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Some pieces \u2013 operas, in particular \u2013 set out to make you cry. It would take a stony-hearted listener not to tear up, at least a little, as they have their heartstrings pulled by master manipulators such as Verdi<\/a> in La traviata<\/em>, Puccini<\/a> in Madam Butterfly<\/em><\/a> or Jan\u00e1\u010dek<\/a> in Jen\u016ffa<\/em>. In these instances, the tragic plot is enough to trigger the emotions.<\/strong><\/p> But music also works on an altogether more subtle level. Sometimes we find ourself reaching for the handkerchief while listening to works that, on the face of it, have no tragic content whatsoever. Perhaps they trigger some recollection or association? Or maybe there\u2019s something in the structure of the music that causes an emotional response? Plus, of course, tears are not always shed through sadness \u2013 joy, relief and fondness can also come into play.<\/p> Some works make us cry just the once, and that\u2019s it, we\u2019re done. Others, in contrast, turn on the taps every single time we hear them. We asked our reviewers to tell us the pieces that are guaranteed to get the tears rolling\u2026 <\/p> Nightfall, and the two children are lost in a forest. They sing their evening prayer and go to sleep. As they slumber, the orchestra depicts 14 angels coming down to watch over them. And the insanely gorgeous creation that is Humperdinck<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s Dream-Pantomime from Hansel and Gretel<\/em><\/strong> reduces me every time to a blubbing puddle. <\/p> It ought really to classify as \u2018mawkish Victorian sentimentality\u2019, but no. Instead, perhaps it strikes a chord deep in the psyche, maybe (wild speculation) to do with childhood memories: our fear, aged two, of the dark, or of abandonment, or the eternal longing to feel there\u2019s someone looking after us. I know countless people who are likewise affected. I\u2019ve even seen musicians trooping out of the orchestra<\/a><\/strong> pit dabbing at their eyes after playing it.<\/p>What are the pieces of music guaranteed to make us cry?<\/h2>
Humperdinck’s ‘Dream-Pantomime’ from Hansel and Gretel<\/em><\/h3>