This is the only concerto of the Brandenburg six with such a wide and interesting array of brass instruments. The work includes a high-pitched trumpet that inspired John Lennon and Paul McCartney to write "Penny Lane."
11. Symphony No. 94, the Surprise Symphony (1791)
Josef Haydn
Make a game out of listening for the surprise in this rousing symphony. Some historians say Haydn included it in this work because he wanted to wake up those people in the audience who always fell asleep during his concerts, while others believe he simply wanted to make the work memorable in the face of the competition.
12. Piano Concerto No. 22 in E Flat, K. 482 (1785)
W.A. Mozart
No other composition better demonstrates why Mozart was a master of the classical age. The structure of the piece, which uses variations on a theme and then returns to the main tune, is what high-classical music is all about. Kids will appreciate Mozart because he was able to have so much fun using all these musical rules.
13. Symphony No. 3 in A minor, the Scottish Symphony (1842)
Felix Mendelssohn
The romantic symphonies that followed those of Mozart and Haydn were larger, longer, and more complex. Kids listening to this work, the final completed symphony by Mendelssohn, can imagine what it’s like to be in the highlands of Scotland.
14. Der Ring des Nibelungen (1853-1874)
Richard Wagner
Once your grandchildren begin to distinguish the romantic symphonies from the earlier classical ones, it's time to introduce them to Wagner; he is a master at evoking powerful emotions from his listeners. All the musical elements in his compositions, especially from his operas, conjure up mythic heroes and epic battles. Each of the four operas from Der Ring isworthwhile.
teens
15. Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57, the Appassionata (1805)
Ludwig van Beethoven
Composers are often as complex as their work, and Beethoven expressed himself in this dark piece of music. Teens can learn to appreciate Beethoven through this selection and many of his others.
16. Symphony No. 1 in D, the Classical Symphony (1917)
Sergei Prokofiev
In the early 20th century, Prokofiev imagined what kind of symphony a classical composer like the late Haydn would write. The Russian composer's Symphony No. 1 was his answer: Prokofiev thought the trends of the age would influence Haydn; he also believed that Haydn would remain true to structuring his piece in a rigidly classical manner.
17. Symphony No. 4 in C, Le Poéme de L'extase (1908)
Alexander Scriabin
By the early 20th century, symphonies were becoming enormous works with hundreds of musicians on stage. Scriabin’s complex work is typical of that era: It’s more of an expression of his profound emotion and world view than simply entertainment.
18. "Wir Setzen Uns Mit Tranen Nieder" from The Passion According to St. Matthew (1727)
J.S. Bach
Bach’s dramatic choral work was the smash hit Broadway musical of its day — back when big premieres happened in church. The last movement is perhaps the greatest piece of choral music ever.
19.Piano Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 (1909)
Sergei Rachmaninov
This piece is the most popular choice of students entering piano competitions. It’s difficult to play, but when mastered, stands as one of the most powerful concertos in all of music. Listening to "Rach 3" will inspire teens to practice and master whatever sport, instrument, or talent they enjoy.
20. Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 538, Dorian (1723)
J.S. Bach
Think 18th century organ music can't rock? Teenagers will come to appreciate why Bach was essentially the world's first pop star when they listen to a performance of this complex, cosmic work: Bach manages to overlap four distinct tunes in one piece!
Jay Akasie
, a past business editor of The New York Sun, has also covered industry and personal investment issues for publications such as Forbes, Worth, and Grant’s Interest Rate Observer.
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