‘Tis the Season for Wintery Classical Music

The winter solstice is approaching, temperatures are dropping, holiday celebrations are underway, and ’tis the season for wintery classical music! We asked SAB’s music teacher, Aaron Severini, to curate a playlist of classical music that evokes the spirit of the season. Read on to find out what inspired some of his selections and then have a listen to this beautiful playlist of wintery classics! It’s the perfect accompaniment for seasonal gatherings, cooking holiday dinners, or just curling up in front of the fire on a chilly winter’s night.

Mr. Severini on his Classical Winter Playlist:

Mahler’s sleigh bells in his Fourth Symphony, Josef Strauss’ speedy “Winterlust Polka,” and Prokofiev’s exuberant “Troika” from Lieutenant Kijé can whirl anyone’s humdrum winter right into a festive frenzy. All of these beautiful works are included on this playlist, so break out the hot chocolate!

Josef Suk’s memorable “Fantastic Scherzo” is heart-warming as is Meyerbeer’s music from Les Patineurs. And if you’re still looking for that special holiday present for someone special on your list, Clara Schumann’s delightful musical treasures – the “Allegro” and “Scherzo” from her Piano Sonata in G minor – are sure to inspire! (They were given as a gift to her husband Robert Schumann and you can hear her “Scherzo” included in this playlist.)

Finally, Bach’s lute music and arrangements for guitar are my seasonal go-tos because when I was a child, my father, who was a classical guitarist, used to perform many of them during holiday parties. Along with the traditional repertoire, I remember this music livening up the room. No matter the selection, Bach always rocks!

Wishing you all a very special holiday season!