23 Sad Classical Songs

“Adagio in G minor” by Tomaso Albinoni

Song year: 1958

When listening to Adagio in G Minor, you can hear the composition come together with all the musicians playing the same melody. The instruments have a louder sound at parts, and then a softer feel as the song continues.

The song may make you think of those lost times and old friends you never see anymore.

“Come, Sweet Death” by Johann Sebastian Bach

Song year: 1736

The organ music in the song by Johann Sebastian Bach can only make you think of losing a loved one and attending a funeral. The slow and powerful song is sure to bring a tear to your eye. Further, the low pitch will make you want to curl up and grieve those you’ve lost in the past.

“Symphony of Sorrowful Songs” by Henryk Gorecki

Song year: 1976

The low sounds in the Symphony of Sorrowful Songs begin to pick up after a few minutes as the music starts to play a bit faster. The violins and string instruments make your sorrow all the deeper. You won’t be able to stop yourself from crying when listening to these truly sorrowful songs.

“Dido’s Lament” by Henry Purcell

Song year: 1688

The Henry Purcell song comes from the opera Dido and Aeneas. As such, it includes a beautiful opera singer with a wonderful voice. The cello and string instruments bring a truly melancholy feel to this particular song. Your whole heart will fill with sadness as you listen to the sorrowful voice of the opera singer.

“Symphony No. 6, fourth movement” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Song year: 1878

The composition here from Tchaikovsky is truly miraculous. It brings together the sounds of so many beautiful instruments. The high and low pitches with the fast rhythm make the song fill up your entire chest with emotions. You’re sure to feel a twinge of sadness when listening to the melancholy music.

“Spiegel im Spiegel” by Arvo Pärt

Song year: 1978

The slow piano music combined with string instruments invites thoughts of lonely days and how quickly life goes by. If you’re feeling sad and in need of a good cry, you’ll want to listen to the Spiegel im Spiegel classical song. It’s sure to bring you comfort on your saddest day, as it shows how we all feel those sorrowful emotions.

“Symphony #3” by Henryk Gorecki

Song year: 1976

The song starts slowly at a low pitch. It begins to pick up after a few minutes, with more instruments joining in. Essentially, the song here has a sorrowful feel and is sure to bring tears to your eyes. If you’re having a tough day, the Gorecki song will allow you to let go and weep freely.

“Piano Concerto No. 21” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Song year: 1785

The classical music Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart created often has a strong emotional balance to it. Here, you will feel an overwhelming sadness as the many instruments come together to create a harmony you won’t soon forget. The piano with the string instruments will make you want to sway and dance.

“Death Speaks” by David Lang

Song year: 2013

This slow musical composition has a strong voice singing along with a slow piano playing in the background. The powerful voice makes you think of the sorrow that death brings upon us all. The slow violin also speaks volumes, as the music makes you think about how fast life goes by.

“Requiem” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Song year: 1791

The last composition that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote before his death was Requiem. As such, he must have had his health and potential death on his mind when he wrote it.

You can hear it in the song. The composition includes operatic singers along with slow violin music. The song makes one think of funerals and leaving loved ones behind.

“Nimrod” by Edward Elgar

Song year: 1898

The song Nimrod comes from Elgar’s Enigma Variations composition. The slow music comes together beautifully and provides a rather sad feeling, as it makes one think about their best days and old friends they haven’t seen in years.

Saddest Classical Songs Ever, Final Thoughts

We hope that you’ve benefited from sifting through the list of sad classical songs. They should help you grieve those unfortunate times and, hopefully, move on to happier things in your life.