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Published: Monday, 24 June 2024 at 11:20 AM


We are often told to relax while listening to classical music, but these works will help you do the opposite. Yes, these are the perfect pieces of classical music for running.

A racing beat, fast tempos and heightened drama make for the perfect running soundtrack. What’s more, it’s a lot harder to do the dreaded ‘countdown to the next song’ thing with classical music. Movements differ in lengths depending on the conductor or performer, and it’s less structured and formulaic as a pop song.

If you’re in the pits of exhaustion halfway round a marathon and need a pick-me-up, we suggest switching over from Taylor Swift to Gustav Holst and seeing what happens. You might be surprised…

What are the best pieces of classical music for running?

Gustav HolstMars, the Bringer of War

The first and most famous movement from Gustav Holst‘s cosmic symphonic suite The Planets opens with a menacing rhythm, played by the string sections with the wooden backs of their bow (a technique called col legno, or ‘with wood’). This dramatic ostinato is present for almost the entire piece, making it the perfect music to raise your heartbeat and find your pace.

Holst The Planets best recording

Philharmonia Orchestra/Simon Rattle EMI 575 8672