10 Pieces of Classical Music for Kids
Vivaldi's Four Seasons
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is a set of four violin concertos. It was written in 1723 and is one of the most well-known pieces of baroque music.
The four movements include “Spring,” “Summer,” “Autumn,” and “Winter,” each representing their respective seasons through different moods and themes. These themes are often used as a musical introduction to the spring season in much the same way that people hear bells ringing at noon on New Year’s Day or Christmas carols when it gets close to December 25th.
Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #3
You might already be familiar with the name Bach, as his music is widely recognized as some of the greatest baroque music ever written. One of his most familiar chamber music compositions is Brandenburg Concerto #3, which was created for the family of King Frederick II of Prussia in 1721. This piece also features the harpsichord. Young listeners will enjoy the upbeat melodic lines and the unique sound of the harpsichord.
Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals
Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals is a musical work for orchestra, written by Camille Saint-Saens. The piece was composed as a suite of fourteen movements, each depicting an animal or group of animals:
- Introduction and Allegro moderato
- Aquarium et le poisson rouge (The Aquarium and the red fish)
- L’ours brun (The brown bear)
- La chenille (The caterpillar)
- Les moutons d’or (The golden lambs)
In this piece, you will hear what the composer thought the animals sounded like as instruments. You will learn the names of instruments and what they sound like from the piece.
Beethoven's Symphony #5
Beethoven’s Symphony #5 is the most recognized piece of classical music that was written. It is also known as the “Fate” symphony because it was inspired by the composer’s struggle with illness and deafness. The piece contains four movements and the first and last movements are very lively. During World War II, the BBC used the four-note motif to introduce its radio news broadcasts because “short-short-short-long” spells the letter “V” in Morse code. The “V” meant “Victory”.
Rossini's The Barber of Seville Overture
Rossini’s The Barber of Seville Overture is a great piece for parents to use to introduce their kids to the world of classical music. It has a fun, lively feel and many different sections that can be chosen from depending on your child’s attention span. For example, if you want them to listen only for ten minutes at a time, you can just play the first section. If they’re up for more than ten minutes, keep playing until you reach the third section! There are also several instruments playing together in this overture that are commonly heard throughout Rossini’s work: oboes and clarinets are two examples. The Barber of Seville was made popular in 1950 by Bugs Bunny in his version of the opera titled “The Rabbit of Seville”
Haydn's Surprise Symphony
Haydn’s Surprise Symphony is a series of eight variations on an original theme. The concept was later used by Beethoven in his Moonlight Sonata, which some people consider to be the most beautiful piano piece ever written. Haydn’s symphony was actually inspired by a similar work by his friend and colleague, Michael Haydn. Although he had been composing pieces for over 10 years, this was one of his first major works and it shows how much he had learned from listening to other composers—and how talented he himself was!
Here is the story behind the title “Surprise Symphony” Haydn composed Symphony No.94 and according to one account, Hayden already started the slow and quiet second movement of the piece only to hear someone in the front row snoring! Hayden found that amusing, and continued on until reaching the end of the quiet theme of the second movement. When he reached the final chord, he cued an immense fortissimo, awaking the drowsy listener abruptly.
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite
Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite is a ballet. It was first performed in 1892 and has become one of the most popular Christmas pieces for kids and adults alike, thanks to its memorable music and exciting story.
The story is based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 short story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” which tells of a little girl who receives an enchanted nutcracker from her godfather as a Christmas gift; when she places him on her nightstand, he comes alive! He leads her into battle against the evil Mouse King, but there may be more at stake than just defeating his army…
Tchailovsky’s 1812 Overture
The 1812 Overture is one of the best-known pieces ever composed. The Overture was written in 1880 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The full title for the work is The Year 1812 Solemn Overture, op. 49, and it was meant to commemorate the successful Russian defense against Napoleon’s invading Grande Armée in 1812.
The piece is cleverly organized. It begins with a traditional church hymn played very softly by only two violas and four cellos. This is meant to represent the people of Russia, praying for a quick conclusion to the impending invasion by Napoléon. Before long, we hear the Marseillaise—France’s national anthem—representing the advancing army. That theme dominates for a while, suggesting that the Russians may lose the war. It grows stronger and stronger, and eventually we hear it in counterpoint with Russian folk melodies as the two forces do battle. The devastating clash is represented by five cannon shots, presumably from the French side. Historically, the French eventually occupied Moscow, and all seemed hopeless.
Handel's Water Music
Handel’s Water Music is a suite of orchestral movements, composed by George Frideric Handel in 1717. It was written for the entertainment of King George I on his arrival in London in 1717.
The work has become a standard concert piece and many orchestras have their own arrangement, sometimes arranged for multiple groups playing simultaneously (great for younger students).
Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is a piece of classical music that’s very popular among kids. It’s light and cheerful, making it easy to listen to. This is good music to introduce children to classical music.
Schumann's Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) Op. 15
Schumann’s Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) Op. 15 is a collection of 24 short pieces for piano written by Robert Schumann in 1838. The pieces are inspired by his own childhood and were intended to be enjoyed by children at the piano. Each movement is named after a specific moment or event from his life as a young boy, including “A Dream” and “The Happy Farmer.”
Classical music for kids can be fun and easy listening for them (and you!)
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