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Serenade - a song about love that time has no power over

How to melt the heart of an unapproachable beauty? Serenade her with love and romance. Currently, few people are ready to dare to do such an act. Times and morals are not the same. But scenes from films where a charming man performs a languid song to the sound of a guitar for his beloved do not leave beautiful people indifferent. Serenade is the standard of declaration of love.

History serenades and many interesting facts read on our page.

What is a serenade?

There is a word in Italian called serenata, which translates as “clear, open.” It is believed that the name of the genre came from it. Echoes of the Latin language can also be heard in the serenade: the word sera or “late” once again emphasizes the evening nature of the songs. It turns out that a serenade is literally singing in the open air in the evening.

What makes the serenade so special?

    First of all, this is the privacy of the situation in which it is performed. The whole action resembles a theatrical performance when a young man picks up guitar and sings for his woman. Serenade is a story of two people, told in the language of music.

    The melody is filled with feelings. Sadness, sadness, tenderness, ardor, warmth - emotions are heard in every note.

    The musical motif is flexible. It captures the introduction, the change of intonation and the climax.

All this makes you listen to serenades.

Popular serenades

  • "Evening Serenade" Franz Schubert. In German it sounds like Standchen. The song was included in the collection “Swan Song”, which was published in 1828. This work was published after the death of the brilliant composer. The lyrics of the song were written by Ludwig Relshtab, and the translation into Russian was made by the poet N.P. Ogarev. “My song flies with prayer...” - this serenade begins with these words.

“Evening Serenade” (listen)

    "Little Night Serenade" Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. This is a classic created in 1787 and a true example of a true serenade from a bygone era.

“Little Night Serenade” (listen)

    Serenade for string orchestra was written Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The composer was inspired by the work of Mozart. The work was first performed in St. Petersburg in 1881.

“Serenade for string orchestra” (listen)

    "Spanish Serenade", created by Isaac Albeniz. This Spanish composer did not deprive himself of the pleasure of writing music in the folk spirit. Thanks to this, the atmosphere of Spain is felt in his serenade, when it was customary to confess love through song.

    "Troubadour's Serenade" performed by Muslim Magomayev. Most people know this song as “Ray of the Golden Sun,” without which it is difficult to imagine the Soviet cartoon “The Town Musicians of Bremen.” And even though M. Magomayev only sang the part of the main character, the serenade became a real hit. Night, moon, guitar, calm melody completely recreate the specifics of a real love song. But the most important thing is the personality of the troubadour. It was they who wandered around Europe, composing lyrical serenades about lovely ladies.

“Troubadour Serenade” (listen)


History of the serenade

The origins of this genre date back to the Middle Ages and are invariably associated with knights. The valiant warrior, down on one knee, confesses his feelings to the lady in his heart - literally these are the pictures the imagination draws when hearing the word “serenade”. In fact, the first serenades were performed by troubadours or poet-musicians who began to appear in Europe in the 12th-13th centuries.


The cult of the “beautiful lady” was central to the troubadours’ work. At the same time, the theme of courtly love, which is understood as a gallant attitude towards representatives of the fair sex, could not be avoided. And this, in turn, introduced a large number of love-knightly plots into the lyrics.

Where to look for the origins of the serenade? In Italy and Spain. It was here, under the hot rays of the sun, that the first songs praising female beauty were performed. Initially, ordinary townspeople enjoyed the songs of the troubadours. In the late Middle Ages, serenades became the property of an elite society: they began to be heard in the homes of eminent persons. One of the city's pleasures was “musical courtship” to the sounds of drums, violins and guitars, when beautiful melodies filled the streets and moved the hearts of all lovers.

Since the 17th century, a new round in the development of the genre begins. It literally penetrated all levels of society: from small artisans to the royal court. But the main changes are associated with the flourishing of the theater. It turned out that the serenade, with its theatricality, was laconically intertwined with the dramatic opera scenes. Songs of poets and musicians become the basis of many arias.

At the same time, the development of orchestral art occurs. Serenade ensembles appear. In those centuries they mainly consisted of wind instruments. A little later they added the sound of strings. At the same time, serenades were performed in the open air in the evening, when the space around was filled with the light of stars and the rustling of fluffy dresses.

L. Boccherini, I. Haydn and Y. Toeshi, V.A. Mozart, F. Schubert are composers whose names are invariably associated with the serenade genre. Thanks to them, the lyrical song continued to live in the hearts of Europeans.


In the 19th century, interest in orchestral serenades began to fade. The genre is again modified to suit the interests of the public. This is how a vocal serenade appears, reminiscent of a romance. It begins to penetrate musicals, films and plays.

Even experts find it difficult to say how the direction will develop further. Some see it fading, others see it merging with other genres. Musicologists are unanimous on one thing: as long as there is room for love in people’s hearts, the serenade will not disappear.

How did the serenade appear in Russia?

St. Petersburg, early 18th century. At this time, the Russian Empire was in the hands of Peter I, who was not indifferent to European culture. It is to him that we owe the appearance of the serenade. While Europe was experiencing a rapid flowering of this genre, Russia was just joining Western traditions and adopting “outlandish” experience.

In the Petrine era, the serenade was entertainment for high-ranking people. Romantic songs were a typical court pastime. Pleasant and light melodies performed by the orchestra accompanied the imperial family during outdoor recreation, and social events were not complete without them.

What about love and expression of feelings? In this regard, nothing has changed even on Russian soil. An example is the story of Count P.A. Zubov and Grand Duchess Elizaveta Alekseevna. According to eyewitnesses, the count tried to attract attention to his person with the help of serenades, which embarrassed and worried the princess.

Russia also has its own genre of serenade - music on the water. Noble people did not neglect listening to refined melodies even during river walks. In those days, ships could accommodate a large number of musicians, which made it possible to introduce a touch of pomp and luxury into ordinary leisure time.

At the end of the 18th century, serenades penetrated the music salons of St. Petersburg, where a theatrical and playful atmosphere was in the air. At the same time, love poetry is developing, literally created for this genre of song. All conditions favor the development of a vocal serenade. But Russian poets were in no hurry to change the typical European plot to Russian. Therefore, in the songs there was still a balcony and stars, roses and guitar, and, of course, a beautiful young Spanish/Italian woman.


Interesting Facts

    In the Middle Ages, when the genre originated, few people called songs under the balcony serenades. Usually this direction concealed a canson, a ballad, etc.

    Every year the Serenade Festival takes place in Teoro in southern Italy. Its essence boils down to the following. Five girls on the balconies listen to songs performed by their lovers. But singing a serenade is not enough. After the theatrical performance, the young men climb onto the balconies and present red roses to their ladies. The final action is a kiss.

    Serenade or serenata? Experts differentiate these concepts. Thus, a serenade means a lyrical song, and a serenata means a dramatic composition.

    In the south of Italy you can often see scenes of marriage proposals in the best traditions of a serenade. It all starts on the evening before the wedding. The groom approaches his beloved's balcony, surrounded by musicians, and begins to perform romantic songs for her. He waits until the lights come on in the windows of her room, and she herself goes out onto the balcony. With these actions, the bride gives her official consent to the marriage. Now you can begin the wedding festivities and enjoy Italian dishes, which the girl’s parents have already taken care of.


    On the island of Formosa in the Pacific Ocean there is also a tradition of proposing marriage with the help of a kind of serenade. Why peculiar? Because the guitar here is replaced by a homemade harp made of a bamboo branch and twine, and the balcony is an ordinary window of a hut. And the Formosan bears little resemblance to a gallant man: his clothes reveal him as a representative of the local tribe. But the essence of the custom remains the same. If a girl leaves the hut and takes the potential groom by the hem of his clothing, then the young people begin to live together. If she retreats deeper into the hut, then the Formosan is left alone.

    Mexicans have a special passion for serenades. Wide-brimmed sombreros, embroidered boleros and a guitar are the constant attributes of local musicians, who are called mariachis. They serenade... in the morning. This is how a lover wishes his bride good morning. Hearing music at 5 am is quite normal for Mexicans. The songs continue until the girl appears from the window or goes out onto the balcony. By the way, a serenade in Mexico is called a mañanita.

    “Girl with a Guitar”, “Come Tomorrow”, “Dog in the Manger”, “Sun Valley Serenade”, “Madly in Love” are a small part of the films where the heroes perform a serenade.

Serenade will invariably be associated with love and romance. And this is not surprising, because the genre was created to confess feelings for the one who could make the heart beat faster.

Video: listen to Serenade

Anna Karenina. Lev Tolstoy

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Wuthering Heights. Emily Brontë

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Notre Dame Cathedral. Victor Hugo

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Gone With the Wind. Margaret Mitchell

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Romeo and Juliet. William Shakespeare

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The Great Gatsby. Francis Fitzgerald

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Count of Monte Cristo. Alexandr Duma

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Triumphal Arch. Erich Remarque

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The man who laughs. Victor Hugo

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Martin Eden. Jack London

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Sister Kerry. Theodore Dreiser

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Les Misérables. Victor Hugo

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The adventures of the good soldier Schweik. Jaroslav Hasek

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Iliad. Homer

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St. John's wort. James Cooper

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Doctor Zhivago. Boris Pasternak

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Don Quixote. Miguel Cervantes

What do the names of Amadis of Gaul, Palmer of England, Don Belianis of Greece, Tyrant of the White tell us today? But it was precisely as a parody of the novels about these knights that “The Cunning Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha” by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was created. And this parody has survived the genre being parodied for centuries. “Don Quixote” was recognized as the best novel in the entire history of world literature.

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Ivanhoe. Walter Scott

“Ivanhoe” is a key work in the series of novels by W. Scott, which take us to medieval England. The young knight Ivanhoe, who secretly returned from the Crusade to his homeland and was deprived of his inheritance by the will of his father, will have to defend his honor and the love of the beautiful lady Rowena... King Richard the Lionheart and the legendary robber Robin Hood will come to his aid.

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Headless horseman. Reed Main

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Dear friend. Guy de Maupassant

The novel “Dear Friend” became one of the symbols of the era. This is Maupassant's most powerful novel. Through the story of Georges Duroy, who is making his way to the top, the true morals of high French society are revealed; the spirit of corruption that reigns in all its spheres contributes to the fact that an ordinary and immoral person, such as Maupassant’s hero, easily achieves success and wealth.

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Dead Souls. Nikolay Gogol

The publication of the first volume of N. Gogol’s “Dead Souls” in 1842 caused heated controversy among contemporaries, splitting society into fans and opponents of the poem. “...Talking about “Dead Souls”, you can talk a lot about Russia...” - this judgment of P. Vyazemsky explained the main reason for the controversy. The author’s question is still relevant: “Rus, where are you rushing, give me the answer?”

Here is a list of 10 composers you should know. Of each of them it can be said with certainty that he is the greatest composer who ever lived, although in fact it is impossible, and indeed impossible, to compare music written over several centuries. However, all of these composers stand out among their contemporaries as composers who composed music of the highest caliber and sought to push the boundaries of classical music to new limits. The list does not contain any order, such as importance or personal preference. Just 10 great composers you should know.

Each composer is accompanied by a quotable fact of his life, remembering which you will look like an expert. And by clicking on the link to the last name, you will find out his full biography. And of course, you can listen to one of the significant works of each master.

The most important figure in world classical music. One of the most performed and respected composers in the world. He created in all genres that existed in his time, including opera, ballet, music for dramatic performances, and choral works. The most significant in his legacy are considered to be instrumental works: piano, violin and cello sonatas, concertos for piano, violin, quartets, overtures, symphonies. The founder of the romantic period in classical music.

Interesting fact.

Beethoven first wanted to dedicate his third symphony (1804) to Napoleon; the composer was captivated by the personality of this man, who seemed to many at the beginning of his reign a real hero. But when Napoleon proclaimed himself emperor, Beethoven crossed out his dedication on the title page and wrote only one word - “Heroic”.

"Moonlight Sonata" by L. Beethoven, listen:

2. (1685-1750)

German composer and organist, representative of the Baroque era. One of the greatest composers in the history of music. During his life, Bach wrote more than 1000 works. His work represents all the significant genres of that time, except opera; he summarized the achievements of musical art of the Baroque period. The founder of the most famous musical dynasty.

Interesting fact.

During his lifetime, Bach was so underrated that less than a dozen of his works were published.

Toccata and Fugue in D minor by J. S. Bach, listen:

3. (1756-1791)

The great Austrian composer, instrumentalist and conductor, representative of the Vienna Classical School, virtuoso violinist, harpsichordist, organist, conductor, he had a phenomenal ear for music, memory and the ability to improvise. As a composer who excelled in any genre, he is rightfully considered one of the greatest composers in the history of classical music.

Interesting fact.

While still a child, Mozart memorized and recorded the Miserere (cat. chant on the text of the 50th Psalm of David) by the Italian Gregorio Allegri, having listened to it only once.

"Little Night Serenade" by W.A. Mozart, listen:

4. (1813-1883)

German composer, conductor, playwright, philosopher. He had a significant influence on European culture at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, especially modernism. Wagner's operas are stunning in their grandiose scale and eternal human values.

Interesting fact.

Wagner took part in the failed revolution of 1848-1849 in Germany and was forced to hide from arrest by Franz Liszt.

"Ride of the Valkyries" from R. Wagner's opera "Walkyrie", listen

5. (1840-1893)

Italian composer, central figure of the Italian opera school. Verdi had a sense of the stage, temperament and impeccable skill. He did not deny operatic traditions (unlike Wagner), but on the contrary developed them (the traditions of Italian opera), he transformed Italian opera, filled it with realism, and gave it the unity of the whole.

Interesting fact.

Verdi was an Italian nationalist and was elected to the first Italian parliament in 1860, following the declaration of Italian independence from Austria.

Overture to D. Verdi's opera "La Traviata", listen:

7. Igor Fedorovich Stravinsky (1882-1971)

Russian (American - after emigration) composer, conductor, pianist. One of the most significant composers of the twentieth century. Stravinsky's creativity is consistent throughout his entire career, although the style of his works was different in different periods, but the core and Russian roots remained, which were evident in all his works; he is considered one of the leading innovators of the twentieth century. His innovative use of rhythm and harmony has inspired and continues to inspire many musicians, not just in classical music.

Interesting fact.

During World War I, Roman customs officers confiscated Pablo Picasso's portrait of Stravinsky as the composer was leaving Italy. The portrait was painted in a futuristic manner, and customs officers mistook these circles and lines for some kind of encrypted secret materials.

Suite from I.F. Stravinsky's ballet "Firebird", listen:

8. Johann Strauss (1825-1899)

Austrian composer of light music, conductor and violinist. "King of Waltzes", he created in the genre of dance music and operetta. His musical heritage includes more than 500 waltzes, polkas, quadrilles and other types of dance music, as well as several operettas and ballets. Thanks to him, the waltz became extremely popular in Vienna in the 19th century.

Interesting fact.

Johann Strauss's father is also Johann and also a famous musician, so the "Waltz King" is called the youngest or son, his brothers Joseph and Eduard were also famous composers.

Waltz by J. Strauss "On the Beautiful Blue Danube", listen:

9. Sergei Vasilyevich Rahmaninov (1873-1943)

Austrian composer, one of the outstanding representatives of the Viennese classical music school and one of the founders of romanticism in music. During his short life, Schubert made significant contributions to orchestral, chamber and piano music that influenced an entire generation of composers. However, his most striking contribution was to the development of German romances, of which he created more than 600.

Interesting fact.

Schubert's friends and fellow musicians would get together and perform Schubert's music. These meetings were called "Schubertiads". Some first fan club!

"Ave Maria" by F.P.Schubert, listen:

Continuing the theme of great composers you should know, new material.

(estimates: 50 , average: 4,00 out of 5)

In Russia, literature has its own direction, different from any other. The Russian soul is mysterious and incomprehensible. The genre reflects both Europe and Asia, which is why the best classical Russian works are extraordinary, striking in their soulfulness and vitality.

The main character is the soul. For a person, his position in society, the amount of money is not important, it is important for him to find himself and his place in this life, to find the truth and peace of mind.

The books of Russian literature are united by the features of a writer who has the gift of the great Word, who has completely devoted himself to this art of literature. The best classics saw life not flatly, but multifacetedly. They wrote about life not of random destinies, but of those expressing existence in its most unique manifestations.

Russian classics are so different, with different destinies, but what unites them is that literature is recognized as a school of life, a way of studying and developing Russia.

Russian classical literature was created by the best writers from different parts of Russia. It is very important where the author was born, because this determines his formation as a person, his development, and it also affects his writing skills. Pushkin, Lermontov, Dostoevsky were born in Moscow, Chernyshevsky in Saratov, Shchedrin in Tver. Poltava region in Ukraine is the birthplace of Gogol, Podolsk province - Nekrasov, Taganrog - Chekhov.

The three great classics, Tolstoy, Turgenev and Dostoevsky, were completely different people from each other, had different destinies, complex characters and great talents. They made a huge contribution to the development of literature, writing their best works, which still excite the hearts and souls of readers. Everyone should read these books.

Another important difference between the books of Russian classics is that they ridicule the shortcomings of a person and his way of life. Satire and humor are the main features of the works. However, many critics said that this was all slander. And only true connoisseurs saw how the characters are both comical and tragic at the same time. Such books always touch the soul.

Here you can find the best works of classical literature. You can download books of Russian classics for free or read them online, which is very convenient.

We present to your attention the 100 best books of Russian classics. The full list of books includes the best and most memorable works of Russian writers. This literature is known to everyone and is recognized by critics from all over the world.

Of course, our list of top 100 books is just a small part that brings together the best works of the great classics. It can be continued for a very long time.

A hundred books that everyone should read in order to understand not only how they used to live, what were the values, traditions, priorities in life, what they were striving for, but to find out in general how our world works, how bright and pure the soul can be and how valuable it is for a person, for the development of his personality.

The top 100 list includes the best and most famous works of Russian classics. The plot of many of them is known from school. However, some books are difficult to understand at a young age and require wisdom that is acquired over the years.

Of course, the list is far from complete; it can be continued endlessly. Reading such literature is a pleasure. She doesn’t just teach something, she radically changes lives, helps us understand simple things that we sometimes don’t even notice.

We hope you liked our list of classic books of Russian literature. You may have already read some of it, and some not. A great reason to make your own personal list of books, your top ones that you would like to read.

What would our life be like without music? For many years, people have asked themselves this question and come to the conclusion that without the beautiful sounds of music, the world would be a very different place. Music helps us feel joy more fully, find our inner self and cope with difficulties. Composers, working on their works, were inspired by a variety of things: love, nature, war, happiness, sadness and much more. Some of the musical compositions they created will forever remain in the hearts and memories of people. Here is a list of ten of the greatest and most talented composers of all time. Under each composer you will find a link to one of his most famous works.

10 PHOTO (VIDEO)

Franz Peter Schubert was an Austrian composer who lived only 32 years, but his music will live on for a very long time. Schubert wrote nine symphonies, about 600 vocal compositions, and a large amount of chamber and solo piano music.

"Evening Serenade"


German composer and pianist, author of two serenades, four symphonies, as well as concerts for violin, piano and cello. He performed at concerts from the age of ten, and gave his first solo concert at the age of 14. During his lifetime, he gained popularity primarily due to the waltzes and Hungarian dances he wrote.

"Hungarian Dance No. 5".


George Frideric Handel was a German and English composer of the Baroque era; he wrote about 40 operas, many organ concerts, and chamber music. Handel's music has been played at the coronations of English kings since 973, it is also heard at royal wedding ceremonies and is even used as the anthem of the UEFA Champions League (with a small arrangement).

"Music on the water"


Joseph Haydn is a famous and prolific Austrian composer of the classical era, he is called the father of the symphony, as he made significant contributions to the development of this musical genre. Joseph Haydn is the author of 104 symphonies, 50 piano sonatas, 24 operas and 36 concertos

"Symphony No. 45".


Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is the most famous Russian composer, author of more than 80 works, including 10 operas, 3 ballets and 7 symphonies. He was very popular and known as a composer during his lifetime, and performed in Russia and abroad as a conductor.

"Waltz of the Flowers" from the ballet "The Nutcracker".


Frédéric François Chopin is a Polish composer who is also considered one of the best pianists of all time. He wrote many pieces of music for piano, including 3 sonatas and 17 waltzes.

"Rain waltz".


Venetian composer and virtuoso violinist Antonio Lucio Vivaldi is the author of more than 500 concertos and 90 operas. He had a huge influence on the development of Italian and world violin art.

"Elf Song".


Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is an Austrian composer who amazed the world with his talent from early childhood. Already at the age of five, Mozart was composing short plays. In total, he wrote 626 works, including 50 symphonies and 55 concertos. 9.Beethoven 10.Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and organist of the Baroque era, known as a master of polyphony. He is the author of more than 1000 works, which include almost all significant genres of that time.

"Musical joke"