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The first rays of sunshine, a gentle breeze, and the blossoming of flowers: like every year, you have eagerly awaited the arrival of spring. The days get longer and the world lights up with new colours until everything culminates in the equinox - a time of collective awakening and an important opportunity for renewal. If early winter is the time of resolutions, spring is the time of new beginnings. It comes as a reminder that we must never lose hope and that a long, harsh winter is always followed by a season of new opportunities.
Whether you are looking for the right soundtrack to accompany your picnics and outings with family and friends, or simply to give your spring cleaning a boost, Halidon has come up with a selection of classical pieces that span different eras, but have one thing in common: light and carefree spring atmospheres to match the most colourful change of season of the year!
- Antonio Vivaldi, The Four Seasons, Violin Concerto No. 1 in E Major, RV 269 "Spring": I. Allegro
One of the world's best-known pieces of classical music, Antonio Vivaldi’s Spring celebrates the very season of flowers. Inspired by birdsong, its first movement has become so synonymous with the season itself that it echoes everywhere. A must-listen to officially welcome this season!
- Felix Mendelssohn, Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 62: No. 6 in A Major, Frühlingslied (Spring Song)
Part of an eight-volume collection, these Romances without Words, Op. 62 were written by composer Felix Mendelssohn between 1842 and 1844 and dedicated to Clara Schumann. They also include the very famous Trauermarsch and the Venezianisches Gondellied! Just like its title suggests, Frühlingslied is the perfect companion for peaceful springy outdoor walks.
- Robert Schumann, Liederkreis, Op. 39: No. 12, Frühlingsnacht
The closing piece of a cycle of 12 Lieder inspired by the poems of Joseph von Eicheldorff, this intense and expressive tune describes a spring night in which the artist, intoxicated by the vibrant atmosphere of the season, is tormented by existential questions. Fear not though – there is a happy ending!
- Edvard Grieg, Lyric Pieces, Book III, Op. 43: No. 6, To Spring
Among these 66 lyric pieces written between 1867 and 1901 are some of the best-known works in Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg's repertoire. The dreamy piano atmospheres are reminiscent of a melancholy spring.
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, The Seasons, Op. 37a: No. 3, March. Song of the Lark
Commissioned by the editor of a music magazine, these 12 pieces were published monthly in the St. Petersburg magazine Nuvellist with great anticipation from readers. The third one in G Minor is inspired by the song of the lark, and the text accompanying the music describes an "infinite blue." Simply perfect to play in the background while meditating!
- Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral": I. Allegro ma non troppo
Does this symphony sound familiar? Oh yes, it is the very one which appeared in the 1940 animated film Fantasia. Beethoven added the subtitle "pastoral" because he spent so much of his time in the countryside, fascinated by its landscapes, that he said about nature, "Who will ever be able to express all that?". Well, this symphony certainly comes close!
- Claude Debussy, Préludes, Premier livre, L. 117: No. 8, La fille aux cheveux de lin
Did you know that this popular piece by French composer Claude Debussy was actually inspired by Frédéric Chopin's work of the same name, in turn taken from Johann Sebastian Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier Preludes? The admiration between composers gifted us with this ethereal piece, built on the suspended, floating notes of a gentle piano. The call to nature is also very evident here – for a springtime tinged with romance!
- Edvard Grieg, Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: Morning Mood
Are you looking for the right tune to wake you up in the morning? Edvard Grieg thought of just that when writing this piece dedicated to morning and the rising of the sun. Did you know that it is a stage composition? The Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen asked Grieg to compose the music for Peer Gynt, his new work.
- Carl Orff, Wilhelm Killmayer, Carmina Burana: Veris leta facies
A small choir sings "The Happy Face of Spring" and opens the first part of this cantata composed by Carl Orff and taken from 24 poems in the medieval collection of the same name. Looking for a slightly different spring vibe? Then this is the right piece for you!
- Johann Strauss II, Frühlingsstimmen, Op. 410
Spring in all its splendour rises,
Ah, all hardship is over,
Sorrow becomes milder,
Good expectations,
The belief in happiness returns;
This is how the famous Austrian composer Johann Strauss II describes the long-awaited arrival of spring, which promises serenity and hope with the first rays of sunshine. The first performance of this waltz for voice took place in Vienna, precisely on March 1, 1883.
- Astor Piazzolla, Cuatro Estaciones Porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires): III. Primavera Porteña
Did you know that Vivaldi's are not the only four seasons in music? Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla wrote his Primavera inspired by the atmosphere of the Buenos Aires harbour. Among the jazz and tango sounds are hints of Vivaldi's composition – for an unexpected twist!
Are you looking for more tunes to listen to on your headphones to fully immerse yourself in this season? Or do you want to impress your guests at Sunday lunch? We have got you covered! Explore the Spring in Music, Classical Music for Spring and Classical Spring compilations or click here and find the right track for you!
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