skip to navigation

    Classic FM

    On Air Now

    Bill Turnbull 10am - 1pm

    Bill Turnbull

    Now Playing

    Adagio for Strings Samuel Barber Download 'Adagio for Strings' on iTunes

    Adagio for Strings artwork
    • Playlist
    • Schedule
    Listen
    • Home
    • Radio
    • News
    • Discover Music
    • Composers
    • Artists
    • Win
    • Charity
    • Learning
    • Quizzes
    • Dating
    • Follow us on:
      Follow Classic FM on Twitter
      Follow Classic FM on Facebook
      Follow Classic FM on Instagram
      Follow Classic FM on Youtube

    Discover Music

    • Discover Music Home
    • Periods & Genres
    • Occasions
    • Mood
    • Instruments
    • Music Theory
    • Learning
    • Humour
    • Women in Music
    • More Classic FM

    50 Shades of Classical Music - the sexiest pieces of all time

    From the romantic to the sensual, here’s our pick of 50 sexy pieces of classical music, inspired by E L James’ erotic novel

    1. Berg Lulu

      1. 50. Berg - 'Lulu'

      Saucy opera Lulu, was written in 1937 by Austrian composer Alban Berg. It’s packed with love and death, and there’s even a brothel thrown in for good measure.

    2. Margaret Campbell Duchess of Argyll

      2. 49. Adès - 'Powder her Face'

      Some sexy moments just can’t be described musically… but British composer Thomas Adès certainly gives it a go in his x-rated opera Powder Her Face, which centres around a sex-obsessed duchess.

    3. Piano

      3. 48. Widor - Piano Quartet in A Minor

      Widor’s four movement Piano Quartet in A minor is an emotional roller coaster, but the second movement is definitely the most sexiest. It’s even been described as ‘erotic’!

    4. Northern Sinfonia

      4. 47. Strauss - Sinfonia Domestica

      This piece by Richard Strauss isn’t for the faint-hearted! It includes a musical portrait of his domestic life with his family, with an x-rated musical love scene between the composer and his wife.

    5. The Bear William Walton

      5. 46. Walton - The Bear

      Walton's opera, The Bear, boasts a saucy plot involving unfaithful lovers, resulting in a duel where they point loaded pistols at each other. Luckily, neither can fire as they’re too in love.

    6. Finzi Lover Not A Lass, Spring

      6. 45. Finzi - 'It was a lover and his lass'

      ‘It was a lover and his lass, with a hey and a ho and a hey nonny no!’ We’re not sure what Finzi was insinuating by using Shakespeare’s saucy lyrics, but the wonderful music of his springtime love song speaks for itself.

    7. Music for the Royal Fireworks

      7. 44. Handel - Music for the Royal Fireworks

      It’s not just for fireworks in the bedroom – Handel’s brilliant 'Music for the Royal Fireworks' is just as lively now as it was when it was written in 1749.

    8. Rossini Cat Duet

      8. 43. Rossini - Cat Duet

      Two sexy sopranos indulge in a diva-style cat fight in Rossini’s comic duet. The singers need not worry about forgetting the words, as the lyrics are only made up of one word: ‘Meow!’

    9. ClassicFM live March 2011

      9. 42. Arutunian - Trumpet Concerto

      It’s not just Tine Thing Helseth’s playing that makes Arutunian’s Trumpet Concerto so sensuous. The orchestral playing is wonderfully meaty and the lush string chords complement the trumpet playing perfectly.

    10. Bryn Terfel at Classical BRIT Awards

      10. 41. Bizet - The Pearl Fishers

      Marie Reynolds on Facebook suggested The Pearl Fishers duet, as performed by Andrea Bocelli and Bryn Terfel. Of course she did. Two of classical music’s biggest hunks, displaying their enormous… voices. Marie, a fantastic choice, and we salute you!

    11. Orpheus in the Underworld Offenbach

      11. 40. Offenbach - Fly Duet

      Matthew Haywood on Facebook suggested Offenbach’s Fly Duet. And why wouldn’t he? As the opera – Orpheus in the Underworld – that spawned the Can-Can (The Infernal Gallop from Act II, Scene 2), here’s another reason to turn up the romantic heat.

    12. Katherine Jenkins singing at Ashes 2009

      12. 39. Fauré - Requiem Opus 48 'In Paradisum' performed by Katherine Jenkins

      Stunning Katherine Jenkins is the perfect singer to transport us to musical paradise, singing glorious music by Fauré from his Requiem. It’s simply angelic.

    13. Joaquin Rodrigo

      13. 38. Rodrigo - Fantasia para un gentilhombre

      There are few things sexier than a healthy dose of Spanish guitar music, and who better to provide us with a good strumming than Rodrigo? His 'Fantasia para un gentilhombre' embodies the best of steamy Spanish charm alongside lively dance themes.

    14. Schumann Romance Opus 28 No.2

      14. 37. Schumann - Romance Opus 28 No.2

      Wouldn’t you like to have a piece of sexy classical music written especially for you? Lucky Clara Schumann (pictured), wife of the great Romantic composer Robert Schumann, was treated to music written by her husband.

    15. Brahms Violin Sonata No. 1 in G

      15. 36. Brahms - Violin Sonata No. 1 in G

      The violin and piano play together in sweet harmony in Brahms’ intimate sonata. It’s not just the musical conversation between the players that will make your hair stand on end – Brahms’ writing is just delicious!

    16. Midsummer Night's Dream Britten

      16. 35. Mendelssohn - A Midsummer Night’s Dream

      Mendelssohn captures the mood of a balmy summer evening in his magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The fairies come out to play, and perhaps love is in the air…

    17. Orchestra

      17. 34. Beethoven's Overtures

      Beethoven’s overtures aren’t exactly sexy in themselves, but Jane Jones has discovered a fresh recording by the Zürich Tonhalle Orchestra and David Zinman, which she describes as ‘feisty and raw’! Perhaps Beethoven was a secret lothario…

    18. Black Swan

      18. 33. Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake

      Used in the soundtrack to the haunting film Black Swan, the theme from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake is used as a naïve dancer, played by Natalie Portman, lives out her unhealthy obsession with fellow ballet star, played by Mila Kunis.

    19. Pride and Prejudice

      19. 32. Carl Davis - Pride And Prejudice Theme

      One thing’s certain – the ladies love Mr Darcy. But we think the wonderful piano theme tune to Pride and Prejudice, written by Carl Davis, is almost as sexy as Colin Firth.

    20. brief Encounter

      20. 31. Rachmaninov - Piano Concerto 2

      Suburban housewives! Affairs! Violence! Liberally used in the film Brief Encounter, Rach’s masterpiece will be forever linked to this racy film.

    21. Cavalleria Rusticana

      21. 30. Pietro Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana

      As a twenty seven year old, Mascagni launched this gem on the world. A one act opera that packs in plenty of adultery and blind fury, it’s a sure-fire way of getting the pulse racing.

    22. The Marriage of Figaro

      22. 29. Mozart - Le Nozze Di Figaro K. 492: "Porgi, Amor"

      Mozart’s crazy comic opera, The Marriage of Figaro, features the gorgeous aria ‘Porgi, Amor’. The music may be pretty, but the subject matter is a bit more raunchy – at this point in the opera, the Countess is singing about her husband's infidelity.

    23. la traviata 6

      23. 28. Verdi - La traviata 'Libiamo ne'lieti calici (Brindisi)'

      Opera singers, a love story, and a lot of alcohol – what could possibly go wrong? The famous drinking song from Verdi’s opera La Traviata encourages us to ‘drink for the ecstatic feeling that love arouses’, but we’ll leave it up to you whether you follow the composer’s advice.

    24. Delibes Flower duet

      24. 27. Delibes - Flower duet

      This gorgeous duet is a highlight of Delibes’ exotic opera, Lakmé. It’s also mentioned in E L James’ erotic novel, 50 Shades of Grey – but the music is pretty exciting on its own.

    25. Bach/Marcello Oboe Concerto in D minor

      25. 26. Bach/Marcello - Oboe Concerto in D minor

      Marcello’s tragically beautiful oboe concerto needs no introduction, especially in its piano transcription by Bach. It’s also a favourite of Christian Grey’s, the sexy star of 50 Shades of Grey – he likes to play it almost as much as we enjoy listening to it.

    26. Madame Butterfly in 3D

      26. 25. Puccini - Madama Butterfly 'Un Bel Di Vedremo'

      Love affair kicks off with plenty of promise and gusto! Love affair goes horribly wrong and ends tragically! There’s barely a dry eye in the house towards the climax (!) of Madama Butterfly, but rarely has romance been staged so poignantly.

    27. La Boheme

      27. 24. Puccini - La Bohème ‘O Soave Fanciulla’

      Fall in love with Mirella Freni and Luciano Pavarotti in Puccini’s tragic romance. Their duet captures the exact moment the operatic lovers fall for each other, and it’s a musical match made in heaven.

    28. Monteverdi Coronation of Poppea

      28. 23. Monteverdi - Coronation of Poppea

      Monteverdi may have been writing in the 17th Century, but he’s still treated us to a fair share of naughtiness. The raunchy story tells of adulterous liaison between Nerone, the Roman emperor, and his mistress Poppea.

    29. Tristan and Isolde

      29. 22. Wagner - Tristan and Isolde

      Wagner’s Romantic love story between a nobleman and an Irish princess is one of the most intense operas of its time. It’s seen as an accurate musical portrayal of all a couple’s emotions, both sexy and destructive.

    30. Thomas Tallis

      30. 21. Tallis - 'if ye love me'

      A beautiful wedding favourite from 16th century composer Thomas Tallis. The choral piece can be performed with a small choir to heighten the intimacy between the parts.

    31. Aida at Covent Garden. Photo Bill Cooper/The Royal

      31. 20. Verdi - Aida

      Verdi’s passionate opera, Aida, tells the story of an Ethiopian princess who is captured as a slave. Military commander Radamès falls under her spell and their turbulent love affair is played out on the opera stage.

    32. Scriabin Poem of Ecstasy

      32. 19. Scriabin - Poem of Ecstasy

      The clue’s in the title with this symphonic poem by Scriabin. He wrote a poem to accompany the music, which was split into three movements – one of which is said to describe a soul in the orgy of love!

    33. Shostakovich Jazz suite No. 2 Eyes Wide Shut

      33. 18 Shostakovich - Jazz Suite No. 2

      Used in the film Eyes Wide Shut, Shostakovich’s Jazz Suite provides a soundtrack to the sexually charged adventures of Dr. Bill Harford, played by Tom Cruise, and his wife, Nicole Kidman.

    34. Kate Middleton

      34. 17. Paul Mealor - Ubi Caritas

      After the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, Paul Mealor’s charming anthem has burst onto the classical music scene in time for this summer’s wedding season. It’s a simple choral piece, but less is definitely more in this beautifully sweet composition.

    35. Whitacre boy and girl

      35. 16. Whitacre - 'A boy and a girl'

      A boy and a girl, 'giving their kisses like waves exchanging foam'. If the lyrics to Whitacre’s luscious song don’t give you goosebumps, the dense chords and sensuous choral writing certainly will.

    36. Leonard Bernstein

      36. 15. Bernstein - Overture to Candide

      Bernstein’s overture captures the cheeky mood present throughout his satirical operetta, Candide. A raunchy favourite is the Old Lady’s Tango, ‘I Am Easily Assimilated’, with a touch of Spanish charm.

    37. Carmen

      37. 14. Bizet - Carmen ‘La fleur que tu m'avais jetée’

      Take a trip to the sunny market square in 1820s Seville, where we discover the story of the beautiful gypsy girl, Carmen. A true flirt, she tosses a flower to Don José and tries to tempt him away from the army with a seductive dance.

    38. Camille Saint-Saëns: Samson and Delilah

      38. 13. Saint-Saens - 'Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix'

      This sexy song is performed by Delilah in Saint-Saens’ opera as she attempts to seduce Samson and lure him into revealing his strength. Despite containing this beautiful aria, the sultry opera caused controversy due to its Biblical themes, and was banned by the Lord Chamberlain until 1909.

    39. Romeo and Juliet

      39. 12 Tchaikovsky - Romeo and Juliet

      The tragic romance between Shakespeare’s best-loved couple has inspired many pieces of music through the years, but none so passionate as Tchaikovsky’s Overture to Romeo and Juliet. It’s even been used on TV shows such as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and on The Sims as the soundtrack to a romantic kiss!

    40. Mozart Don Giovanni Batti Batti

      40. 11. Mozart - Don Giovanni ‘Batti Batti’

      Mozart isn’t best known for his sex appeal, but he created his fair share of seductive sopranos in his operas. In Don Giovanni, after Zerlina is accused of cheating by her fiancé, Masetto, she sings her flirty aria ‘Batti, batti o bel Masetto’, teasing him by asking him to punish her, beat her, and pull her hair.

    41. Simon Keenlyside

      41. 10. Poulenc - ‘Hôtel’

      Poulenc is almost as well-known for his wild social life as he is his music. His sexy song, ‘Hôtel’, from the Banalités cycle is at its most gorgeous when it’s sung by the velvet baritone voice of Simon Keenlyside.

    42. Film Stills

      42. 9. Nyman - 'The heart asks pleasure first'

      Indulge your ears in Nyman’s beautifully intense soundtrack to The Piano. In the sensuous film, a young man is seduced by the passionate piano playing of a mute woman, who uses music to communicate her emotions.

    43. Laurence Olivier Henry V Walton Touch her soft lip

      43. 8. Walton - 'Touch her soft lips and part'

      Originally part of Walton's film score to Henry V (starring Laurence Olivier, pictured) composed in 1943, the intimate string music of 'Touch her soft lips and part' tells the tale of an emotional parting kiss between the king from his lover.

    44. Carmina Burana

      44. 7. Orff - 'Carmina Burana'

      Don’t be fooled by the 11th century Latin and German words – Orff’s Carmina Burana is pretty naughty in places! Themes of love, lust, and drinking songs make up the backbone of this piece, written in 1935-6, which includes such lyrics as: “Look at me young men, and let me please you…”

    45. Dance of the seven veils Salome

      45. 6. Strauss - Salomé - 'Dance of the Seven Veils'

      Strauss’s seductive heroine, Salome, performs a strip tease at this point in the opera, dancing for King Herod so he will grant her wishes. More risqué productions involve the singer slowly removing each of her seven veils one by one, ending the song naked on stage.

    46. Il Divo

      46. 5. Il Divo - 'Adagio'

      If the masculine charms of singers Sébastien Izambard, Carlos Marín, David Miller, and Urs Bühler don’t get your heart beating, their beautiful voices certainly will. So far more than 25million people have fallen under their spell and bought their CD.

    47. Month of May maypole

      47. 4. Morley - 'Now is the month of Maying'

      'Now is the month of Maying, where merry lads are playing!' What exactly the merry lads are getting up to is left to our imagination in Morley’s naughty madrigal, as the words are replaced with mischievous ‘fa la la’s.

    48. Carmen Gypsy Song

      48. 3. Bizet - Carmen 'Gypsy Song'

      Bizet takes us on a musical journey to sunny Spain, where flirty flamenco skirts and castanets give us a flavour of the sultry summer, whatever the weather.

    49. The Tallis Scholars

      49. 2. Tallis - Spem in alium

      Tallis’ glorious motet has enough musical excitement in its 40 individual parts to get our pulses racing. No wonder its admirers range from Ana and Christian in 50 Shades of Grey to the Tallis Scholars (pictured).

    50. Ravel's Bolero from 10 Bo Derek

      50. 1. Ravel - 'Bolero'

      It’s not just ice skaters Torvil and Dean who are heating up with Ravel’s steamy music. It also features in the sexy Eighties film, 10, starring Bo Derrick.

    Latest features

    See more Latest features

    History and theory of the ‘song for 2021’: the sea shanty

    Musically, what is a sea shanty? The history behind the songs flooding TikTok

    1 day ago

    Newly discovered Mozart piano piece performed to mark composer’s 265th birthday

    Unheard Mozart piano piece performed to mark composer’s 265th birthday

    1 day ago

    Mozart

    How Classic FM’s partner orchestras are inspiring us all with their educational offerings

    How Classic FM’s partner orchestras are inspiring us all with their educational offerings

    1 day ago

    Music Education

    Professional tap dancer and his pint-sized partner perform an energised routine

    This wonderful little and large tap-dancing duo is guaranteed to make you smile

    1 day ago

    Videos

    Bernie Sanders classical music memes

    Classical music has been meme-ing inauguration Bernie Sanders and it’s perfect

    2 days ago

    More From ClassicFM

    Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla to quit as music director of City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

    Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla to quit as music director of City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

    Basketball legend Kobe Bryant asked for leadership advice from film maestro John Williams

    Kobe Bryant asked for leadership advice from John Williams, and this was the composer’s beautiful answer

    Edexcel admits it was “wrong” to cut Courtney Pine’s work from syllabus

    Leading music exam board to reinstate its only Black composer after public outcry

    What are the lyrics to the traditional hymn ‘Amazing Grace’?

    What are the lyrics to ‘Amazing Grace’, and what’s the story behind the traditional hymn?

    Yo-Yo Ma plays poignant ‘Amazing Grace’ at Biden inauguration concert

    Yo-Yo Ma brings world to tears with poignant ‘Amazing Grace’ at inauguration concert

    Yo-Yo Ma

    Lady Gaga’s national anthem inauguration performance has been transcribed by an A+ music geek

    Lady Gaga’s national anthem inauguration performance has been transcribed by an A+ music geek

    Browse by

    See more Browse by

    Periods & genres

    Periods & genres

    Occasions

    Occasions

    Moods

    Moods

    Instruments

    Instruments

    Back to top

    Also on Classic FM

    • LBC News
    • handel
    • debussy
    • music theory
    • instruments
    • brahms
    • vivaldi
    • bach
    • tchaikovsky
    • chopin
    • andrea bocelli
    • beethoven
    • mozart
    • classical music tear jerkers
    • best classical music
    • Classic FM Live
    • classic fm requests
    • john suchet
    • piano world record
    • best pianists
    • harry potter music
    • classic fm app
    • saturday night at the movies
    • star wars soundtrack
    • best sopranos
    • best cellists
    • composer or pasta
    • music for studying
    • best violinists
    • sad music
    • composer birthdays
    • relaxing music

    Useful Links

    • Contact Us
    • Help
    • How To Listen
    • About Classic FM
    • Company Details
    • Cookies
    • Privacy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Advertise

    Download the app

    Get it on the app store Get it on Google Play

    Follow Us

    Follow Classic FM on Twitter
    Follow Classic FM on Facebook
    Follow Classic FM on Instagram
    Follow Classic FM on Youtube
    © Global 2021
    30 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LA
    Privacy Manager