Unlike religious holidays like Christmas or Easter, there are few pieces of classical music that specifically celebrate ringing in the New Year. But there are still many pieces to choose from. To make up for the shortage of theme and subject matter, New Year’s concerts tend to select works from the repertoire that are fun and festive.
For those who live far from city orchestras or those who can’t attend a concert, here’s a suggested playlist of 10 famous pieces that celebrate life and hope. Almost all are characterized by dynamic movement and have become popular staples of New Year’s events around the world.
‘The Radetzky March’
Each year, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra broadcasts its New Year’s Eve concert to a global audience. Ever since it was first performed as an encore in 1946, Johann Strauss Sr.’s “Radetzky March” has been a highly anticipated staple of this event. The audience is invited to clap along to the rousing rhythms, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
Radetzky March's sheet music ready for the annual concert in Vienna. Kadı / CC BY 3.0
‘Champagne Polka’
Since Johann Strauss II perfected the Viennese waltz, it’s no surprise that he, like his father, would also be regularly featured in the Vienna Philharmonic’s annual New Year’s Eve concert. In fact, these concerts began more than 80 years ago to specifically promote the Strauss family’s music.While “On the Beautiful Blue Danube” is the most popular of these pieces, Strauss Jr.’s other waltzes and polkas are also frequently performed. Perhaps the most apt of these for the occasion is his 1858 piece “Champagne Polka,” the perfect tune for popping a bottle of bubbly. Just remember to put the glass down before dancing.
Advertisers quickly caught on to the popularity of the "Champagne Polka." This advertisement from 1874 used the popularity of Strauss Jr.'s music to assist in selling champagne. Public Domain
‘Ode to Joy’
It’s been called Japan’s “most bizarre custom.” Every New Year’s Eve, Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” chorus from his Ninth Symphony is performed throughout the island nation.The Ninth was first introduced to Japan in 1918 by German soldiers in the Bando Prisoner of War Camp. Numerous explanations have emerged as to how the piece spread throughout the country, but whatever the cause, Beethoven’s most famous work is now even more beloved in Japan than in his homeland. It’s so popular that it has been performed by massive choirs of up to 10,000 people.
‘The 1812 Overture’
Tchaikovsky composed his 1812 overture in 1880 to commemorate Russia’s victorious defense of Napoleon’s invasion. The score calls for 16 cannon shots.
What does this have to do with the New Year? Well, if you replace artillery with fireworks, you have a viable piece to cap a lively celebration. The 1812 Overture joins “The Nutcracker” as Tchaikovsky’s second-favorite performance piece for the holidays. Not surprisingly, it’s also popular on Independence Day.
The U.S. Army Band plays the "1812 Overture" in a 2007 performance. Magnus Manske/CC BY-SA 2.0
‘Die Fledermaus Overture’
Although New Year’s Day is inundated with music written by those with the surname “Strauss,” Johann Jr.’s operetta “Die Fledermaus” (“The Bat”) deserves special mention. The reason? The story includes a party scene set on New Year’s Eve.Elegantly dressed guests dance to lively music as comic subplots unfold. As one of the few classical pieces that explicitly tackles the theme of a New Year’s celebration, the work is often performed by opera companies around the world at this time. The overture to this work has become its most enduring segment.
‘The London Symphony’
Franz Josef Haydn has several pieces popular at the turn of the year. His Symphony No. 104, known as “The London Symphony,” is probably his most popular work in this genre. Confusingly, he also wrote 11 other symphonies while in London, but the 12th is the only one named for the city.The opening of Symphony No. 103, the “Drum-Roll” Symphony, is appropriately themed to count down to the New Year with its long, solo timpani roll.
‘The Merry Widow’
The “other” Viennese operetta popular at the turn of the year was written not by a Strauss but by Austro-Hungarian composer Franz Lehar. Uplifting waltzes and the portrayal of luxurious parties make this light opera ideal listening for the cheerful mood surrounding New Year’s festivities.Those hosting parties may find themselves admiring “The Merry Widow Waltz,” the part where the titular wealthy widow captivates the ballroom with her charm (and the help of a lyrical melody).
(L–R) Paul Groves as Danilo, Susan Graham as Hanna, David Portillo as Camille, and Andriana Chuchman as Valencienne, in Franz Lehár's "The Merry Widow. " Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera
‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’
Is anyone seeing a trend here? Music that incorporates dancing and explosives is the best auditory mixture for a successful New Year’s celebration. Unlike the 1812 Overture, George Frideric Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks” was written with fireworks in mind. But like Tchaikovsky’s piece, it was also composed for a specific historical moment: commemorating the treaty that ended the War of Austrian Succession. One of modern history’s less memorable conflicts, it’s not surprising that Handel’s vibrant, grand music is now instead associated with events featuring things that go boom.Many Pieces by Mozart
Like his contemporary Haydn, classical music’s reigning genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has several lively pieces suitable for New Year’s celebrations. Serenade No. 13 for strings in G Major, better known as “Eine kleine Nachtmusik” (K. 525), is one such work. Other selections like his Symphony No. 40 in G minor (KV 550) and excerpts from his opera “The Magic Flute” would similarly go well on New Year’s playlists.It must be said that certain Mozart pieces are also fitting for Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day. What makes the man’s music so universal? Quite simply, his use of bright, uplifting melodies makes him the king of elegance and joy. There is scarcely a holiday for which he is inappropriate, except perhaps Halloween.
‘New Year’s Eve Song’
Robert Schumann’s “Sylvesterlied” (“New Year’s Eve Song”) joins “Die Fledermaus” as one of the only pieces that a great composer specifically wrote about this holiday. Ironically though, I have yet to encounter it in the repertoire of any New Year’s concert listings I have come across.This neglect is probably because it’s an intimate, thoughtful piece written for children. It’s also the final song in Schumann’s collection, “Album for the Young,” a piano guide that Schumann wrote for his two eldest daughters. It features a sprightly melody that can be played by advanced beginners and enjoyed by all.
Just as young pianists learn the piece so they can move on to something more challenging, listeners might use it as a thoughtful backdrop to reflect on their New Year’s resolutions after the parties end.
Similarly, just as this song caps Schumann’s album, it seems fitting to end this playlist with it.
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to [email protected]
