It can be hard to stay focused when you’re working from home, with so many
distractions you wouldn’t find in the office. However, studies have suggested
a correlation between listening to classical music and boosting productivity
and concentration!

With this in mind, our Music Department have put together a classical music
playlist get you through the working day.

If you feel like _really_ procrastinating, find out a bit more about some of
the playlist song selections, or just [jump straight into the
playlist](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cXEprFwaBllQt7eVqIvOv?si=0OwiNjeFQDCYG0gB0TYDSg).

## Mozart’s ‘Soave sia il vento’

Phelim McDermott’s production of _Cosi fan Tutte_

If you’re [new to opera](https://www.eno.org/discover-opera/the-beginners-
guide-to-opera/) then Mozart is a great entry into classical music, being
responsible for some of the most famous opera songs in the canon. He also
lends his name to a scientific theory dubbed the [Mozart
effect](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20130107-can-mozart-boost-
brainpower), which argues that listening to classical music helps to boost
brain activity.

[Mozart](https://www.eno.org/composers/wolfgang-amadeus-mozart/)’s _[Così Fan
Tutte](https://www.eno.org/operas/cosi-fan-tutte/)_ (loosely translated to
‘women are like that’) contains some of the most beautiful arias that were
wildly under appreciated when it first premiered in 1790. Act 1 sees a very
distinctive moment where the calming _‘_ Soave sia il vento’ song brings a
welcomed break to the madness of the dramatic opera.

Known as ‘May the wind be gentle _’_ in English, this is the perfect, relaxing
background music to help you keep focused on the task at hand.

## Puccini’s ‘Nessun Dorma’

[YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/cWc7vYjgnTs?feature=oembed)

Video

Opera songs don’t get much more famous than ‘Nessun Dorma _‘_.

Taken from the final act of [Puccini](https://www.eno.org/composers/giacomo-
puccini/)’s[ _Turandot_](https://www.eno.org/operas/turandot/), it has become
one of the most recognised tenor arias in the world, due to performances from
artists like Pavarotti, Paul Potts and even Aretha Franklin.

The opera follows the twisted love story of the cold-hearted Princess Turandot
and enamored Prince Calaf, who sings ‘Nessun Dorma’ as a boast that he will
win the princess’s hand in marriage. With all that drama you won’t be missing
the telly when you’re trying to work!

## Verdi’s ‘Bella Figlia Dell’amore’

Jonathan Miller’s production of _Rigoletto._

[Verdi](https://www.eno.org/composers/giuseppe-verdi/)’s
_[Rigoletto](https://www.eno.org/operas/rigoletto/)_ has some of the most
recognisable music in the repertoire, including the quartet ‘Bella Figlia
Dell’amore’ (Beautiful Daughter of Love).

The song depicts Rigoletto and his daughter Gilda overhearing the Duke being
unfaithful to her, which sparks his fatherly desire for revenge. But, he does
not end up victorious as he’s hateful need for vengeance leads to the
destruction of the daughter he loves.

Verdis heartbreakingly tragic opera is one of his most popular works and earns
a well deserved place on our playlist.

## Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde Act 1 Prelude

Daniel Kramer’s production of _Tristan and Isolde_.

The prelude to one of [Wagner’s](https://www.eno.org/composers/richard-
wagner/) best loved operas, _[Tristan and
Isolde](https://www.eno.org/operas/tristan-and-isolde/)_ , features the
‘Tristan Chord’, which some regard as the start of modern music due to its
significant influence on other artists and poets.

The opening bars are referred to as ‘langsam und schmachtend’ which means
‘slow and yearning’, a fitting melody to a tragic love story.

Believed to be based on the love triangle of Guinevere, Lancelot and King
Arthur, the opera follows the devastating, adulterous affair between Tristan
and Isolde.

Romance, drama and medieval [legends](https://www.eno.org/discover-
opera/operas-based-myths-legends/) all set to revolutionary music, what more
could you want?

## Glass’s Akhnaten Act 1 Prelude

Phelim McDermott’s production of _Akhnaten._

[Philip Glass](https://www.eno.org/composers/philip-glass/) is one of the more
contemporary composers on our playlist.

_[Ahknaten](https://www.eno.org/operas/akhnaten/)‘s _prelude ends with a
dramatic proclamation by The Scribe as he reads the pyramid texts along to the
extraordinary music.

With Glass being a [minimalist composer](https://www.eno.org/discover-
opera/the-beginners-guide-to-philip-glass/), the music from _Akhnaten_ is a
bit different from your typical classical piece.