Expert: Donald - 6/22/2011

Question
How many notable compositions are there that do not contain themes of violence, destruction, misfortune, or sorrow, and are not based on stories of the same ilk?  From what genre and what era do they originate?   

THank you in advance for your time!

Answer
Hi Sr. Adrian,

There are innumerable pieces that are uplifting and positive, humorous, thoughtful, philosophical, and praiseworthy. It would be difficult to list them in one place, but I will try to give you some direction. I certainly understand your frustration. Much of the music of today is sullen and morose, or obviously full of inappropriate innuendo. I will assume (I hope correctly; if not, send me another message) that you are speaking of what is known as "classical" music.

Instrumental music (other than those pieces with titles indicating the composer's intention, and Program Music which tells a specific story) is generally non-specific in regard to meaning. Some beautiful pieces that you need to be aware of would be:

Air from Suite in D major by JS Bach
Symphony No. 94 by Franz Joseph Haydn
Trout Quintet by Franz Schubert
New World Symphony by Dvorak
Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland
Black Key Étude by Chopin
Three Nocturnes for Orchestra by Debussy
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 by JS Bach
Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven

There is an abundance of vocal music available on positive topics. Here is a very brief list...

Alleluia by Randall Thompson
Coronation Mass by Mozart
Messiah by GF Handel
An die musik by Franz Schubert
He Watching Over Israel from Elijah by Mendelssohn
For The Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter
Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi
Hallelujah from Christ on the Mount of Olives by Beethoven

...and there are many, many more!

I hope that this will get you started on a wonderful journey!

Best regards,

Donald