Classical and Instrumental Music Inspiration
Written by: Tereza Lysakova
Sometimes I am in a mood for listening to the lively and catchy pop songs and music. But the minute I start listening to such music, I am totally caught up by the song itself, the lyrics, the feeling and I usually start to sing along. Either aloud, when I am at home, or wordlessly, when outside. Although, I am sometimes catching myself singing quietly even when jogging or cycling. 😊 Since this is usually in the park or somewhere on the road, I guess it is OK.
But from time to time I am in a mood for something calmer and relaxing and that is when I usually pick some pieces of the instrumental or the classical music. It is mostly when I need to concentrate and still prefer some background music. Or sometimes, I simply want to listen to these pieces, just like that. As the music is really that beautiful.
I have always liked the classical music and I literally felt surrounded by this music when growing up. During my studies, I even had the possibility to work part time in the Czech classical music publishing house, so I started to slowly discover the Czech and world classical music gems.
For some people it might be a bit unknown or a slightly peculiar style of music. But don't be afraid, really. Classical music is a pure perfection. Of course, there are many pieces of the classical music which tend to be quite sentimental and require deep emotional involvement and concentration. Just imagine for instance the classical operas where the story and the plot might be very emotional and touching. But I would probably not choose such pieces as a background music but rather enjoyed them fully in the theatre or the concert hall instead.
There are countless tunes and melodies of the classical and instrumental music, so I will mention some of my absolute favorites. Some of these compositions relate to my memories, while others are for instance from the movie soundtracks. Maybe you will also be inspired to listen to these masterpieces as well. So, either light up a scented candle and relax while listening to these melodies or put these pieces to your headphones while studying and working, it might also help with the concentration as it works for me. And let me know what your favorite classical pieces are as it is always nice to discover new inspiration and new artworks.
- Antonín Dvořák: From the New World (Part II: Largo)
Beautiful, beautiful, and once more, beautiful. This symphony, especially the Largo part, is glorious. Just listen and you will see. Or hear? 😊 It is also said, that this symphony was a part of the Apollo 11 Space mission to the Moon in 1969, accompanying Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin [1]. Really cool, right?
- Bedřich Smetana: Vltava
Vltava is a river which flows through Prague and other parts of the Czech Republic. In the Prague city center, the strolls around the Vltava riverbanks and the views from it are stunning. Vltava is, however, also a symphonic poem written by the Czech famous composer, Bedřich Smetana. If you like Vltava, then make sure to listen to the whole collection of symphonic poems called Má vlast, which means My homeland in translation. Each of these symphonies is unique and the music is so joyful.
- Edvard Grieg: Morning Mood
This composition is a real classic. A touching and a beautiful piece. I bet you have already heard this tune, right? If you like it, check also the Solveig's Song. These pieces come from the two-piece suite, written by Edvard Grieg in 1876, to accompany the scenic Henrik Ibsen's drama called Peer Gynt [2].
- Johann Strauss II - The Blue Danube Waltz
Either the Danube Waltz (the rivers seem to be quite a popular theme for the classical pieces), or the Vienna Waltz by Johann Strauss I, both are wonderful examples of this style of music. While listening to these, do you also imagine strolling through the streets of Vienna, drinking Vienna coffee with whipped cream or dancing waltz in a beautiful dress in a nice historical ballroom? No? I do. 😊
- Ludovico Einaudi - Una Mattina
I once entered a bike repair shop and a loud instrumental music caught me by surprise. I really wouldn't expect such music to be blasting from a repair shop. What a pleasant bewilderment. Never judge the book by its cover, right? 😊 So, I asked the lad at the shop what that beautiful music was, and he had told me that it was a soundtrack from The Intouchables movie. For sure I listened to the soundtrack immediately when I came home, mainly not to forget the name, and later I also watched the film. The music is gorgeous, and the film is a very nice tribute to a true friendship, overcoming all the barriers.
- Michael Nyman - The Heart Asks Pleasure First
This gorgeous piano music written by the English composer Michael Nyman accompanies the soundtrack for the film Piano. Each composition from the soundtrack is beautiful, and so is the film. My most favorite part is this exact theme. If you like and enjoy this music, check also the soundtrack from the Carrington movie.
- Paul de Senneville - Mariage d'amour
Another beautiful piece of the piano music nicely performed either by Richard Clayderman or in a slightly different version by George Davidson. The music simply speaks without any words.
- Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake (The Swan Theme)
I first noticed this theme in the Billy Elliot film, not in the Swan Lake Ballet itself. I first watched this movie when I was in England for the first time. It was on the English language course back in 2005. Oh, how the time flies... Anyway, I was simply amazed. By England (for sure this will be a theme in some of my next stories), by the film itself and by the music. The theme first appears in the film when Billy and his dance teacher board the ferry and beautifully fills in the atmosphere. But for those, who don't know the movie, no spoilers here. 😊
- Nobuo Uematsu - Tidus & Yuna Piano Theme
I really don't remember how I have discovered this composition. It was probably on auto play while listening to some of my favorite songs. But I am glad I have discovered this theme as the piano music is so nice. Apparently, as I tried to search for the origin, it comes from a video game called Final Fantasy.
- Yiruma - River Flows in You
And another stunning piano theme (and third river in my selection) which appeared in the Twilight series, composed by the South Korean artist Yiruma. Check also other Yirumas's compositions, for instance Kiss the Rain.
Enjoy listening to these masterpieces! Others will follow in one of my next posts...
References:
- [1] Miketa, K. Češi znovu dobývají vesmír - 21 českých stop v kosmu. Praha: Mladá fronta, 2018
- [2] Peer Gynt. Available at https://www.britannica.com/topic/Peer-Gynt-by-Grieg (2020-10-01)
Image credit: Pixabay from Pexels