Classical music to set the mood on Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day has never meant much to me and as an adult I’ve always had partners who’ve agreed it’s far too commercial. We have consciously avoided ‘the day’ and instead, unconsciously done special things for each other during the year. As a teenager though, I do remember sending a Valentine to a boy I fancied in the trumpet section of a band I was playing in. I got a secret thrill wondering if he’d received it and hoping he knew it was from me, even though I had gone to great pains to change my handwriting and send it from a different postcode!
Everyone celebrates romance in their own way, and I guess it’s not a bad thing to pause for reflection on a specific day of the year to rekindle or discover love in this fast, busy world we find ourselves in. And regardless of when the ‘love bug’ hits it’s important to have some tools to set the mood. Classical music, particularly works composed in the Romantic Period, is perfect for this.
There is no definitive list and every person has their own idea, but here’s a few traditional choices that might strike a chord (pardon the pun!):
You really can’t go past any of the Rachmaninov Piano Concertos but Nos. 2 & 3 are particularly beautiful. (Find them here.) They encapsulate perfectly the myriad of romantic emotions with their expression and lyricism. Once heard they will stay with you forever.
Spanish guitar music is also a great option; just add some tapas and a Rioja for good measure. Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez evokes the passion, colour and vibrancy of the flamenco tradition. The slow movement, Adagio, is the most well known and was inspired by events in the composer’s relationship with wife Victoria. It has influenced, and been used by, many musicians in their own compositions.
When asked, many people suggest Ravel’s Bolero as their music of choice for a romantic evening and yes, it does have the goods, but I love Daphnis et Chloe. This ballet is based on the Greek story of a boy and girl who, to summarize, fall in love, learn what love and life are really about, then finally marry. The music is passionate, rousing and sensuous, and the orchestration is nothing short of amazing.
For those planning to stay up late then something instrumental, in this case the piano, is not going to disturb the neighbours and is also a wonderful way to wind down for the evening. Not the most obvious choice, but Chopin’s Nocturnes are gentle, expressive and have a dreamy quality that compels the listener to relax and perhaps even become a little contemplative. You could almost call them lullabies for adults.
Of course there are countless opera arias, some glorious chamber music and so much more… Find more of our classical musical highlights from this year here.
