The season of love is approaching its peak with Valentine's Day right around the corner, and finding the right mood apt for the celebration of romance means finding the right music.
Thankfully, the classical canon has timeless pieces that perfectly encapsulate what it means to be in love. This is why Classicalite has put together a list of five of the best romantic pieces that classical music has to offer, right below.
1. 'Pas de Deux' from 'The Nutcracker' by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky's "Pas de Deux," which directly translates to "A Step for Two," depicts the kinder type of affectionate care as shown in the choreographical interpretation of the piece in Act 2 of "The Nutcracker," where the Sugar Plum Fairy and her prince demonstrate such example of love.
The Russian composer delivers the ballet steps motif of the piece through his utilization of the harp's dreamlike soundscapes alongside the enamoring cascade of legato strings and ultimately creates a "fairytale-like" scene of romance.
2. 'Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 18' by Sergei Rachmaninoff
Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 2" launched into fame after it was used as a soundtrack of heartbreak in the 1952 film "Brief Encounter," however, its rich and deep imagery of a rarely celebrated kind of romance directed to oneself is all its own.
The piece was made during a depressive part of Rachmaninoff's life and career after his first concerto was subjected to a bombardment of criticism. In essence, the piece itself was the Russian composer's "companion," which lovingly heralded him out of solemnity.
Such a depiction of heartwrenching emotion is aptly led by the emotionally dynamic registers of the piano and opens on the lower end, hammering down the dejection and sorrow.
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3. 'Salut d'Amour (Liebesgruß), Op. 12' by Edward Elgar
This piece's creation story is congruent with the marital romance that it portrays, as it is based on a poem written by Elgar's wife, Alice. At its core, the piece is as much a romantic gift to his "better half" as the poem was to him.
Initially, the piano-centric score was dubbed by Elgar as "Liebesgruss," or "Love's Greeting." However, the title was later republished in French, into the more amorous-sounding "Salut d'Amour."
4. 'Adagietto' from 'Symphony No. 5' by Gustav Mahler
Mahler's "Adagietto" is perhaps one of the most beloved romantic songs since time immemorial, which is fitting for a piece that serves as a declaration of intimate commitment to his wife, Alma Schindler.
The piece is believed to have been written shortly after the two were betrothed in 1902 and is a song filled with an almost feverish longing at its apex.
That said, it begins tenderly and with softness, akin to the start of many romantic relationships, before it gradually builds up to the passionate peak; a testament to Mahler's dedication and love to Alma.
5. 'O Soave Fanciulla' from 'La Bohème' by Giacomo Puccini
Puccini is an established master of romance, known for his potent depiction of love, be it in anguish or joy. The "O Soave Fanciulla," translated as "O Gentle Maiden," exemplifies Puccini's proficiency through one of his most exciting and tensioned duets.
It is a perfect piece to encapsulate the exact moment the operatic characters of "Mimì" and "Rodolfo," from the "La Bohème" opera, fall hopelessly in love with each other right before they are challenged with an untimely tragedy.
