Anticipating Spring Through Music

Although the weather might not always cooperate, the spring equinox brings hope for green to overtake the long Wisconsin winter. Music is a perfect way to welcome seasons and there are many classical and folk pieces inspired by the beauties of Spring.

Here are 10 favorites that will remind people of the shift to warmer weather:

Mendelssohn’s “Frühlingslied (Spring Song)” is beautifully melodic piano piece that is perfect for daydreaming.

Delius’s “On Hearing the First Cuckoo in Spring” is a tone poem that captures the delicate nature of early spring.

The progression of the season is evoked in Sibelius’s tone poem, “Vårsång (Spring Song).” The piece starts with a mellow tune and grows in vigor just like the season’s vitality.

Inspired by Botticelli’s “Primavera” painting, Respighi created his own “Primavera (Spring)” that alludes to Spring’s lushness, fertility and growth.

Copland’s orchestral suite “Appalachian Spring” was written for a ballet that tells a story of American Pioneers, and features the Shaker tune “Simple Gifts.”

Folk-pop band Moxy Früvous celebrates with a song that will resonate with many Wisconsinites this time of year: “Maple Syrup Time.”

Ruth Moody captures the feeling of Spring renewal in her lovely song, “The Garden.”

“Season Suite: Spring” is a classic folk song by John Denver that explores the idea of spring providing inspiration and joy for those who observe with all their senses.

This song says it all in the name, Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin sing “March Winds Gonna Blow My Blues All Away.”

Rebirth, curiosity and Earth’s subtle enchantment are found in the Wailin’ Jennys “Bird Song.” This beautiful song encases the allure of spring.