Classical Music
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You lot are non a fan of classical music? Not bad, then this is the right article for you lot! These classical music pieces may not be found in your playlist, but nosotros are very sure that you lot know them nonetheless!

In this commodity, we want to show you 15 classical music pieces that you have surely heard before, fifty-fifty when yous can not pinpoint down where exactly. Yous can hear them in commercials, Telly series, movies – or even in other music. We are certain that some if not all of the following pieces will take an "aha-result" on you. 😉

Xv Classical Music Pieces Y'all Know

From Beethoven to Tchaikovsky – first the videos below and find out where you have heard this music before.

Für Elise – Ludwig van Beethoven

The famous Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor from Ludwig van Beethoven is more commonly known equally "Für Elise" which translates to "For Elise". There is quite some speculation about who this mysterious Elise may have been, information technology is well-nigh likely that Beethoven dedicated the piece to Theresa Mafatti, one of his students.

If you practiced the piano every bit a kid or onetime in your life, it is more than likely that you accept stumbled upon "Für Elise" sooner or after. If you didn't learn to play the pianoforte at one point in your life, the tunes of this classical slice may still sound familiar to you:

  • In 2002, rapper Nas used samples of "Für Elise" in his hit single "I Can"
  • The 2003 film Elephant, inspired by the Columbine schoolhouse shooting, makes utilize of "Für Elise" in a haunting way
  • In "A Charlie Brown Christmas", Schroeder performs "Für Elise", explaining the slice's association with Christmas
  • The series "Two and a Half Man" makes use of "Für Elise" as the phone ring tone of Alan Harper

In The Hall Of The Mountain King – Edvard Grieg

Edvard Grieg composed "In The Hall Of The Mountain King" (or "I Dovregubbens hall" in Norwegian) for the play Peer Gynt. It was used for scene half-dozen in act 2. Thus, it is too known every bit Peer Gynt'due south Suite No. 1, Op. xvi.

Many references to this piece by the Norwegian composer can be found in pop culture:

  • "In The Hall Of The Mountain King" has been interpreted past many music artists, including:
    • Apocalyptica
    • The Who
    • Savatage
  • The piece has also been used in some movies, such equally:
    • Rat Race
    • The Social Network
  • "In The Hall Of The Mount King" was partly used for the opening song of the cartoon series "The Adventures of Sonic The Hedgehog"
  • Advertisements for the Alton Towers resort make utilize of the tunes of "In The Hall Of The Mountain Male monarch"

Dance Of The Carbohydrate Plum Fairy – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

"Trip the light fantastic Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" is function of the ballet "The Nutcracker". It appears towards the end in act 2, scene 14. This particular slice is among the nearly recognizable ones of the ballet.

Due to information technology's up-beat nature and happy tune, "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" is ordinarily used in pop civilization:

  • A cappella band Pentatonix released "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy" on their vacation album in 2014
  • According to Beavis, "Dance Of The Carbohydrate Plum Fairy" sounds like Ozzy when it was used in the opening of the Beavis and Barrel-head Seasons's Greetings video
  • In the MythBusters Demolition Derby Special, heavy metal music and "Trip the light fantastic Of The Carbohydrate Plum Fairy" are used to contrast the working styles of Adam and Jamie
  • In the NEW version of Tetris, "Dance Of The Saccharide Plum Fairy" is available as background music
  • The tune tin be plant in many other video games as well, including:
    • Bioshock
    • Lemmings
    • Wii Winter Olypics
    • Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
    • Grand Theft Auto V

Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major – Johann Sebastian Bach

The "Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major" is the best known out of the iv orchestral suites Bach composed. Even more than famous is the second movement of the suite that is also known every bit "Air on the K cord". It is a office of the suite that is composed differently than the residuum and places the violins in the foreground. This solo for the string instrument was actually non bundled by Bach himself, but past August Wilhelmj, a violinist.

Lets run across where yous may have heard this ane before:

  • Nearly well known is, probably, the usage of "Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major" in "Everything's gonna be alright" by Sweetbox from 1997
  • The "Orchestral Suite No. three In D Major" often plays in the background of many movies such equally:
    • Sleepy Hollow
    • Se7en
    • Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay
    • Halloween
    • The Devil'south Advocate
  • Many TV series also utilize "Orchestral Suite No. 3 In D Major", such as:
    • How I met Your Mother
    • The Looney Toons Testify
  • Of course, the piece is just as popular in video games, including:
    • Gran Turismo four
    • Gun Dealer
  • It was also used for an advert for Hamlet cigarettes

Pachelbel'due south Canon – Johann Pachelbel

This piece is unremarkably known as, simply, "Pachelbel's Canon", only is too referred to as "Canon in D Major". During Pachelbels life, his music was quite pop, but got forgotten soon thereafter. Only in 1970, the "Pachelbel's Canon" regained popularity and was performed more than oft once more. Upward until the early 2000s, the canon heavily influenced many other musical artists.

Lets have a look at the pop music that was influenced past this piece and other instances where you may have heard "Pachelbel's Canon" before:

  • The post-obit songs used tunes or samples from "Pachelbel'southward Canon" to a bigger or bottom extend:
    • Coolio – C U When U Get There
    • The Farm – All Together Now
    • Pet Store Boys – Become West
  • Other artists have shown the influence of "Pachebel'due south Canon" in their piece of work, like:
    • Green Day – Basket Case
    • Ralph McTell – Streets Of London
    • Oasis – Don't Wait Dorsum In Acrimony
  • The catechism was as well heavily used in different Idiot box Series, such as:
    • New Girl
    • Grimm
    • How I Met Your Mother
    • Parks And Recreation
    • Doctor Who
    • The Simpsons
    • House
  • Some video games too didn't shy away from using "Pachebel'south Catechism", similar:
    • BioShock Infinite
    • Gran Turismo 4
  • Of course, information technology also made information technology's manner in some movies and short films, such as:
    • Disney's Tangled Always Later on
    • The Proposal
    • Fantastic Iv: Rise Of The Silver Surfer
    • Nuptials Crashers
    • Dude, Where's My Car

Moonlight Sonata – Ludwig van Beethoven

The classical piece known equally Moonlight Sonata (or German "Mondscheinsonate") is actually Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14.  It is said to take inspired Frédéric Chopin to compose his "Fantasie-Impromptu". While the slice was, even in Beethoven'south times, critically acclaimed, he considers it i of his less good compositions for the pianoforte. he name Moonlight Sonata was attributed to the slice by a critic from Berlin who compared it to a nightly scenery on the Lucerne lake (Switzerland).

This masterpiece by Beethoven has left it's imprint in pop culture besides:

  • Afterwards hearing Yoko Ono playing "Moonlight Sonata" on the piano, John Lennon was inspired to write "Because" for The Beatles
  • John Lennon actually modeled "Because" later on what he heard when he asked Yoko Ono to play the song backwards
  • "Moonshine sonata" was used in many movies such as
    • Immortal Beloved
    • Total Recollect
    • Misery
    • Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Eine Kleine Nachtmusik – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Mozart'due south "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" (translating to "A little night music") has been composed as "Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major" by the Austrian prodigy. It was composed in Vienna while Mozart worked on his opera "Don Giovanni". Since many of Mozart's serenades was written as a commission, it'due south possible that "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" was one also.

"Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" is oftentimes associated with ballrooms and fancy dancers. Hence why information technology's oft used for such scenes in different movies. Lets see where else you lot may have heard information technology before:

  • Amongst the many movies that employ "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" are:
    • Tim Burton'southward Batman
    • Conflicting
    • Daddy Day Intendance
    • There'southward Something Nigh Mary
    • Ace Ventura
    • Charlie'south Angels
  • "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" is besides the title of a German moving-picture show from 1940 virtually the live of Mozart around the fourth dimension he wrote "Don Giovanni"

Habanera – Georges Bizet

"Habanera" is the more well known name of "L'flirtation est un oiseau rebelle" (translating to "Beloved is a rebellious bird"), an aria from the opera "Carmen" by Georges Bizet. This aria marks the kickoff advent of the titular character of Carmen in the opera. Bizet adjusted the aria from a piece written by a composer that dies simply ten years prior to the composition of Carmen,  Sebastián Yradier.

This famous French aria can be heard in various movies and other media.

  • The following movies used "Habanera" at 1 point, among others:
    • Pixar'due south Up
    • Bad Santa
    • Superman Returns
    • xi:xiv
  • The "Habanera" tin also be heard in the episodes of many TV series, such as:
    • Doctor Who
    • Glee
    • Mad Dogs
  • Many cartoon series also made utilize of the aria, including:
    • The Ren & Stimpy Testify
    • Animaniacs
    • Courage The Cowardly Canis familiaris

Ode To Joy – Ludwig van Beethoven

The "Ode To Joy" (likewise known by the German name "Freude Schöner Götterfunken") was part of the final motility of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. It's the musical setting for a poem written past German poet Friedrich Schiller.

Why does information technology audio so familiar?

  • In 1972 (and later again in and 1985), "Ode To Joy" was adopted as the official anthem of the European Union
  • Many movies have also made employ of the pompous ode, such as:
    • A Clockwork Orange
    • Assist!
    • Die Difficult
  • From 1996 to early 1998, WWF wrestler Triple H (notwithstanding known every bit Hunter Hearst Helmsley at that betoken) used "Ode to Joy" as his entrance song
  • Many television stations play the ode as the endmost theme for the Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics
  • It was also used in the anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion"

Morn Mood – Edvard Grieg

One time more, Norwegian composer provided a memorable and often-used piece of music for Henrik Ibsen'south Peer Gynt. "Morning Mood" (or original Norwegian ("Morgenstemning") is the first motility of the "Suite No. 1, Op. 46". This happy and low-cal tune is often associated with, as the name suggests, a beautiful morning time with birds awakening and the dominicus rise.

Just like "In The Hall Of The Mountain King", "Forenoon Mood" can be establish in many popular cultural instances:

  • The German band In Mood used "Morning Mood" equally a sample for their collaboration with Juliette to create the vocal "Ocean Of Light"
  • In the popular cartoon series The Simpsons, "Morn Mood" plays as a cheeseburger is gracefully unwrapped in the early sunlight, among other usages as well
  • Movies made use of the happy "Morning Mood" to set a scene likewise, including:
    • Soylent Greenish
    • The Book Of Life
    • Jackass 3D
  • "Morn Mood" besides found it'Southward place in many Boob tube Serial apart from The Simpsons, such as:
    • Mod Family
    • Misfits
    • The Big Bang Theory
    • Animaniacs

Wilhelm Tell Overture – Gioachino Rossini

As many pieces on this listing, the "Wilhelm Tell Overture" was created for an opera of the same name. Especially the finale of the overture is well known and unremarkably used in pop culture nowadays.

Post-obit are some of the about prominent uses of the "Wilhelm Tell Overture" in more modern times:

  • The "Wilhelm Tell Overture" was famously used as the theme song for both "The Lone Ranger" (radio show, TV series and motion-picture show) and "The Adventures Of Wilhelm Tell" (Tv series)
  • Information technology was heavily and often used by the Warner Borthers' icons Bugs Bunny and Duffy Duck in various episodes of the serial
  • Other Television receiver series used the "Wilhelm Tell Overture" besides, including The Flinstones
  • Many advertisements also used the overture since information technology is apparently suiting to target a male audition, such as:
    • Reebok
    • Honda
    • Lark Cigarettes
  • About famously, the "Wilhelm Tell Overture" was used in the "A Clockwork Orangish" film during the infamous orgy scene
  • Many sporting events liked and still like to utilize the overture, like:
    • the Hong Kong Jockey Gild
    • the Indiana University for their baseball games
  • Covers and adaptations of the overture were particularly popular by rock and metal bands such as Manowar in their "William's Tale"

Ride Of The Valkyries – Richard Wagner

"Ride Of The Valyries" (or High german "Walkürenritt") is the virtually famous part of Richard Wagner's opera "Die Walküre". In the opera, the piece is used for a scene the eight Valkyrie sisters of Brünnhilde. Greeting each other with their battle cries, the eight sisters get set up to bring the fallen heroes to Valhalla.

Especially in information technology's instrumental version, it is frequently used until today:

  • Wagner's "Ride Of The Valkyries" is virtually famous for its usage in many movies, such as:
    • Apocalypse Now
    • Rango
    • Watchmen
    • Skyfall
  • In different television receiver series, "Ride Of The Valkyries" could exist heard as well, for example:
    • The Simpsons
    • Breaking Bad
    • The Wire
    • Scrubs
  • From September 2010 until today, "Ride Of The Valkyries" or adaptations of the song are used as WWE performer Daniel Bryan's archway music
  • "Ride Of The Valkyries" also inspired the cord role in "You Spin Me Circular (Like A Record)" by Dead Or Alive
  • Dissimilar companies besides used "Ride Of The Valkyries" for their commercials:
    • Apple
    • Google
    • IHOP
    • Nissan
    • Toyota

Boléro – Maurice Ravel

Initially, the ballet "Boléro" was equanimous as a commission by Ravel, becoming his most famous composition. It's about prominent features are the increase of volume and speed throughout the piece.

rave"Boléro" has been used in pop culture a lot outside of the usual ballet setting it was written for:

  • Rufus Wainwright'south vocal "Oh What A World" uses "Boléro" equally a counter-melody
  • Frank Zappa admired the piece so much that he even performed it on his 1988 world tour
  • Next to the flick titled after the "Boléro", it was used for a variety of other movies too, including:
    • 10
    • Eddie The Eagle
  • Many television serial played the ballet, such as:
    • Doc Who
    • Digimon Adventure
    • IT Oversupply
    • Babe Einstein
  • Initially, "Boléro" should have been used for Nintendo's The Fable Of Zelda, however due to copyright issues, an original soundtrack was composed

The Blue Danube – Johann Strauss Two

"The Blue Danube" is how Johann Straus II's waltz "An Der Schönen Blauen Donau" (lit. "By The Beautiful Blueish Danube") is known in English. It'southward one of the most well known pieces of the Austrian composer. Even though it was not too popular during Strauss' time, the instrumental version particularly gained broad popularity in later years.

Thus, it's no wonder "The Blue Danube" left its mark on pop culture:

  • The Viennese version is the unofficial national anthem of Austria
  • It is, until today, played at midnight on New Year's Eve on Austrian public television and radio stations
  • Well-nigh prominently "The Blue Danube" was used in 2001: A Space Odyssey
  • Other movies where you can hear "The Bluish Danube" include:
    • Horton Hears A Who!
    • Tooth Fairy
  • Equally a parody, "The Bluish Danube" plays in a The Simpsons episode where Homer Simpsons travels to space
  • The waltz found it'southward identify in other television series as well, such as:
    • Lost
    • Futurama
    • The Big Blindside Theory
    • Sherlock
  • Among the advertisements that use "The Blue Danube" were:
    • HP
    • Emirates
    • JBL
    • Doritos
    • Crayola

Likewise Sprach Zarathustra – Richard Strauss

"Likewise Sprach Zarathustra" ("Thus Spoke Zarathustra" in English) is the musical estimation of a philosophical novel by Friedrich Nitzsche, composed by Richard Strauss. The piece is known as a tone poem.

Peculiarly the beginning of "As well Sprach Zarathustra" is easily recognizable from unlike movies, series and more:

  • Most prominently, "Likewise Sprach Zarathustra" was used in 2001: A Space Odyssey
  • Other movies that fabricated employ of the tone-poem include:
    • Zoolander
    • Magnolia
    • The Simpsons Movie
    • Pixar's Toy Story 2
    • Pixar'due south Wall-Eastward
  • "Also Sprach Zarathustra" was ofttimes used either individually or in directly reference to 2001: A Space Odyssey in different television series also, such as:
    • The Large Bang Theory
    • Futurama
    • 3rd Rock From The Lord's day
    • The Simpsons
  • Almost through all his career, WCW and WWE star Ric Flair used "Likewise Sprach Zarathustra" as his archway theme, handing information technology down to his daughter Charlotte who uses a remixed version for her WWE entrances