by Ann Major

Created on: January 20, 2012   Last Updated: May 02, 2012

When it comes to easy-listening music, there is a plethora of selections to choose from; the list being virtually endless. The best classical music to fall asleep to comes from a list of tried and true favorites: music guaranteed to soothe, calm frazzled nerves, and gently lull you to sleep.

Canon in D Major by Johann Pachelbel

This classical composition has spanned the ages in timeless popularity; infinite versions have been written for piano, string and symphonic orchestras, bands, etc. Written in the 1680s, Pachelbel's canon can enthrall and captivate even a modern class of adolescents hearing it for the first time, and keep them riveted until the very end.

It is simplistic, slow and deliberate in approach, as each musical voice enters and builds a fantastic texture of sounds. The original work uses three violins and an arpeggiated bass line (broken chords) which forms a steady continuous drone, to help you fall asleep. The base line, known as Basso Continuo in Baroque music, almost gives the effect of counting sheep, only the music is much more enjoyable than the counting technique.

Air on the G String (from 3rd Orchestral Suite in D Major) by Johann Sebastian Bach

"Music to sleep to" would be greatly amiss without a selection from one of the greatest classical masters, Johann Sebastian Bach. Air on the G String is beautifully played by a string orchestra,  the introduction with long-held notes presenting the main theme. Music from this era generally has as an "air" of grandiose and pomposity. Also like the Pachelbel Canon, it is slow and deliberate in presentation, where a person can settle into a gentle and comforting sleep.

Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven

If you are a Beethoven fan like this author, you can find that zen state by listening to Beethoven's beautiful Moonlight Sonata written for piano.  Beethoven is a composer who has managed to bridge the gap between Classical music and beginnings of the Romantic era. He truly has written a romantic piece, as the broken chord introduction is both relaxing and ethereal.

Because Beethoven is known as a "Sturm und Drang" composer(German term for turmoil), the emotional aspects of this sonata can help you release feelings of anger, sadness, tension, as you are calmed and lulled to rest. The melody is subdued, lilting, and passionate all at the same time.

Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun by Clause Debussy

For music to sleep to that is exotic, pastoral, mysterious, and mystical, "Afternoon

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