Do you like to listen to music while you’re writing? I do. While I write, I prefer music that has a mysterious mood, usually instrumental, or with vocals whose lyrics do not demand that I listen to the words. (Don’t distract me with compelling words when I’m trying to come up with my own compelling words!)
I’ve selected 10 of my favorite pieces of writing music for your listening pleasure:
Philip Glass, Secret Agent:
Enya, Orinoco Flow:
The Piano Guys, Arwen’s Vigil:
John Williams, Hedwig’s Theme:
Samuel Barber, Adagio for Strings:
Johannes Brahms, Violin Sonata No. 3, first movement
John Tesh, Bastille Day:
Astor Piazzolla, Oblivion:
Léo Delibes, Flower Duet:
Camille Saint-Saëns, Aquarium:
Do you like my writing music? Would you like to listen to it when you write? Bookmark this article and have the music playing in the background while working on your scenes. Or listen to these pieces and more on the ARHtistic License Creative Playlist on YouTube.
Now it’s your turn. Do you like to listen to music as you write, paint, quilt, or make your art? What kind of music do you like when you’re working? Do you have a playlist? Share in the comments below.
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This article has been reprinted with the permission of Writer’s Relief, a highly recommended author’s submission service. We assist writers with preparing their submissions and researching the best markets. We have a service for every budget, as well as a free e-publication for writers, Submit Write Now! Visit our site today to learn more.
This article has been reprinted with the permission of Writer’s Relief, a highly recommended author’s submission service. We assist writers with preparing their submissions and researching the best markets. We have a service for every budget, as well as a free e-publication for writers, Submit Write Now! Visit our site today to learn more.
Music can be an excellent source of motivation! So when you’re ready to start writing or need to break through a stubborn case of writer’s block, listening to music can help you focus and be more productive.
Whether you listen to a piece that’s soft and gentle or energetic and dramatic, choose a tempo that offers you the best inspiration for what you’re trying to achieve with your work. We’ve put together a list of classical pieces that are sure to hit all the “write” notes and get your creativity flowing!
1. “The Aquarium” from the Carnival of Animals—Camille Saint-Saëns
Musical Note: Originally written for fun, Saint-Saëns worried it would hurt his image as a composer and refused to let it be performed in public. Today, it’s one of his best-known works.
2. “Gymnopédie,” No. 1 from Gymnopédies—Erik Satie
4. “Adagio for Strings” from String Quartet No. 1, Opus 11—Samuel Barber
Musical Note: In 2004, BBC listeners voted it as the world’s saddest piece of music. It was played at the funerals of Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Albert Einstein, and Princess Grace.
5. “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana—Carl Orff
Musical Note: One of the most popular pieces of classical music, “O Fortuna” was composed in the late 1930s but is based on a medieval poem written in the early thirteenth century.
6. “Lacrimosa” from Requiem in D Minor—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Musical Note: Mozart believed he was cursed to write the requiem for himself. It is disputed whether he composed the entire piece or not.
7. “Flower Duet” from Lakmé—Léo Delibes
Musical Note: The piece became an unofficial theme song for British Airways after appearing in an advertisement.
8. “The Blue Danube Waltz”—Johann Strauss II
Musical Note: The waltz is Austria’s second national anthem. The piece was written to lift up the national mood after Prussia defeated Austria in the Seven Weeks’ War in 1865.
9. “Will Hunting” from Good Will Hunting—Danny Elfman
You can also enjoy this playlist on the Writer’s Relief YouTube page or on Spotify! Also, check out our Writer’s Playlist: Part I for your pre-writing warm-up.
QUESTION: Share your favorite classical piece in the comments section below!
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