The Classics 1
Classic Classics

Here’s some music that is just so perennially popular, so hummable that even kids of the pop generation may know them. These are all pieces of music that you’ve probably heard somewhere before; most likely on TV. (In fact, I’ve even heard some of them crop up in techno music!) Typically, they are subliminally advertising luxury cars or jewellery, so they must be top notch, posh even.

Chances are, you’re not a total beginner and you already have most of them tucked away safely in your CD cabinet or your mp3 playlists. If you don’t, you’ll probably find them conveniently lumped together on a "Greatest Classics" CD.
 

1. Pachelbel – Canon in D major
This tune is sublimely simple. A musical canon is a repetitive piece - in this case, a simple bass line with increasingly animated tunes played over it. That makes it early pop music! To many people’s dismay, this pearl won’t lead you to many other riches; This music is about the only thing that Pachelbel wrote of any durability, other than a forgettable Gigue which occasionally tags along in recordings.

2. Vivaldi – Le Quattro Stagoni (The Four Seasons) - Concerto (No. 1) in E major, op.8/1, RV269 "La Primavera" (Spring) - 1. Allegro
This piece kicks off Vivaldi’s musical impressions of the seasons. It is a bright summer day, to be sure. Nonetheless, you might hear a small storm darken the sky - before the sun comes out again. The hugely famous "Four Seasons" is actually a set of four violin concertos (violin player standing out the front of an orchestra and strutting his/her stuff). These, in turn, make up a set of 12 concertos.

3. Beethoven – Piano Sonata No. 14 in c sharp minor, op.27/2 - Moonlight - 1. Adagio sostenuto
When it comes to firing up the imagination, this piece never fails. It all unfolds so inevitably, so mysteriously. You cannot help but float along.

4. Grieg – Peer Gynt - Morgenstemning (Morning Mood)
This simple, evocative piece of music seems to bring all the freshness of an atmospheric Scandinavian fjord.

5. Mozart – Eine Kleine Nachtmusik in G, K 525 - 1. Allegro
Probably used on more commercials and telephone hold music than any other piece. Its fame may mean that it actually annoys you, but you can’t deny the power of its simplicity. Just about everything that Mozart wrote had great style.

6. Boccherini – String Quintet in E major, op.11, no.5, G 275 - III. Minuetto (con un poco di moto)
This elegant music evokes images of country gardens and Devonshire Teas and scones. (Or, perhaps, that is the result of those canny marketers who have subliminally forged the association). It is by far the most famous music Boccherini ever wrote, totally eclipsing the rest of his large, probably-unfairly, neglected catalogue.

7. Bach – Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068 - Air (on a G string)
Another one of those incredibly familiar pieces of music. This is much like the Pachelbel Canon; A series of simple repetitions produces great peace. Noble. Timeless... Think; expensive watches, pens or chocolates...

8. Albinoni – Adagio in g minor
Pure melancholy. This tune is a vote for music as the language of the emotions. Its great music for grey days indoors. Or is it the spiritual sanctity of a church that you hear?

9. Satie – Trois Gymnopaedies - No.1 Lent et douleureux
Satie was a strange man who loved collecting umbrellas. His music, which bewildered audiences over 100 years ago, sounds absolutely modern today. Shorn of all extraneous adornment this music is simple, yet deeply moving.

10. Ravel – Bolero
This well-known music is really just a graceful Spanish dance. Starting quietly, it builds and builds through a veritable who’s who of the instruments of the orchestra. Just as the whole orchestra gets the chance to belt out the tune together, everything lurches violently to an abrupt end.