Classics that Sooth the Soul on a Gloomy Day

The original piece is Bach's 'Orchestral Suite No. 3' (BWV 1068) second movement aria. In the 19th century, violinist August Wilhelmi arranged it to be played on just the lowest G string of the violin, which led to its nickname 'Air on the G String'.

The violin unfolds a long, singing melody over quietly walking bass notes. Without elaborate techniques, it creates deep tranquility through the flow of harmony and is considered the essence of Baroque music.

It gently calms an agitated heart, making it well-suited for moments when comfort is needed. Try listening to both the string ensemble version and the solo violin version, and choose the performance that resonates with you.

'Moonlight' is not a name given by Beethoven but comes from a poet named Rellstab's metaphor comparing the first movement to moonlight reflected on a lake. Composed in 1801, this sonata was dedicated to Beethoven's beloved student, Giulietta Guicciardi.

The triplets gently repeat from beginning to end, and a restrained melody arises above them. Breaking the tradition of starting with a fast movement, placing a slow movement at the front was a bold decision at the time.

With its serene yet deep melancholy, it gently caresses a heavy heart. It is a piece that is perfectly suited for quiet late-night listening.

Chopin's second piece from 'Three Nocturnes' Op. 9, published when he was twenty-two, is the most beloved work among all nocturnes. A ‘nocturne’ refers to a lyrical piano piece that captures the mood of the night.

The flowing melody sung by the right hand becomes increasingly ornate, while the left hand provides a gentle accompaniment. It features elegance as if a song has been transcribed for piano.

The sweet yet somewhat lonely lyricism of the night comforts the heart, making it well-suited for sleepless nights or moments in need of comfort.

This concerto was written by Rachmaninoff after experiencing extreme depression, dedicated to the doctor who helped him recover. The successful premiere allowed him to regain his status as a composer and it became one of his defining masterpieces.

The second movement begins with the piano laying down a calm arpeggio, while the flute and clarinet sing a dreamlike melody. It is the peak of late Romanticism, where piano and orchestra blend warmly together.

Its deep and rich lyricism wraps around a weary heart cozy, allowing you to surrender to the flow from start to finish on a day when comfort is needed.

Barber's second movement of a string quartet, written at the age of twenty-six, was arranged for string ensemble at the request of conductor Toscanini. It has been performed during moments of national mourning in the U.S. and has become deeply imprinted as ‘the music of sorrow’.

The strings slowly swell one note at a time until all sound stops at the peak, and after a brief silence, it sinks back down. The simple melody generates a massive wave of emotion, which is the strength of this piece.

The deep catharsis provided by the silence at its peak helps to fully release sadness. On the heaviest of days, lean back and listen carefully.

This interlude flows between the scenes in the second act of Massenet's opera 'Thaïs', where a woman who had fallen into indulgence returns to repentance. This violin solo has become more famous than the opera, often performed independently.

Over a harp accompaniment, the violin sings a clear and reverent melody. It starts quietly as if in meditation, briefly lets emotions well up, then returns to a state of calm.

As if purifying a restless heart, it is well-suited for winding down a day or moments when comfort is needed.

The ninth variation from Elgar's 'Enigma Variations', written to portray his friends, describes his publisher and close friend, Jaeger. The title is a play on Jaeger's German name, likening him to the biblical hunter 'Nimrod'.

It starts quietly with very delicate strings and gradually thickens, culminating in a grand climax. The friendship between the two, often debating Beethoven, is beautifully captured in this music.

The flow from serenity to grandeur conveys deep comfort and overwhelming emotion. It is regularly performed at memorial services in the UK.