Perfect Pitch: Discover 100 Classical Masterpieces

Perfect Pitch offers a book of 100 classical masterpieces to listen to, all intended to comfort and inspire. You’ll find a short introduction to each piece, plus a recommended recording.

How to Start Listening to Classical Music

You don’t need a fancy speaker or music degree to find good classical music. Just switch the dial on your radio to music stations like BBC Radio 3 or Classic FM, having them play softly in the background.

Try this sample playlist for a stress-free break:

1. Mozart – Piano Sonata No. 16 (opening)
2. Debussy – Clair de Lune
3. Schubert – Ave Maria
4. Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (2nd movement).
5. Elgar’s ‘Nimrod’
6. Marianelli’s ‘Pride & Prejudice’ piano soundtrack.

Can’t sleep? Try creating a simple playlist of slow piano sonatas, gentle harp or soft string quartets. Avoid music with sudden loud notes or fast tempos. Start to play the music at low volume, around 30 minutes before bed.

Use a speaker (to avoid getting tangled in headphones), and set a timer to turn the music off automatically. Also turn off screens and dim the lights. This will help link your brain with music and cues to rest.

• Chopin – Nocturne in E-flat
• Debussy – Arabesque No. 1
• Satie – Gymnopédie No. 1