It’s that time of year again: warm summer days, breezy evenings, and the perfect opportunity to indulge in sweet fizzy cocktails accompanied by chamber music’s lighter side. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite summer tunes and what to pair it with so you’ll have the perfect set-up for a summer’s eve.
The Playlist
Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major
The exuberant and uplifting opening strains of Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik, along with its subsequent flowery and melodies pairs well with a Riesling wine. These aromatic grapes from the Rhine region of Germany make a variety of white wines possessing floral and fruity notes. We love the one from Oliver, BC’s See Ya Later Ranch.
“Midsommarvaka”, Op.19 (Swedish Rhapsody No. 1)
Not only one of Hugo Alfvén’s best known pieces, Opus 19 is one of Sweden’s most famous. A nice, cold crisp wheat ale like Granville Island Brewing’s Hey Day Hefeweizen compliments the distinctly European mood of the piece.
A Song of Summer
Channel a more sophisticated time while sipping a classic Screwdriver, accompanied by the melancholic notes of Frederick Delius. Once an orange plantation manager in Florida, Delius went on to compose with his time in America a heavy influence. His Song of Summer is best savoured with the tangy orange base of a Screwdriver.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
We love listening to the operatic intricacies of Felix Mendelssohn’s piece for Shakespeare’s beloved comedy over and over again. Even better, is when it’s paired with a fruity cider, like the deliciousness craft flavours of BC Tree Fruits, reminiscent of early taverns and summer’s eve.
Clair de Lune
The third movement of Claude Debussy’s famous Suite bergamasque is a beautiful ode to the moonlight in pianissimo, and comes from Verlaine’s poem of the same name. Played in the evening with a cup of Sweet Dreams tea, you’ll be sure to have just that.
Summertime
A Mint Julep goes best with the jazzy breeziness of George Gershwin’s Summertime. Close your eyes and let the music transport you right into the season of evenings on the porch and ice cold refreshment.
The Four Seasons, “Summer”
What summer sipper list would be complete without the quintessential melody of Vivaldi’s Summer? Taste the season with this classic homemade lemonade recipe, while the detailed narrative of the piece sweeps you away.
What’s your favourite piece of music to listen to this time of year? Share with us!
