7 Underrated Classical Songs 1970s: Hidden Gems You Will Love

While many acknowledged the ‘70s as a decade of rock genres, it also gifted us with some of the most exquisite classical compositions ever penned.

But amidst the fierce competition of the era, numerous gems struggled to find their place on the airwaves. Nonetheless, timeless melodies emerged, capturing the hearts of listeners then and those lucky enough to discover them now.

In this post, we’re walking you through seven underrated classical songs 1970s that received far less attention than they deserved.

1. Dmitri Shostakovich – Symphony No. 15 (1971)

Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 15 in A major, Op. 141 is a musical spectacle like no other. Taking listeners on a journey to a surreal musical carnival, every note of the composition raises profound questions about what it means to be human.

Written in 1971, when psychedelic rock gave way to newer genres, the 15th and final symphony marks a dark period of Shostakovich’s music.

As he grappled with illness and mortality, Shostakovich’s music delved into existential inquiries about the limits of musical expression and the essence of individuality. 

Every bar of the 15th Symphony will make you question, “What does it all mean?”

Why are there chirping sounds at the start of the symphony? What did Shostakovich quote Wagner and Rossini? Why does it lack the bombast or grandiosity of Shostakovich’s previous creations?

Despite all these uncertainties, one thing remains clear: Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 15 is an undisputable masterpiece of post-war symphonies.

2. Jean-Claude Vannier – L’Enfant Assasin des Mouches (1972)

Jean-Claude Vannier was primarily known for his work in French television and cinema. But in 1972, amidst the rising sound of blues rock bands, he stepped into the spotlight with his groundbreaking symphonic rock album, “L’Enfant Assassin des Mouches”

Inspired by his collaboration with Serge Gainsbourg on “Melody Nelson,” Vannier ventured on a musical odyssey that defied conventional boundaries. 

This avant-garde prog rock masterpiece, consisting of 11 parts, blended elements of soundtrack, classical, pop rock, and even Middle Eastern modal music.

Released in a limited run of 100 promo copies, “L’Enfant Assassin des Mouches” quickly attained legendary status.

3. Alfred Schnittke – Piano Quintet (1976)

Alfred Schnittke, a Russian postmodernist composer renowned for his “polystylism,” crafted the haunting and introspective Piano Quintet in 1976. This work epitomizes Schnittke’s consistent ability to imbue his compositions with originality, structural integrity, and profound emotional depth.

The Piano Quintet delves into themes of existential angst and emotional turmoil with unyielding intensity. Influenced by personal grief, particularly the loss of his mother and friend Shostakovich, Schnittke poured his pain and emotional turmoil into this composition.

Schnittke masterfully delves into themes of existential angst with a depth that surpasses even the works of Shostakovich and Mahler. Yet, amidst the darkness, Schnittke masterfully resolves the emotional turmoil with a simple yet stunning apotheosis.

The Piano Quintet offers insight into the profound depths of his artistic expression. This intensely personal piece showcases Schnittke’s idiosyncratic style, marked by a hyper-sentimentality, both unsettling and deeply moving.

4. Steve Reich – Music for 18 Musicians (1976)

Steve Reich‘s “Music for 18 Musicians,” composed between 1974 and 1976, is a quintessential masterpiece of minimalist music. Despite facing criticism from some classical circles, who likened it to “robot or zombie music,” the composition has always evoked enthusiastic responses.

Reich’s approach eschews elaborate melodies and intricate harmonies, opting instead for minimalist elements like beats, rhythms, and repeating patterns.

He employed a diverse ensemble of instruments, including voices, keyboards, and percussion, to weave a mesmerizing tapestry of sound.

“Music for 18 Musicians” represents Reich’s ambitious exploration of musical patterns. He draws listeners into a hypnotic journey as different instruments and rhythms ebb and flow, creating a dynamic and immersive musical experience.

5. Elliott Carter – A Symphony of Three Orchestras (1977)

As the last survivor of the postwar musical modernism era, Elliot Carter‘s genius shone brightest in works like “A Symphony of Three Orchestras,” often considered one of his most underrated compositions from the 1970s.

Inspired by Hart Crane’s poem “The Bridge,” this symphony encapsulates the conflicting energies of America, with a soaring trumpet solo echoing Crane’s imagery of a gull wheeling over Brooklyn Bridge.

Divided into three distinct groups reminiscent of Mozart’s multiple orchestra works, each ensemble contributes to the symphony’s rich tapestry of sound.

As Carter approached his sixties, “A Symphony of Three Orchestras” showcased his enduring passion for classical music and marked a new chapter in his illustrious career.

Little did audiences know that this composition was just the beginning of Carter’s remarkable journey, spanning over four decades of unparalleled creativity!

6. Malcolm Arnold – Symphony No.8 (1978)

Composed in 1978, Malcolm Arnold‘s Eighth Symphony is a captivating exploration of mood and texture, showcasing his remarkable compositional skill.

The symphony’s opening movement immediately commands attention. Tugging the audience with striking dissonance and bold brass declarations, setting the tone of anticipation and dread. 

In contrast, the second movement unfolds as an elegiac reflection, characterized by slow-moving lines and rich sonorities. 

The finale bursts forth with organized chaos led by the woodwinds, culminating in a whirlwind of themes and motifs that showcase Arnold’s mastery of form and structure.

By the end, the listener is left with a profound sense of awe and admiration for Arnold’s bold and unforgettable creation.

7. Arne Nordheim – The Tempest Ballet (1979)

Arne Nordheim left a lasting legacy with his innovative integration of electronic music into traditional orchestral settings. Nowhere is this more evident than in “The Tempest Ballet,” a mesmerizing composition that unfolds with timbre-driven intricacy.

Drawing inspiration from nature, Nordheim’s ballet captures the slow, primal essence of the wilderness, punctuated by ethereal birdsong and haunting soprano vocals.

This hyper-dramatic masterpiece effortlessly weaves moments of sublime beauty into its narrative, offering a unique musical interpretation of Shakespeare’s timeless tale.

Once experienced, Nordheim’s “The Tempest Ballet” promises to enchant and captivate listeners with its evocative soundscape and dramatic intensity.

Final Thoughts

While the classical songs of the 1970s may not have enjoyed the same mainstream fame as popular music of the time, this decade marked a pivotal period for the genre.

Explore these hidden gems and experience the richness and diversity of classical music from the 1970s for yourself!