23 Sad Classical Songs

Classical music can be beautiful and uplifting, but it can also be sad. And that’s what we’re showcasing today; the saddest classical songs ever made.

I hope you find what you’re looking for.

“Piano Sonata No. 9” by Alexander Scriabin

Song year: 1912

The piano music in the Piano Sonata No. 9 makes you sway back and forth as you feel the sadness of the piano player. The music goes from slow to fast and truly makes your heart race. It nearly has a wave of anger to it. You can see the tears sting the eyes of the one who wrote the music.

“Prelude in E minor” by Frédéric Chopin

Song year: 1839

When you listen to the music from Chopin, you can see a funeral procession in your head. You can imagine a loved one passing away and their close friends and family weeping heavily. The sad, slow music is the perfect addition to any wake or funeral.

When missing your grandfather on a particular day, listen to this song. You should feel closer to him.

“Piano Concerto No. 2” by Sergei Rachmaninoff

Song year: 1901

The strong and impressive music here will make you feel melancholy. The violins will make you sway in grief and think about the meaning of life. The mixture of joy and sadness throughout life is what makes it all the more incredible. It’s what makes music sound so majestic.

“Prelude in B Minor” by Frédéric Chopin

Song year: 1838

The deep and melancholy sounds from the piano make the Prelude in B Minor a truly miraculous piece of music. The slow and methodical song will make your heart weep and think of those cold winter nights. It’s the perfect song to listen to when feeling lonely and upset.

Let yourself grieve and cry as you listen to the sad classical song from Chopin.

“Gaspard de la Nuit” by Maurice Ravel

Song year: 1908

The quick melody of Gaspard de la Nuit still has the tone of a sad and melancholy child. You can think of an anxiety-provoking disaster taking place, such as a small child getting lost outdoors in the middle of the night.

You can also hear the harp playing quickly in the background, which makes one think of losing someone they love dearly.

“Funeral March” by Frédéric Chopin

Song year: 1840

It doesn’t get much sadder than the Funeral March, which is often played at funeral processions. The song will surely make you cry and miss those loved ones who have died in your past.

The slow, methodical, and serious music will make you feel melancholy and quite upset. However, it should get you through these hard times and onto brighter days.

“Moonlight Sonata” by Ludwig van Beethoven

Song year: 1801

The deep and powerful song from Ludwig van Beethoven will make you feel connected spiritually to the heavens above. Moonlight Sonata has low sounds with a slow and steady rhythm. Yet, the song picks up in spots and plays a bit faster.

It will truly make you feel connected to those you’ve lost in the past.

“Liebesleid” by Fritz Kreisler

Song year: 1905

The song by Fritz Kreisler has a lovely melody and a slow feel to it. You will experience a wide range of emotions listening to the music. You’ll move from generally content happiness to sorrow and longing. The music will keep your mind engaged while your body desires to dance. 

It’s the perfect song to help you overcome those sorrowful feelings.

“Romance Des-dur Op. 24 No. 9” by Jean Sibelius

Song year: 1912

The slow piano music has both low and high tones. Essentially, it will tug on your heartstrings. You’ll feel up and down as you listen to the music. The seriousness is also felt. While the music may have a slow start, it picks up and continues onto a faster rhythm.

Whether you’re feeling sad about a break-up or having lost your job, the Jean Sibelius song is sure to help you grieve.

“Gymnopédie No. 1” by Erik Satie

Song year: 1888

The slow and sad melody in this song is sure to get you feeling nostalgic for those you miss or those fun days you’ve had in the past. You’re sure to miss the ones you love when listening to this beautifully sad song.

The music moves slowly enough to give you time to imagine those times or people you want to see again.

“Sonata No. 17” by Ludwig Van Beethoven

Song year: 1802

The fast feel of Beethoven’s Sonata No. 17 is sure to get your heart rate up and you feeling melancholy in no time at all. The music grows louder and goes back to quieter tones. It will rile up all the motions within you in a matter of seconds.

Take a listen and have a good cry.

“Adagio for Strings” by Samuel Barber

Song year: 1936

The song by Samuel Barber starts slowly and has a truly sad feel to it, as the violins and string instruments play an all-encompassing melancholy sound.

The music goes from higher to lower pitches while playing on the listeners’ heartstrings. Even when you’re having a wonderful day, the music is sure to make you feel a twinge of sadness.