7 Famous Classical Compositions Used in Films

What do the funeral of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Oliver Stone’s ‘Platoon’ have in common?

"Ride of the Valkyries," 1890, by William T. Maude. 'Ride of the Valkyries' is also the name of a piece from a Richard Wagner opera and have been used in many films. Public Domain

These days, most people encounter classical music through films, not in concert halls. While movie studios employ composers to write original scores for their productions, these composers often blend their own music with famous classical compositions. Usually, such music is strategically placed in key scenes to heighten drama and emotion.

What are some of the most iconic examples of this? While many pieces could be discussed, I focus on seven here.

Barber’s ‘Adagio for Strings’

Historian Thomas Larson titled his book on the “Adagio for Strings” by Samuel Barber “The Saddest Music Ever Written.” A short, slow piece written in a minor key, it was played at the funeral of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945. Since then, it’s been used to mourn many public figures, as well as the victims of 9/11.