Soothing Stuff 2
Sway with Me

Some people don't hear any beat in classical music; but it's there! That's why the bloke stands out the front of an orchestra waving a stick!

For many people coming to Classical music for the first time, this is one of the key points of difference, not to mention misunderstanding. But, rhythm is just as essential in classical music as it is in any form of music. It just doesn't get the prominence that the drums give to it in pop and rock.

Classical music can, and does assert clear, regular and steady beats. These are most blatant in the driving rhythms of classical dance music. However, on this occasion we'll focus on some less vigorous dance numbers.

Here are some rhythmic and deeply soothing pieces:

1. Brahms – Symphony No. 3 in f major, op.90 – 3. Poco allegretto
2. Dvořák – Humoresque in G flat Major, op.101 no.7
3. Dvořák – Slavonic Dances, op.72 no.2: Starodávny. Allegretto grazioso
4. Elgar – Serenade for Strings, op.20 – 1. Allegretto piacevole
5. Fauré – Pavane, op.50
6. Fauré– Pelléas et Mélisande, op.80 – Sicilienne
7. Franck – Symphony in d minor – 2. Allegretto
8. Grieg – "Holberg" Suite, op.40 – 3. Gavotte (Allegretto)- Musette (Poco piu mosso) – Gavotte
9. Sibelius – Valse Triste, from Kuolema Suite, op.44/1
10. Vaughan-Williams – Fantasia on "Greensleeves" from the Opera, St John in Love