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Warmer weather, longer days, blue skies, naps in the sun, the sound of waves and the smell of salt in the air, not to mention ice cream (!)… What’s there not to love about summer? It’s a season of simple pleasures, like the feeling of the sun on your skin; a time to slow down and enjoy the little things.
Which classical music pieces remind you of lazy days at the beach and summer adventures? Discover our suggestions below, and check out the full Classical Music for Summer compilation on our YouTube channel. Let’s make this summer one for the books!
- Vivaldi - The Four Seasons, Concerto No. 2 in G minor, RV 315 “Summer”: III. Presto
The Four Seasons is a group of four violin concertos, each of which gives expression to a season of the year. They are one of the earliest examples of program music—music with a narrative element. In Summer, we hear everything from “buzzing gnats and flies”, to “violent storms” and “roaring thunder”. Watch out for the thrilling third movement!
- Mendelssohn – Symphony No. 4, Op. 90 “Italian”: I. Allegro vivace
Inspired by the colours and atmosphere of Italy, Mendelssohn described it as the «jolliest piece» he’d ever composed. In a letter to his father, he added: «This is Italy! […] the supreme joy in life». Could this be the perfect soundtrack for your holiday on the Amalfi Coast?
- Tchaikovsky - The Seasons, Op. 37a: No. 6, June. Barcarolle
Mellow and full of nostalgia, this piano piece is accompanied by a gorgeous epigraph by Aleksey Pleshcheyev:
Let us go to the shore;
there the waves will kiss our feet.
With mysterious sadness
the stars will shine down on us.
Perfect for stargazing and wishing on a falling star.
- Grieg - Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: Morning Mood
Morning Mood was written in 1875 as incidental music to Henrik Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt. The piece depicts the rising of the sun in the desert, and is an excellent way to get your day off to a slow, gentle start.
- Schubert - Schwanengesang, D. 957: Ständchen (Serenade)
An exquisite listen as you watch the sun set at the end of a long, hot summer’s day. This arrangement for string orchestra of Schubert’s Serenade will wash away all your worries and fill your heart with wonder.
- Vivaldi - Concerto alla Rustica for Strings in G major: I. Presto
Also among Vivaldi’s most famous works, the Concerto alla Rustica was written around the same time as the Four Seasons. Vigorous, fresh and instantly memorable, it will transport you back to the sun-drenched alleys of Venice on a fine summer day.
- Debussy – Suite Bergamasque: III. Clair de lune
Many composers took inspiration from poetry, and Debussy was no exception. His most popular piece is based on a poem by Paul Verlaine, and its delicate beauty will set the mood for your peaceful summer nights.
- Shostakovich – Suite from the Gadfly, Op. 97a: VIII. Romance
As the popular song goes: «Summer is for falling in love». And when you fall in love with yourself first, life becomes extraordinary. May this compilation become a reminder of all the memories you made during one magical summer!
- Albéniz – Suite Española No. 1: V. Asturias – Leyenda
Despite its name, the piece is not suggestive of the folk music of the northern Spanish region of Asturias, but rather of Andalusian flamenco traditions. In Albéniz’s own words, his music contained «less grand ideas, but more colour, sunlight, [and the] flavour of olives».
- Rodrigo – Concierto de Aranjuez: II. Adagio
The Concierto de Aranjuez was inspired by the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, the spring resort palace and gardens built by Philip II in the last half of the 16th century near Madrid. The work attempts to transport the listener to another place and time through the evocation of the sounds of nature.
Our journey together may have come to an end, but now it’s time for you to set off for your much-deserved holidays. What will your destination be? Whether wandering the streets of a new city, lounging by the pool, hiking in the mountains or soaking up some rays, we hope our classical music playlists will keep you company throughout the summer months.
Travelling to Europe this summer? Check out our Italian Classical Music, French Classical Music and German Classical Music compilations on YouTube. We hope your summer is one to remember — safe travels!