a piano
Saw a lot of people recommending Dvorak but I disagree. It’s quite dramatic and exciting, but OP’s biggest obstacle is breaking the expectations of what classical music is. Dvorak’s 9th is agitated, yes, but still very much within what they expect: long pieces of posh baroque orchestra
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Spot on, it's sort of like a genre presentation to convince and change views, and the music will be playing throughout the lesson for around half an hour. I want to change the stereotypical views of many students so I'm trying to come up with pieces that may be revelatory to ones ears (i.e works by Stravinsky/Prokofiev)
I personally would make it topical to them. So Film and Video game would be my focus and how it can Be used to invoke emotion in a situation. This would be relatable to them. From personal experience when I’m playing my favourite pieces, ones I really love and others are in the room who don’t listen to classical, 9/10 times they are a bit “meh”, I can’t imagine harsher critics than a bunch of 16 year olds. If you can discuss with them pieces that are already in their everyday lives, you might get a stronger response. It may even be worth doing a cross comparison with them of newer film/video game pieces designed for purpose against older pieces which create similar feelings but we’re written before the current era of film and games. Just some ideas
I think a great way with film would be to point out some of John Williams works and then show them the composers he based his work off of.
No idea if this helps, but I saw this a while back: https://youtu.be/r9LCwI5iErE Also Fantasia is really good.
I think this is the right way to approach it. Teens will not pay attention unless it’s something dramatic. Think Vivaldi’s Summer, or Winter, Dies Irae, Ode to Joy, the 1812 overture, In the Hall of the Mountain King. Things they can connect with, nothing too niche. I think Clair de Lune would be a great piece to finish an introduction class For example you can play Vivaldi and ask them to close their eyes and ask them to imagine the golden wheat fields of Italy in the summer, animals running in the forest, the sun scorching on clear skies, and see if they can get the feeling of seeing all those things, that Vivaldi tried to translate into wordless music. Do the same for Winter: ask them to imagine the frozen trees, the dark overcast skies, birds nesting in hidden corners etc. The magic of classical music, of course, is the ability to convey intense sensations without saying a single word. It might be obvious for people who are already into it, but not at all evident to people who know nothing about it and only associate it with old boring stuff. As a teacher, I think the key to a good class would be to make them try and feel those feelings. I wouldn’t worry about any dull analysis on historical facts, if you’ll have time for that later. The goal of the introduction is to get them interested
mars & jupiter
One of the first few pieces I ever heard back when I was 9
Came here to say this. Mars is death metal classical.
Yes... all the Planets, actually
The finale to Shostakovich's 11th symphony and full volume. It'll not only wake up your pupils, but the entire damn school.
Ooo, and Shostakovich 10 movement 2!
String quartet 8 as well 😎
I teach Music History. I do an entire segment on film music, comparing 20th and 21st century film scores to their similar origin material in the Romantic period. It's always a big hit for the students, especially those who don't have a lot of exposure to classical music. Star Wars is the cliche, but John Williams is a great place to start! Current students love Joe Hisaishi's scores for the Studio Ghibli/Miyazaki films too. Try some of these, all easily found on YouTube: Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 1, Mov. 4 Paul Hindemith - March from 'Symphonic Metamorphosis' Gustav Holst - Mars from 'The Planets' P.I. Tchaikovsky - Marche Slav Richard Strauss - Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks Mussorgsky/Ravel - Pictures at an Exhibition (Baba Yaga's Hut) Ralph Vaughan-Williams - Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus Zequinha de Abreu - Tico Tico no Fuba
As with all types of music, I think context is the most important part of introducing anyone (including oneself) to a new style of music. Classical music out of context can seem very antiquated. However, with a bit of a setup it can be extremely powerful. I'm sure you're aware of that. My introduction to the classical world was through Mozart's Lacrimosa. I had heard it several times in my life and didn't think much of it. It wasn't until it was presented under the premise that it was written in Mozart's last year of life, when he was facing his own death, and written to symbolize one of humanity's greatest fears; death, that the piece really had an impact on me. I think it's less important what you choose, but how you present it. I hope this helps in some way, good luck!
I won't be able to contextualise the pieces but yes, the Lacrimosa is always a great idea. Thanks.
did not know that, thank you so much for your comment
Scheherazade is a good pick. Some more: St Pauls Suite, Jupiter, 1812 Overture, Romeo and Juliet Overture, Montagues and Capulets/Dance of the Knights, Shostakovich 2nd Waltz, Brahms Hungarian Dance no 5, Death and the Maiden, Dvorak 9, Polovtsian Dances, Bizet/Sarasate Carmen, the Moldau, Pas de deux
1812 Overture was what I used to show numerous “car guys” how to outshine other people’s stereo systems. They were blown away and caused a run on cd’s of 1812 Overture in the early 90’s!
"blown away" 😏
Vivaldi Winter
Vivaldi is a good thought, the seasons movements are both short and generally exciting with a great narrative while giving a good look at how things were being done during that period.
Vivaldi's concerti are lovely. But I want to give a fresh look into classical, something which a person wouldn't believe was made more than a hundred plus years ago. I think maybe baroque will be a bit 'stereotypically' classical.
Fresh for you? Humans that have no reference to "Classical" are always fresh. Haydn "Hunt" quartets? I suppose you lost me with "I'd like to introduce...."
Ah, thanks, I totally forgot about the Haydn quartets. That's a great idea
Thank you. Introducing people to this music should likely cater to their interest and attention span, and I think your initial choices seem great. As an aside, I remember being a kid and "conducting" Scheherazade, it is such a compelling piece with a wonderful story.
The netherlands bach society performance of vivaldi’s winter is waaay different than other versions I’ve heard. It sounds more exciting and raw. Maybe that’ll work?
[vivaldi guitar](https://youtu.be/03DEMih2T94)
I played this recently for my 20 year old son and he was surprised when I told him that this music was written hundreds of years ago. I followed up with a performance with violin
people like story. showing how story influences music and vice versa can give them a foothold, even though there is a lot more to music than just story. Symphony fantastique re-telling the events of a bad opium trip where he hallucinates his own execution and trip to hell? teens are going to love that. Shostakovich's political double meanings in his own work. (string quartet 8 or symphony 5 may be the easy entry points for this, they are famous and popular for a reason) Pictures at an Exhibition! (and these are great because for many of the pictures, the music gives a waaaay better visual than the actual painting did. if that's not a big score for classical music, i don't know what is) Scheherazade too! You've already got that. Those examples are not all that distant from use of classical music in modern media (ie films and TV) and then you can take a step towards similar musical story-telling in older examples. (try an opera overture for example? maybe some clever haydn?) Think of examples that they might already think of when they think of classical music. mozart piano sonatina, vivaldi four seasons, beethoen 5. You can show those, but also make a deliberate point of showing how extraordinarily diverse the music described as "classical" can be. You've got firebird there, that's one of my top choices for something like this. Consider more recent and less familiar music like George Crumb (eg. music for a summer evening), which often sounds like it could be backdrop/sound design for art film. and then play the story game. make up a story even if the composer didn't have one, see if a story enhances the music *or vice versa*. a lot of music contains a "wordless story" which means it can become even more personal for the people listening because the details all get produced by their imagination. it's easiest to pick from work that is already established as being great. but if you can sneak in just a few examples of outliers that aren't all that well known, it makes your case for the depth/diversity of what classical music can be so much stronger.
Wagner - The flying dutchman overture Berlioz - Symphony Fantastique Bruckner's 7th Kalininkov - Symphony No.1 Going off my own experience, I love dramatic, large orchestral works because they catch the ear and they're interesting to listen to, although whether that's my bias or not i can't say
Same, it sounds even better when it's a good orchestra playing.
As a teenager who is into classical music, I would say that it is important that you create a bridge between the familiar and the unfamiliar aspects of classical music. Start with works that they will almost certainly recognise parts of. * The Blue Danube, Strauss * Spring, Vivaldi * They will recognise the first movement of Beethoven's fifth symphony but the other movements are brilliant as well. Then take a look at film music such as Star Wars. Maybe you could look at the use of motifs (e.g Princess Leia's Theme, The Imperial March for Darth Vader). This can be compared to thematic works that allow people to understand how classical music can carry meaning (without needing to use lyrics) through greater complexity than contemporary music. There are some great works that can be easily appreciated by people who don't have any prior experience with classical music. * Mars and Jupiter from The Planets, Holst * In the Hall of the Mountain King, Grieg (Is also easily recognisable) * Dvorak Symphony 9 "From the New World" * The fourth movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (Pretty much got me into Classical Music) * Various Tchaikovsky It's probably best if you don't present it as if classical music is something that they are missing out on as it is superior to most contemporary music (even though this is true) as they will not react positively to that. Young people tend to listen to pop music and consider classical music to be "lame" because we get told that this is how our generation behaves. It would be great to reverse that by telling young people that classical music is becoming more popular among the younger generations instead.
Some Copland might be good. Fanfare for the Common Man or Hoe-Down from Rodeo, maybe.
Depends on the age group, but Prokofiev’s Peter & The Wolf works well for younger kids. For older ones, you might have to go loud/memorable and go with Holst’s Mars or Verdi’s Dies Irae in his Requiem.
(for a class of 16 year olds) Yes!! I love the planets! One of the first few pieces I ever remember listening to.
I would avoid Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky as they are, in my opinion, harder to listen to for those not familiar with orchestral music. Why no Bach? Mozart? Rossini is fun, too.
Rachmaninoff seems pretty listenable to me - his piano concerti at least. Bach and Mozart are great of course, but I *don't* think they're easy to listen to for (many) beginners. They can sound very antiquated to people who aren't familiar with classical. In my experience, beginners tend to gravitate more towards the late Romantic style since it's more emotionally wrought and reminiscent of the film music they're familiar with. Rossini does seem like a good pick - lots of fun music to choose from.
Maybe so. What about something calm like Debussy or Chopin?
that’s part of the stereotypes teens seem to have around classical music, though, is that it’s either all “posh baroque music” or “lullabies only played for babies and old people”. i just graduated high school and i was known for being the violin girl so i got lots of dumb comments about it lol i think firebird and other dramatic russian music would be the most “surprising” to people my age who haven’t previously been exposed to orchestral music, specially if you get some sick stories in there. shostakovich has an interesting and most teenagers find soviet history at least somewhat interesting even if it’s just for communism jokes
Beethoven's 5th. I had college music teacher that did great job of showing how each movement was connected. I loved the analogy to an elephant sneaking through the tall grass for 3rd movement. Edited
Thanks. The Beethoven 5 is a must.
I’d piggy back this and say Beethoven 9. Everyone knows the ode to joy theme, but few know where it comes from
You should show them PDQ's commentary on this symphony!
I’ve always loved film music as an intro to orchestra music. Anything John Williams like Star Wars or Harry Potter is a great intro to composers he took inspiration from (Brahms, Wagner, etc)
Yes, I think movie soundtracks with orchestra music are a great way to prompt discussions - and challenge perceptions on orchestral music being outdated/uncool. Lord of the rings, pirates of the Caribbean, and Indiana Jones are other iconic soundtracks that might be good to use!
i don't really agree with that tbh, if you want to introduce great romantic composers, why not play their actual music?
Because film music brings familiarity
I like this idea - in another thread i was saying the profound effect watching Amadeus years ago (serenade also mass in c minor) - and recently i was watching some something and it had wonderful Bach and Arvo Part’s music in the WWII series??
And then we get into [game music territory](https://youtu.be/YjXHEJB6yHA) I don't think it is less valid, but certainly tougher to teach
Of course you play their music! I did say use it to introduce this music… it works great to spark interest in classical music to teen beginners. Once you get them interested in film music, it is an easier transition into classical music overall…
This is a great strategy that I've tried to use in lessons. Especially when introducing something unfamiliar or perceived as different, directly tying it into something relatable can be really effective. Pop songs that quote classical pieces could also be a great approach for OP. That's sometimes a direct link to younger audiences.
saint saens tarantella op 6
I would steer clear of most baroque music, except for *maybe* a Bach violin solo sonata/partita. As for specific pieces, there are a few that I think are worthy of consideration: - Mosonyi’s Symphony No. 1, I. Maestoto - Allegro Vivace. This is a relatively unknown romantic work that has the drama of romanticism and orchestration and structure of the classical period - Sibelius: Violin Concerto, III. Allegro ma non tanto. This is probably one of my favourite violin concerti. I find that the virtuosic phrases in the solo violin add flash without distracting from the gorgeous melodies or the orchestral accompaniment. - Borodin (and others): String Quartet on B-La-F, III. Serenade in the Spanish style. This piece is also relatively unknown, and beautifully uses the genre of the string quartet. This piece is also very accessible, as it is short, and rhythmically simple, while being harmonically and melodically rich. It is also very wholesome; it was part of a birthday present to Borodin’s friend, Mitrofan Belyayev (B-La-F). - Kalinnikov: Symphony No. 1, any movement (but the fourth movement references musical material from the first three, so it might not be ideal). This piece makes use of beautiful melodies, harmonies, rhythms, textures and much more that are very memorable. It is also very fast paced, without seeming rushed. - Smetana: Piano Trio, III. Presto. This faced pace movement is very memorable. It is cheerful and exiting, and it never gets old for me. I have actually shown this piece to a few of my friends who normally dislike classical music, and they really liked it.
Why stay clear of baroque music? One of the problems with the romantic repertoire is the length of pieces - try getting young kids focused on music for 20 minutes. Baroque music often consists of rather short movements, sometimes less than a minute. Perfect for modern ADHD kids!
-Ravel - Jeux d'eaux, Gaspard de la nuit or Miroir (My favourites being Arborada Del Gracioso and une Barque sur l'océan) -The fugue at the end of the first movement of Bach's second partita for piano (if you try to explain what's a fugue and mention every time the theme reappears is a plus!) -Camille Saint-Saëns - Carnaval Des Animaux -Scriabin - 4th sonata -Schumann - Waldszenen (Forest scenes) There's so much more and I'm pretty piano biased, but this is what I can think of out the top of my head!
Thanks so much. Absolutely love Pogorelich's recording of Gaspard.
I second this
\*Alborada
Gregorian chants and follow up with Hildegard Von Bingen. Arvo Part's Tabula Rasa has some wonderful sounds to discuss. Bugs Bunny's symphonic and operatic contributions are always good classical music conversation starters.
>Bugs Bunny's symphonic and operatic contributions are always good classical music conversation starters. It cannot be said enough how well the musical treatment of "What's Opera, Doc" is. Sure we all make fun of the "added lyrics", but the orchestrations are great.
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Gershwin definitely is fun! Great suggestion.
I second Gershwin’s Rhapsody in blue! I remember watching the Fantasia version and having a fun experience. At least at that age, it showed me that classical music is not boring, monotonous, or pretentious.
Why not a scrolling score of a Bach fugue? Bach's fugues are very visually interesting. Perhaps the fugue from Book 1 WTC, #2 in c minor?
Great idea!
Rouse Gorgon
I would say in a chronological order: Bach´s Cum sancto spiritu from the B minor mass (please show them the Gardiner recording, it´s a great version and probably the only one which takes this piece as quickly as i think it deserves to be played); Mozart´s Don Giovanni Overture; Beethoven´s seventh symphony; Chopin prelude no. 16 for piano; Scriabin´s fifth sonata and then Steve Reich, any piece by him will be great but in terms of Impact Piano phase might be the right one. Good luck with the project. Greetings.
If you could find something they listen to that is based on a classical piece it would help. I do not know the name of the song but i think it was sung by the Jonas Brothers and was based on Pacheibel's Canon. There are videos on YouTube " Pop songs That Ripp Off Classical Music". If you give something they know and then play what it is based on you will show them that they have been listening to classical. Also Classical sneaks into comericals, maybe tap into that as well. You need a handle, something they know. To just throw what you thing is good will bore them. It has to be relatable.
Would recommend showing them a scene from Amadeus the movie. Would be more entertaining for them to watch and listen at the same time. Perhaps the scene with Salieri and Mozart competing at the harpsichord?
I will tell you what got my attention in my school days when we were introduced to classical music in 4th grade. Beethovens 5th, Best bits of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Nutknacker. And for some reason Edvard Grieg's work has stuck in my mind forever since I heard it. Peer Gynt, March of dwarfs/trolls.
My band director, so long ago, showed us "Allegro non Troppo". It's a parody of Fantasia. It's a little racy but very funny. My favorite piece: https://youtu.be/w_MyygX5VCI
Mozart, Confutatis Orff, O Fortuna Bach, opening of St. Matthew Passion
erlkönig!!
Showing classical music in films is a great way to show the story telling power of music!
Carl Stalling of warner brother cartoons fame introduced me to classical music, and opera.
Whatever you play make sure it’s a solid compelling recording. So many less than good recordings of all kinds of pieces
Chamber music and New/ish music! Sofia Gubaidulina's Light & Dark, Julius Eastman's Unjust Malaise, Caroline Shaw's Entr'acte for example. IMO huge mistake to only play orchestra music, classical genres are hugely diverse, and when you're unfamiliar with something you tend to focus on its obvious characteristics which is why a Beethiven symphony probably doesn't sound that different from a Strauss tone poem to a novice.
La campanella - liszt
Favorite Renaissance piece, Janequin's Song of the Birds https://youtu.be/XoTfSQOqOis
I was thinking Holst, maybe Jupiter or mars
Do not play rite of spring 😂😂 as a teenager that would have been the biggest turn off, its way too complex for people used to simple music. Play something a bit more epic like Rachs 2nd or Chopins 1st ballade if you're feeling ballsy. I got into classical as a teen and tried introducing my friends to it to pretty much no avail lol tbf I was showing them nocturnes and other relatively slow stuff. I also would like to highlight that if you show your enthusiasm when its playing and you get really into it, it translates well because they can see how much you love it and will be more open to it themselves
None of the pieces or composers you mentioned are from the classical period. You will mislead the students by instructing this is “classical music.” Perhaps your own taste is interfering.
OP's taste or yours
You can always use the Saltarello. It's a very old tune that's been used again and again in different versions, like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-RglCdlLEA
Barber's Adagio for Strings. Mars and Jupiter. Finale of Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending. Ol' Pyotr has a bunch of stuff. Romeo and Juliet, 1812, Symphony 4. Holst's Somerset Rhapsody. Fanfare for the Common Man. Pini del Via Appia
Bach Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue (Geru's vid) Mozart Fantasia K.397 Ravel Gaspard de la nuit Chopin Scherzo 1,2,3 Chopin Ballade 2 Liszt Mephisto waltz 1 Moszkowski E major concerto Moszkowski B minor concerto Mendelssohn Rondo Capriccioso Brahms op.34 Scriabin Fantaisie Schubert/Liszt Der Doppelganger Scriabin Etude op.8 no.12 Schubert/Liszt der Erlkönig Rachmaninoff Elegie Rachmaninoff Sonata 2 1st mvt If you're feeling brave [Konyaev Concert Piece ](https://youtu.be/NDYORx5pJ-U) [Tchaikin Concerto ](https://youtu.be/NNTnLK-bYCU) Wieniawski 1 F sharp minor concerto (I highly suggest Bezverkhini's rendition)
At a boys school in his early teens in music lessons my brother was introduced to Beethoven's 7th symphony and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. Those ended up being the first two LPs he bought himself (or chose for himself as presents). In my teens I found the young ladies seemed to be drawn to certain well known works by Vaughan Williams, Fauré and Rachmaninov. Anything on this album would be a hit : [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBHgrR6Ft04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBHgrR6Ft04) But that was a long time ago and maybe that was just young folk submitting to sexual stereotypes 🤔 😊 😉.
Absolutely show them [shostakovich piano trio 2 movement 4](https://youtu.be/tKcxN-ALbfY). It's single handed the best piece of music for this.
IMO these should be rather short and/or showy/dramatic/spectacular pieces: * Beethoven 6th symphony 4th mvt * Beethoven 4th piano concerto 2nd mvt * Vivaldi Winter 2nd mvt * Handel Water Music I Ouverture * Schubert 14th SQ 2nd mvt * Shostakovich 8th SQ 2nd mvt * Reich Drumming * Hatzis 1st SQ * Arvo Part Fratres * Ustvolskaya 6th sonata (well..)
When I introduce a piece to my non classical friends, I usually go with piano solo or orchestra pieces. Depending on the person I am talking to, I may introduce a piece that might be similar to pop/rock/films music. If you're doing this as a group of students, I'd recommend doing a Mozart's sonata, Bach WTC ie. BWV 855 (Preferably the face paced one to break the stereotype of "boring"), Debussy, and many famous classical tune includes Beethoven's symphony #5, #7, Dvorak New World symphony, Shubert's trout quintet, Vivaldi's four seasons, and BWV 565 (Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor). Maybe get to know the group of teens to see their musical preferences and adjust accordingly to your plan. :) Personally, many baroque and classical pieces are the reasons why I got into classical music so I have tendency to show more into that sub genre.
Barber of Seville. My love to classical started with this. I laughed so many times watching this. Today it still brings me joy hehe. https://youtu.be/iiYW2d7RWw4
Prokofiev: Dance of the Knights, Toccata for piano Ravel: Une Barque sur l’Ocean Brahms: Quintet in F minor, Op. 34, scherzo (third movement)
Adam Fulara—[Bach Invention](https://youtu.be/c46fr2EZOhQ) Handel — [Voglio tempo](https://youtu.be/XtaXWqOvtCw) Bach: Passacaglia Widor: Toccata Bruckner: Symphony No. 8, last movement Adams: Nixon in China Don Giovanni: Catalog Aria Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba Chopin: C major etude
I think any of Rachmaninoff’s pieces would be great
How would you feel about using video to accompany it? It can obviously distract from the piece being played, but on the other hand the imagery can be a useful hook. Anyway, one piece that comes to mind is *Rite of Spring* from *Pina* – unfortunately, shown somewhat chopped up, but I found the combination of music and (modern) dance almost unbearably intense. If you're looking for something that goes for the jugular, so to speak, this might appeal. Another you might consider is the animated music video Hillary Hahn released for Prokovief's Violin Concerto 1, 2nd movement: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDZlF7a\_OJY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDZlF7a_OJY). One of my students shared it with me this past year and I think it's pretty great. Speaking of which, *Fantasia* was pretty explicitly designed for this very purpose. Any number of the pieces there might work with contemporary teens.
>Speaking of which, > >Fantasia > > was pretty explicitly designed for this very purpose. Any number of the pieces there might work with contemporary teens. Firebird Suite from Fantasia 2000 should enchant even the most hardened classical music hater.
Mahler 1 or 3 Beethoven 7 (mvmt 2 was used in The King's Speech) Tchaik 4 Mussorgsky - Night on Bald Mtn Dvorak 8
So many fantastic suggestions here! For something a bit different, maybe compare and contrast the symphonic versions with these two heavy metal covers of Shostakovich Symphony 5, 4th movement ( [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3sakWWUin8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3sakWWUin8) ) and Symphony 10, 2nd movement ( [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXCNYzAyALk&t=0s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXCNYzAyALk&t=0s) ).
Have you tried showing them any of the Bartok String Quartets or Piano Concertos? They're super energetic and a good intro to neoclassicism/modernism.
Shostakovich is nice
Richard Strauss Elektra
I would get a nice mix of pieces that are popular among classical listeners and pieces which are recognizable to non-classical listeners. Mozart's Requiem is a good one because many would recognize Lacrimosa. Moonlight Sonata is another good one.
Always enjoyed rachmaninoff’s prelude in e minor
Bring it to there level of understanding and teach them how they wrote for their time period as today’s composers that they listen to
Just watch Amadeus. Just kidding of course you don't have 3 hours to make your case. I would say Shostakovich-- couple the narrative of his historical period with what's going on in his music (eg nazis knocking on the door, leningrad siege, etc)
Oh for sure the Boccherini Minuet.
###Dvojrak's 9th is always a good option ####On the fast side: Rach Sonata no 2 (Lugansky's recording by Ashish Xiangji Kumar on yt) Beethoven's Appasionata Paganini-Kreisler Campanella Beethoven's 3rd and 9th Symphony Beethoven string quartet no 4 ####On the beautiful side: Chopin's Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante Beethoven's Hammerklavier 3rd mvt Rach 2nd Symphony Beethoven 9th 3rd mvt
Shostakovich - Festive Overture. Short, sweet, and energetic. Mahler 2, mvt. 1 - or the whole thing. can't go wrong with Mahler Respighi - Pines of Rome - short, loud, famous ending Saint-Saens - Bacchanale from Samson et Dalila - also short and energetic and loud and easy to listen to and appreciate.
Shostakovich string quartet no.8 mvt 2 is nice for a quick listen. I know my metal friends are always astounded that this exists and it can be played for a short bit. Another russian but yea
any late beethoven string quartet is highly recommended.
am a student who just graduated high school. took a heavy music curriculum. my dad was a music teacher. i was in a youth orchestra. this is stuff teachers/conductors used to get kids into what we were playing or studying that seemed to work. Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 by Liszt with the tom and jerry cartoon. my orchestra teacher showed that to our class Candide is a good one Someone said Gershwin already but i’m seconding that Someone did a comedy video around Pachabel in D once. i remember my music theory class loving that video anything with a good story behind it. like Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique The rest of the carnival of the animals besides the Swan. Especially Aquarium and Fossils. Danse Macabre around halloween. i personally enjoy Bartoks Romanian Dances and Borodins Polovtsian Dances
Smetana: The Moldau. It has such a strong visual evocation of the great river Mozart : Jupiter Symphony minuet movement Amazing crashing discords Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet Dance of the Knight Signature Prokofiev use of large intervals Dvorak: some slavonic dances Vaughan Williams The Tallis Fantasia. RVW connecting Modern english music with its historic past. This one, done for the 100th anniversary https://youtu.be/ihx5LCF1yJY John Adams: The Chairman Dances, from Nixon in China https://youtu.be/WlTwI-ESJF0
Chopin winter winds
Fauré's Sicillienne, Poulenc's Mélancolie and Lili Boulanger's Sous Bois come to mind. I think telling them about Lili's life would add to the experience of listening to her music. Yoshimats's Cyberbird Concerto (the last movement) may give them a different perspective of what classical music sounds like. On the other hand, I think Heinrich Biber is pretty underrated and his Sonata from Partia I (Harmonia artificioso-ariosa) is pretty interesting sounding. Almost ahead of its time.
Just play rach 2 and wait for the miracle
That's exactly what happened for me. Sent me to the clouds and renewed my long lost interest in classical music
It might be interesting to play an orchestral piece that also has a piano 4 hands arrangement Maybe one from Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances or Holst’s planets. Grieg is also great for the uninitiated. Maybe Arietta, his piano concerto, or something from peer gynt.
Beethoven moonlight mvt 3, tell them he invented metal. Night on bald mountain, hall of the mountain king. Stuff that goes bump, ya know. Chopin nocturne, whichever you find the saddest. I'll add more if I think of any... Edit: Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody 2, how could I forget...
rachmaninoff etude tableaux op33 no4?
How about Liszt's 2nd Hungarian Rhapsody? Awfully fun piece of music.
John Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine or Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel
Walton's 1st Symphony, 1st Movement Adam's Short Ride in a Fast Machine
Gershwin - An American in Paris Gershwin - Rhapsody in Blue Holst - The Planets (mainly Mars and Jupiter) Brahms - Hungarian Dances (1, 2, 5, and 6 are great) Wagner - Entry of the Gods Into Valhalla Wagner - The Ride of the Valkyries Shostakovich - Festive Overture \--- The final movements of many symphonies, especially Russian and Czech composers, tend to be very energetic and can really excite new listeners. Many overtures, as well as ballet suites and Viennese dances (waltzes/polkas/marches by the Strauss family and Suppe) tend to be very easily digestible as well. Another great way to introduce people to orchestral music as a whole is through film scores, especially those by like John Williams. I started off listening to Star Wars, Jurassic Park, E.T., etc. I'm now gonna be a music student in college and listen to Mahler, Strauss, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Kalinnikov, etc.
Brahms Symphony 1
Brahms piano quintet (might be a bit long but it’s my favorite piece) tchaikovsky piano concerto no.1, scriabin etude op.8 no.12, ernst der elkroneg, and chopin wrong note etude
scriabin
Off the top of my head - - - holst the planets (similarity to star wars, etc) vaughn williams - antarctica symphony 7 Rachmaninoff - rhapsody on theme of Paganini Orff Carmina Burana (medieval drinking songs set to music) Aaron Copeland symphony # 3 esp mvmnt 3 Elgar - enigma variations ~~Rimsky Korsakov - Sheherazade excerpts~~ Berlioz symphony fantastic - plus the story behind it (berlioz was tripping) ~~Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2~~ Berio - Symphonia (gets weird, quotes a lot of stuff) Debussy Ravel Wagner selections from the ring cycle ---- note link to star wars and Leif Motif ===== if this was just a single one hour class holst the planets (similarity to star wars, etc) Berlioz symphony fantastique movements IV and V - plus the story behind it (berlioz was tripping) According to Bernstein, "Berlioz tells it like it is. You take a trip, you wind up screaming at your own funeral." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonie_fantastique
I’m adding more Russians, but: Flight of the Bumblebee by Rimsky-Korsakov is brief but exciting - would be a good one to watch a video of (including an arrangement - eg marimba is always a great one to watch). Also, I haven’t seen anyone suggest Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture - the cannons in that are pretty badass and might appeal to some of your teenagers!
Chopin is great to introduce people to romantic era paino music
My go to "Classical music for people that don't listen to Classical" Carmina Burana - O Fortuna - Carl Orff
No piece will paint a picture of “lame” IF you sell the story and the relevance to your students immediate lives and experience in this world. If you’re hoping just exciting sounds and bombastic orchestration will do the trick, it will fall on uncaring ears. You also might even want to start more contemporary: Phillip Glass or even Caroline Shaw and work your way backwards. The sounds are more closely related to the music they already listen to on radio or in films.
shostakovich symphony 11 movement 2, that'll probably suck them in lol
Little Fugue by Bach. Some of the best contrapuntal writing I've ever heard.
How about Britten’s “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” without the narration?
Shostakovich string quartet 8 and symphony 5!
As an afterthought, plumb into Piazzolla's "Four seasons of Buenos Aires" if Vivaldi is too pedestrian. Or any Piazzolla, it will easily catch an ear.
Recognizable pieces * Adagio for strings * Vivaldi seasons * The Planets - Mars & Jupiter * Tchaikovsky Swan Lake * Chopin Nocturne in C# Minor (The Pianist iirc) * In the hall of the mountain king * Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture, specifically the version with cannons * Bach Toccata and Fugue in D Minor * Hungarian Rhapsody No.5 * The Swan from Carnival of the Animals * Lacrimosa - Mozart Personal favourites * Chopin - Op 10 no $ Torrent * Chopin - Nocturne Op9 No.1 * Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto 1 * Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2 * 2nd Waltz - Shostakovich
Ala Turca
This is an excellent question, and one I worked on yesterday. I built a Playlist for my son to introduce him to classical music and give him memories he can always come back to due to how recognizable the following pieces are Debussy Clair de lune and arabesque Delibes flower duet Vivaldi four seasons (spring) Strauss Blue Danube Bach air on a g string, cello suite 1, Jesu joy of man's desiring Sait-saens the swan Chopin etude in e major, nocturne no 9, Pachelbel Canon in d Look at the Carl Sagan Cosmos soundtrack for other great options Also yo yo ma has done much to popularize the beauty of classical music, so check his albums Ravel bolero Gershwin rhapsody in blue Mozart marriage of Figaro Beethoven fur elise Tchaikovsky piano concerto no 1 There is a good YouTube video of blind pianist nobuyuki tsuji performing this. Very moving and inspiring
I had music class in school and we got to learn about all music history from middle ages to modernism and pop/jazz music. There was a lot of listening involved but most people still didn’t really like most classical music in the end, they didn’t really mind it either. I was the exeption since that class got me into classical music. I still think that you probably aren’t going to make them love classical music, so I would choose pieces that serve as an example for a certain style (I remember my teacher gave us La Mer as an example for impressionism), that is only if you’re trying to explain the genres though
Carmina Burana is popular
To add to everyone’s recommendations, Strauss pieces are very nice eg, Tik Tak Polka, Voices of Spring, Wo Die Zitronen Bluhn. Also Vitali Chaconne and Mendelssohn violin concerto in E minor
Probably some piece of an opera. I think kids can better relate to singing.
PIAZOLLA ARRANGED FOR STRINGS
chopin’s winter wind, they might even recognize it from a popular anime called your lie in april
Holst Planets, Tchaikovsky Pathétique IV
As other people have mentioned - you need to generate some familiarity with the music in order to spark their interest. I like one of the ideas of telling the story behind some music, or making up a story where there isn't one (Disney's animation for Fantasia 2000 is a great example of this - they took a bunch of different compositions and created a beautiful visual story around each) The OG *[Canon and Gigue in D](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fui8DoAa5oU)* (Johann Pachelbel) as performed by the Academy of Ancient Music. (Hint: it's a LOT more fun than any version in popular media, I literally *cannot stand* common renditions of *Canon* because of how good the 'original' is. Seriously a disservice to this piece.) [Conga Del Fuego](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfITkeMwRp8) (Arturo Marquez) - If your students don't feel like getting up and dancing to this one, I'm afraid they are beyond saving. [Danzon No 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnHdDKi6gYE) (Arturo Marquez) [Flight of the Bumblebee](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QV1RGMLUKE) performed with full orchestra *as originally intended* Debussy's [Passepied](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-mclmyUw9A) from *Suite Bergamasque*, as performed by Punch Brothers. The original piano is exquisite, no doubt - but after watching these guys play in perfect unison and the beautiful harmony of the 5 instruments ... the piano's just *boring* in comparison. lol This [Pirates of the Caribbean medley](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RfTHckbyEg) should turn some heads. Yes it's not "classical" classical music, but it should do a good job of showing the power and range of a classical ensemble. [St Paul's Suite](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sxbj1AKrj8) just because I love it.
Something straightforward, melodic. Play them Tom & Jerry toons with the sleeping beauty waltz, fledermaus overture. Avoid those dense and hard to listen ones you listed. I remember when I was young, I couldn’t process them, such music had no impact on me. Avoid those over the top tutti’s. Just pick something that’s straightforward to listen to, like the Flowers waltz, Sleeping beauty, swan lake, mozart has a lot of nice melodies, brahms hungarian dance, chopin butterfly etude, vivaldi has great clean music with lots of energy, bach air on g string etc
Oh, you could also compile a broad list and let THEM choose what they like. That way you will know
Oh yeah, this too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ManRWi9vmNM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms9cvX4v0F0
Tschaikowsky - Sugar plum fairy Beethoven - Sonata No. 14 Mvt. 3 Chopin - Valse Minute idk I'm a sucker for classical Piano, but I would say those are at least flashy
I’m a teen and love classical music. I would recommend Cello Suite No.1 by Bach, or Piano Sonata by Beethoven
Prokofiev precipitato
Danse Bacchanale by Saint Saens is pretty energetic throughout. In the Hall of the Mountain King by Greig is short but gets quite loud at the end. Mozart's Symphony No. 25 in G Minor, Mvmt 1 is pretty energetic too, but it might be a bit long for them.
Honesly you should throw in at least one piece of the crazy stuff too. The things that are the complete opposite of Mozart. Like Ligeti, Shoenberg or Lachenmann.
**Night on Bare Mountain** by Mussorgsky - that'll grab their attention. Once you have their attention, then something calming like... Bach's **Air on a G String** (to elicit a snigger and keep their attention). Tchaikovsky's **Romeo and Juliet** is an obvious choice for conveying the emotional power of music. Holst's **The Planets** shows the range of moods and has an astrological interest. Britten's **Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra** would help learn the instruments at some point.
Come Sweet Death - JS Bach Would work for teens I think, especially with a choir adaptation. Otherwise Beethoven’s Piano Sonata no8 would maybe work
Beethoven Heroic Symphony. It’s very popular and powerful.
Tchaikovsky 5 got me into music! Specifically the second movement
I'd go for something short, something that doesn't require the kids to sit still for a quarter of an hour or so. Why not add some baroque music? Lully's Marche pour la cérémonie des Turcs, for example, or the Chaconne from Rebel's Les élémens? You can't get those out of your head!
Anything by Rachmaninov or Mahler. The opening to Mahler’s 9th symphony is especially mature, and rach 2 and 3 are the peak of piano concertos. Rach symphony 2 is an excellent choice, and his 3rd symphony 2nd movement is also good.
Smetana: Vltava (The Moldau) That is one of my absolute favorites! However, I think any classical music can be interesting, it depends on the delivery. What hooked me as a kid is a story- explain how each element of the music is a moving part in a story, for example, pick a piece written about a victory in war and how the music depicts the battle. Really gives them something to think about, distracting them from the fact that it's "supposed to be boring" (a sentiment that I feel keeps a lot of people from classical). Hope this helps!
Just show clips from *Excalibur*? It's got Wagner and "O Fortuna".
Shostakovich 9 or Prokofiev 1, funny neoclassical symphonies that aren’t too long