Classical music has transformative power, as perhaps you’ve noted in the previous article, which features large symphonic works. A piece of music can transport you to a different time and place and the collective response for and from the audience, especially if it is rapt silence, can be very moving. Let’s explore some of the wonderful music for single instruments, and small ensemble.

Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, “Moonlight” – I. Adagio sostenuto
Many composers wrote for one instrument alone, the epitome of intimate communication between the performer and every single attendee. The piano immediately comes to mind, especially Beethoven’s piano sonatas, which run the gamut of all emotions. The pathos of Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor Op. 27, the “Moonlight” sonata will melt your heart. But many instruments sound wonderful by themselves. Enrique Granados wrote 12 Spanish dances, for solo classical guitar. The Oriental, No. 2, is exquisite.

Granados: 12 Danzas españolas (Spanish Dances), Op. 37: No. 2. Orientale
Perhaps you have a favorite instrument?

Debussy : Danse sacrée et danse profane
Mozart: Flute Concerto No. 2 in D Major, K. 314
The harp? French composer Claude Debussy wrote his Danse sacrée et Danse profane for only five players—string quartet and harp—but the results are heavenly. The flute? Listen to Mozart’s Concerto for Flute No. 2 in D and so many people tell me how much they love the cello—the closest sound to the human voice. Listen to the wide range of interesting sounds my teacher János Starker makes in the Bartók Rumanian Folk Dances.

Bartok: Rumanian Folk Dances

Do you like lullabies?

Brahms : Lullaby (Anne-Sophie Mutter)

Listen to perhaps the most famous lullaby ever by Johannes Brahms. Polish virtuoso pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin wrote an exquisite Berceuse Op. 57 in D Flat Major, for solo piano. His poetic genius is quite evident and this piece is played by all the greatest pianists ever since it was composed in 1843.

Chopin: Berceuse in D-Flat Major, Op. 57
Perhaps you’ll be thrilled by virtuoso music?

Piazzolla: Libertango

Piazzolla: Libertango for 12 Cellos

Look no further than Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, known for his infectious tango music and his brilliant playing on the bandoneon—a type of concertina similar to the accordion, but with a very distinctive sound. Libertango is one of his famous works. Hear the master himself play at 2 minute 40 seconds. All types of instrumentalists play his music and I love this terrific arrangement for 12 cellos. Manuel de Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance from El Amor Brujo will also get your blood boiling, here in an arrangement for violin and piano.

Falla: El amor brujo: Ritual Fire Dance
Do you relish the overwhelming, powerful sound of the organ and Baroque music?

Then I suggest this stunning rendition of J.S. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.

Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, BWV 565
Or are you in the mood for meditation?

Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: When I am laid in earth
Let’s skip back in time to English composer Henry Purcell (1659-1695). The purity and despair of When I am laid to rest from Purcell’s chamber opera Dido and Aeneas couldn’t be more beautiful. Or we can take a time-capsule back to musicians writing today. Listen to Echorus by Philip Glass performed by violinist Daniel Hope and strings, or Arvo Pärt’s meditative even hypnotic Spiegel im Spiegel for violin and piano.

Glass: Echorus
Pärt: Spiegel im Spiegel
Perhaps you prefer music for piano and strings, of three or four, sometimes five players?

Haydn: Keyboard Trio No. 25 in G Major, Hob.XV:25, “Gypsy Trio” – III. Rondo all’Ongarese: Presto
Haydn composed an immense number of works for all combinations of instruments including 68 string quartets, but like many composers, he wrote a number of trios for piano, violin and cello. The movement Al’Ongarese from his Keyboard Trio No. 25 in G Major, Hob.XV:25, the so-called Gypsy Trio is infectious and intended to emulate Hungarian Gypsy music. Compare this to Johannes Brahms’ similar undertaking in his Piano Quartet in G Minor Op. 25, for piano, violin, viola and cello. Brahms played the piano part in this piece for his 1862 debut in Vienna. Here is his Rondo alla Zingarese—denser, full of passion, and foot stopping breathless dancing—obviously from the romantic period of musical composition.

Brahms: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor – Rondo alla Zingarese

Do you think you would enjoy the string quartet—music for four string players?

Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110

One of my favorite pieces of music, Shostakovich Quartet No. 8, subtitled “to the victims of fascism and war”, is dedicated to those who were lost during World War II in the Holocaust. The piece, written for two violins, viola and cello, begins very eerily, with a haunting solo violin. Can you feel the anguish? Quickly it bursts into a feverish rage in the second movement. Within his music are secret messages and tunes, which include his signature spelling out his name.

Or would you rather hear wind instruments?

Another much-loved piece, and in a completely different mood, is the Antonin Dvořák Serenade for Wind Instruments and cello and bass Op. 44. Get close up and personal with two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, the grand-daddy contra-bassoon, and three brass players represented by French horns. It’s in Slavonic style, teaming with lovely folk melodies.

Dvořák: Serenade for Winds and cello and bass

As I mentioned in the previous article, classical musicians are breaking the mold and creating innovative music in unusual spaces, and with unusual instruments. Meredith Monk’s Songs for Ascension, a theatrical collaboration with renowned video artist Ann Hamilton, and filmed in a tower, is enchanting, haunting, and otherworldly. The artists’ portray humanity’s quest for spirituality. The performers—vocal ensemble, chorus, percussion, string quartet, and a shruti box—which originates from India, and sounds drone-like somewhat like a harmonium—drift and ascend a spiral staircase. Monk’s compositions are known for their staging and often include projections and film, in addition to her unique musical language.

Meredith Monk: Songs for Ascension

Or let’s invite players from all musical traditions to perform together. Internationally celebrated cellist Yo Yo Ma, has done just that forming the Silk Road Ensemble. Lebanese-born composer Rabih Abou-Khalil has composed Arabian Waltz—a propulsive work, in which we hear unfamiliar instruments of different cultures, and together, they blend the musical traditions of the Arabic world, jazz, and European classical music. Their spirit is infectious!

Abou-Khalil: Arabian Waltz (Silk Road ensemble and Yo Yo Ma )

Now that our survey is complete, you should have a concept of your preferences. Choose a venue that reflects whether you prefer the intimacy of a small hall or informal space, or the large concert hall. Look for these selections or type of repertoire, no worries about what to wear, jeans are acceptable. Sit close to the stage so you can watch the musicians move their fingers in perfect synchronicity, and faster than you can imagine. Arrive early to read the program notes, then close your eyes and let the sound wash over you. Experience the music without preconceived notions—it will touch you differently every time depending on your mood. Allow your emotions to fly freely. You’ll adore classical music in no time!