A Music Lover? Enjoy A Classical Valentine’s Day

Classical music is often packed with themes of love, which makes it a perfect choice for a Valentine’s Day soundtrack.

This list is comprised of 10 classical pieces that are notable for their romantic overtones. Inspiration, allure and passion are sure to be experienced while listening to these emotionally impressive pieces. From gifts to dessert and beyond, this compilation can add some lovely touches to Valentine’s Day:

1. Creative and unique gifts tend to go further than the usual chocolates and flowers. Gain some inspiration from Wagner, who composed “Siegfried Idyll” as a gift for his wife. The piece was first performed by a small ensemble privately at their home.

While enjoying aperitifs and hor d’oeuvres, these two arias will enchant.

2. “Che Gelida Manina” from Pavarotti’s “La Bohéme” is filled with memories of newfound love. This stunningly gorgeous aria accompanies the scene when Rodolfo and Mimì are falling in love.

3. In Bizet’s “Les Pêcheurs de Perles (The Pearl Fishers),” “Je Crois Entendre Encore” is the aria that Nadir sings to profess his love to Leila. This aria is especially breathtaking in its beauty and difficulty.

4. Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture” is one of the most popular classical love pieces. This is the perfect accompaniment to a romantic dinner–without the tragedy of Shakespeare’s play!

If you are looking for something a bit lighter to pair with dinner or dessert, these next three offer calm, lovely melodies.

5. Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” is a composition for classical guitar and orchestra that presents the vitality of life and love and is great for daydreaming and thinking of love.

6. A wonderfully romantic tune and the basis of many popular love songs: the second movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2.

7. This next piece is from Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade,” inspired by the “Tales of One Thousand and One Nights.” In particular, “The Young Prince and Young Princess” is an especially emotional and romantic piece.

8. Liszt’s “Liebestraum No. 3 (Love’s Dream)” says it all in the name. A fun video and tune, this rendition is played by pianist Artur Rubinstein and may perhaps incite a little dancing for the evening.

9. As the night is nearing the end and something a bit saucier would appease you, Ravel’s “Bolero” is the right choice. This well-known piece will definitely put anyone in the mood for love.

10. Finally, something to inspire sweet dreams, Debussy’s “Clair de Lune.” The admiration of the moon is a staple romantic motif.