Rondo Alla Turca – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Turkish March Mozart – Rondo Alla Turca
Of course a composer like Mozart would make the list. In fact, multiple classical composers are often known for the recognizability that their pieces hold. Classical pieces like Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca are a staple to classic cartoons like Tom and Jerry, as well as multiple modern TV commercials, thanks in part to the fact that most classical music has entered the public domain, and is free of the shackles that we call copyright.
The Blue Danube Waltz op. 314 – Johann Strauss
Strauss ~ The Blue Danube Waltz
This piece of music is the classic “space” theme that you hear in all of your favorite holiday movies. The piece was originally composed with the swirling waters of Europe’s Danube river in mind, but instead film directors envisioned a more astrological meaning behind the music. The Blue Danube Waltz is commonly recognized as that one song you hear while saying “one small step for man” while walking on the moon.
In The Hall of The Mountain King – Edvard Grieg
Grieg – In the Hall of the Mountain King
You’ve probably noticed a theme – why are all of these pieces just classical music? Well, that’s because they’re all incredibly catchy. Edvard Grieg, a Norwegian composer who lived from 1843 to 1907, knew exactly what he was doing while composing this piece. Released in 1875 during the peak of the romantic movement, the piece oozes feelings of stress and existentialism, and is easily recognized by its involvement in Hollywood productions.
Lacrimosa – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Mozart – Lacrimosa
This piece wasn’t recognized until more recently. Used frequently in meme culture, Mozart’s Lacrimosa extrudes feelings of hopelessness and loss. Used as an accompaniment to a funny picture, the backstory behind Lacrimosa is anything but funny. The first 45 seconds of the piece were the last notes that Mozart ever composed before he passed away in 1791. This piece is even used in modern media, such as BBC’s Peaky Blinders TV series.
William Tell Overture – Gioachino Rossini
William Tell OvertureRossini’s classic “William Tell Overture” perfectly embodies the feeling of riding horseback into the sunset. Originally written in 1829, it was featured in the last Opera that Rossini composed before his retirement. The piece would later be used in classic western media, including in many Disney films featuring classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Daffy Duck.
Ride of the Valkyries – Richard Wagner
Richard Wagner – Ride of The Valkyries
Wagner’s “Ride of the Valkyries” is as iconic and recognizable as sliced bread. The consistent building and pushing that the piece provides can easily make it an earworm. The piece jumps between minor and major chords, making it hard to determine what this piece makes people feel. Either way, this piece is commonplace in modern media, especially in television advertisements, and also helped inspire John Williams to compose the soundtrack for the hit film series, Star Wars.
Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairies – Pyotr Tchaikovsky
The Nutcracker, Act Ii, No. 14, Pas De Deux; Var 2, Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
This piece screams Christmas, but did you actually know that it was a part of a suite called the Nutcracker Suite? The Nutcracker Suite, written by Pyotr Tchaikovsky (Chai-cough-ski) features multiple other iconic movements like Russian Dance and Waltz of the Flowers. Tchaikovsky’s works are used frequently throughout modern media. Being one of the most famous composers from Russia, his works show how the Russian empire began to catch up with Western Europe in terms of cultural significance in our modern world.
Clair de Lune – Claude DeBussy
Clair de Lune (Studio Version)
A solemn piece, DeBussy wrote Clair de Lune in 1905, which is inspired by a classic French poem written originally by Paul Verlaine in 1869. The phrase “Clair de Lune” means “Moonlight” in French. The piece is light and playful, and its iconic melodies still challenge modern pianists trying to emulate DeBussy’s piece. This piece can even be heard in Rise of The Planet of the Apes, in which the main protagonist’s grandfather is cured of his dementia, and learns how to play this very piece.
Winter – Antonio Vivaldi
WinterWinter, the fourth piece in Vivaldi’s classical “Four Seasons” suite, is sure to ring a bell. The first movement of the piece is the most recognizable. Its fast pace melodies were intentionally designed to represent the physical cold of the winter season. In modern media, the piece is recognized for its use in Looney Toons and other classic cartoon series.
1812 Overture – Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Tchaikovsky – 1812 Overture (Full with Cannons)
Going out with a bang (literally in this sense), 1812 Overture is an incredibly bombastic composition. The piece utilizes an interesting selection of instruments, including both the traditional orchestra, multiple church bells, and over 20 cannons (To listen along, I recommend starting around the 12 minute mark). The piece was originally written to commemorate the Russian Empire’s successful defense of the French Empire and Napoleon in 1812. The piece is commonly used in patriotic celebrations across the world, especially in the United States on the Fourth of July.
