Music can be both soothing and soul-shattering; classical pieces in particular often cause great sadness and despair.
Sinead O’Connor’s rendition of Nothing Compares 2 U has an ineffable melancholy that would make any Prince cover seem dull in comparison.
Studies suggest that sad music may actually provide comfort by reminding listeners they aren’t alone in their pain.
1. Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 2
Sergei Rachmaninoff was not at his best when he composed this powerful piano concerto, having just been heavily criticized by the press for his Symphony No. 1. Additionally, tuberculosis had already begun its destructive path that would ultimately result in his death. Rachmaninoff used minor keys and chromatic harmony to heighten its sorrowful quality in this work.
This concerto’s opening begins with paired chords for piano that gradually build into stormy runs before dissipating again. Lyrical passages by the pianist compliment orchestral interjections with rich textures and sparkle; at the conclusion of this first movement a simple melody gradually fades away into nothingness as a metaphor for hope fading as its time nears an end.
In the second movement, a simple melodic theme is carried out by piano using rich and lyrical passages accompanied by quick scalic passages from orchestra to create a striking dichotomy between light and dark that makes this piece emotionally captivating. In contrast, in the third movement piano creates an emotionally dark atmosphere by playing descending chromatic notes chord progressions; there are whispery melodies for orchestra that evoke longing and sadness as this music brings to life what love feels like; they know they won’t last forever with them leaving them behind forevermore. This music evokes this emotion perfectly as this music captures perfectly the feeling evoked when one knows they won’t last and leaves someone they love eventually leaving them behind and will eventually let them go forevermore.
2. Chopin’s Prelude in B Minor
Chopin created one of his most emotionally intense and heartbreaking pieces with this prelude, featuring weighty blocked chord patterns along with right hand runs and trills that don’t always align with what was written on the left hand. However, playing it is far from easy due to all its intricate rhythms and inner harmonies – making this prelude one of his more challenging pieces!
At first glance, this piece may appear challenging; however, it is actually very rewarding for any pianist. Technical challenges don’t pose much difficulty once you know how to apply them properly and it offers an opportunity to showcase your abilities as a performer. The challenge lies in understanding its emotional significance as an emotional statement by an artist.
This prelude by Chopin often symbolizes despair. It was composed during a particularly stressful period in his life when both he and George Sand were hospitalized after contracting tuberculosis in Mallorca off Spain’s coast, leading Sand to write an article saying he “precipitated [her soul into] frightful depression,” something which can be heard through its racing grace notes that create an air of desperation and urgency – its French title being Cortoti? 1/2l’arbre plein d’chants (which translates to “The Tree Full of Songs”).
3. Beethoven’s Sonata no. 17
Beethoven is one of the greatest composers when it comes to conveying powerful emotions through music, and Sonata No 17 in D minor, better known by its nickname The Tempest Sonata, is an example of this power. Written during one of Beethoven’s more difficult periods in life, its sorrowful tone can bring memories flooding back of sadness, regret and loss.
At every point in this piece, the composer uses phrasing – the way musicians shape their notes to express emotion – to communicate a mood. Phrases that rise may suggest hope, while phrases that fall may convey sadness or despair. The final pianissimo fade is particularly emotive; you won’t be able to listen without getting goose bumps!
Mahler’s 9th Symphony may seem overdramatic at times, yet the emotional torment that this final movement evokes is real and deep. Horns and strings play mournful melodies evoking sadness and loneliness while the piano creates an impression of impending doom – all tied in with Dido grieving for her lover Aeneas in Dido’s Lament – this piece stands as one of classical music’s most heartbreaking compositions ever. Concert-goers frequently break down after hearing it; regular performances at Remembrance Day services round out its saddest ranking by BBC Today.
4. Satie’s Gymnopedie no. 1
Classical piano music evokes a wide range of feelings when heard, such as grief, loss and depression. One particular track by Erik Satie that stands out for melancholy melodies with slow rhythms and soothing tones can evoke sorrowful sentiments while at the same time reminding us to recall happier memories. Listening to it may cause tears to flow in no time at all!
This piece’s harmonies and melodies evoke feelings of sorrow, loss, and isolation with its simple melodic structure that’s so emotionally touching; making this one of the most melancholy works ever written. Additionally, its lush harmonies create a relaxing yet tranquil ambience – an excellent piece for anyone feeling down or seeking escape from reality.
Contrasting some classical pieces that can create feelings of melancholy, this piece has more of an indifferent atmosphere. Although disapproved of during Romanticism’s golden age, its slow tempo and beautiful harmony has endured throughout time and made this classic piece timeless. At its conclusion there’s even an emotional yet tranquil fade-out which leaves listeners breathless: an ideal end for such sad yet beautiful music that could make anyone weep with emotion!
5. The Funeral March by Frederic Chopin
The Funeral March (marche funebre in French, marcia funebre in Italian and Trauermarsch in German) is an instrumental composition that’s commonly played during funerals or other somber occasions, from cartoons and movies to real funerals – such as Chopin’s own. Furthermore, its inclusion has become part of classical piano repertoire.
Though its title might suggest otherwise, Funeral March is actually an incredibly beautiful and moving work. Beginning with an atmospheric introduction featuring chords reminiscent of tolling bells, its left-hand part oscillates ominously between harmonically ambiguous B-flat and G-flat notes while its right hand part plays static lethargic dotted rhythms before reaching its climax with three chords symbolising death at its conclusion.
Chopin’s 1830 funeral march vividly conveyed the anguish and sorrow felt by people under siege from Russian forces, becoming widely used at funerals of numerous heads of state including John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher funerals; it even commemorated Soviet leaders Leonid Brezhnev and Yuri Andropov as they passed on.
This week’s Daily Download presents a unique rendition of Chopin’s Funeral March by YouTube user Cosmic Ferret, who adds his own trippy touch. Check out his version below before subscribing to our podcast so you can continue enjoying more classical music every week – and be sure to share this episode if it tickles your fancy with your friends!
6. Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven
Beethoven’s Opus 27 piano sonata, often referred to as the Moonlight Sonata, dates back to 1801-1802 during Classical music’s Classical period. As Beethoven began losing his hearing during this period, its composition could have been inspired by this development and subsequent loss.
The first movement starts off slowly with a simple minor chord that changes once per bar for some time, creating an atmosphere of contemplation and melancholy. About halfway through there’s an unexpected change of mood with an exciting Neopolitan chord in major that both excite and emotionally move listeners – leading into a quickened pace, culminating in a fortissimo section which sounds almost like a symphony!
Once past the fortissimo section, the pace slows and melody softens to become more soothing and mysterious before returning to its relaxing and reflective opening chords. At the conclusion of this first movement there is a return to that mood as seen at its start.
No wonder this captivating piece has captured people for centuries! Even today when many consider classical music dull and boring, this work by Ludwig Van Beethoven still manages to stand out as something beautiful and moving despite his profound loss of hearing. His incredible talent allowed him to compose such profound works even under such immense strain.