The clock strikes midnight, and the sky is illuminated with brilliant fireworks of every color. One year turns to another with a crescendo, as people all over the world erupt into celebration.
We’ve put together a varied playlist of thrilling and celebratory classical music. But timing is everything, so we’ve also let you know when to press play if you want the peak, the coda, the apex of the piece to line up with the changing of the New Year.
In other words, keep an eye on the clock, and usher in the new year with a classical countdown unlike any other!
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture
Literally explosively triumphant, Tchaikovsky’s 1880-written concerto features the surprise appearance of cannon fire.
Press play at 11:48:06 PM for the cannons to sound at midnight.
John Adams: Short Ride in a Fast Machine
One of the staples of modern American repertoire, John Adams’s thrilling fanfare surges forward with an electrifying drive.
Press play at 11:56:03 PM wrap up the proceedings as the clock strikes twelve.
Leonard Bernstein: Candide Overture
Leonard Bernstein’s overture spans moods and sound worlds, and its unreserved climax is the perfect accompaniment to inject excitement and good humor into the first moments of the New Year.
Press play at 11:55:52 PM, and the piece will conclude at twelve sharp.
Johann Strauss II: Fledermaus Overture
The Strauss family are the patron family of New Year’s music, thanks in large part to the annual New Year’s Concerts from Vienna. Johann II’s absorbing overture leads you on a journey all leading to a breathless and fun conclusion.
Press play at 11:51:29 PM, and get ready to raise your glass to 2025 as the piece ends at the strike of midnight.
George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
George Gershwin’s rapturous Rhapsody in Blue transcends genres. The work ably traverses moods before resolving in stirring fashion, bringing all elements together in one triumphant coda.
Pressing play at 11:45:16 PM ensures that the final salvos of the piece usher in 2025 in style.
Modest Mussorgsky (orch. Maurice Ravel): Pictures at an Exhibition
From its evocative opening promenade to its grand finale, this orchestral suite has crescendos and climaxes to match your countdown energy.
Hitting play at 11:54:36 PM ensures that the epic final movement concludes at midnight.
Ludwig van Beethoven: Egmont Overture
Heroic, passionate, and ultimately triumphant, Beethoven’s Egmont Overture is a rousing way to usher in the New Year.
Hitting play at 11:51:49 PM ensures that the epic conclusion takes you to midnight.
Louis Moreau Gottschalk: Grand Tarantelle
Try not to be excited listening to this! Inspired by the tarantella, a famous Italian folkdance that began as a frantic, active antidote to tarantula venom, Gottschalk’s reimagining starts and doesn’t let up.
Press play at 11:52:40 PM, and your new year will start as the piece reaches its triumphant end.
Camille Saint-Saëns: Finale of the Organ Symphony
The dramatic, organ-powered finale of Saint-Saëns’ third symphony will make any New Year’s celebration unforgettable.
Press play at 11:54:26 PM the final organ peals line up with midnight.
Johann Sebastian Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
Bach’s effervescent concerto is a Baroque fireworks display. Its lively interplay of strings can provide a joyous backdrop to your countdown.
Press play at 11:55:03 PM, and usher in the New Year with the brilliance of Bach.
Michael Torke: Bliss
Michael Torke’s aptly named Bliss exudes pure joy, weaving vibrant harmonies with rhythmic vitality.
Press play at 11:48:35 PM, welcome 2025 with a joyful toast.
And if you’d like to start your year immediately with the traditional Auld Lang Syne, here are two classical arrangements we’d suggest. Queue up either (or another recording of your choosing!) to immediately follow up the exciting musical fireworks.
An orchestral and choral version:
A brass version:
WFMT wishes you a happy and healthy New Year!
