Spring is the season for all things new.
If you’re looking for some new music to learn, these sounds of the season might inspire you.
Here are my top ten favorite pieces to add to your spring repertoire.
10. March from Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s Das Jahr
The March piece from Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s Das Jahr (The Year) is full of motion and intense chromatic harmony.
Tucked in the midst of this flurry of movement is a brief, peaceful quotation from the German chorale “Christ ist erstanden” (Christ is Risen).
9. A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing by Billy Strayhorn
This lovely jazz classic is the perfect song for springtime.
I especially love Ella Fitzgerald’s version with its smooth, romantic, and lyrical sound.
8. Voices of Spring by Johann Strauss II
Almost everyone has heard this waltz before, and it doesn’t get old.
Strauss is the king of waltzes, and this one is grand, sweeping, and full of promise – perfect for the blossoming months of springtime.
7. May from Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s Das Jahr
The piece Fanny wrote for the month of May is sparkling and vivacious, perfect to get you in the mood for that late spring sunshine.
6. It Might As Well Be Spring by Richard Rogers
The lyrics of this song describe a romantic, longing soul who feels all the emotions that come with spring although it isn’t the right time of year.
A great classic, sung here by the equally great Frank Sinatra.
5. Spring from Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons
You probably expected this classic to make the list.
Nothing says “spring is here” like the opening lines of Vivaldi’s lively violin concerto.
4. Waltz of the Flowers from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s music has remained popular for a reason.
This lovely waltz has a beautiful dream-like feel to get you in the mood for blue skies and blossoms.
3. April from Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s Das Jahr
This Capriccio is my personal favorite piece from Fanny’s Das Jahr song cycle. It starts off slowly and softly before erupting into a blossoming shower of arpeggios.
It’s an absolutely gorgeous piece!
2. The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams
This is one of the most exquisitely beautiful pieces ever written for the violin.
Composed during the dark years of World War I, it depicts the journey and song of a sky lark as it ascends through the air. What could be more spring-like than that?
1. Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland
No list of spring repertoire would be complete without Aaron Copland’s classic ballet.
These beautiful melodies are light and fresh, perfect for this time of year.
What is your favorite spring-inspired repertoire? Let me know in the comments!