For Valentine’s Day — an eclectic collection of my favorite love and love-inspired songs, in no particular order.

Ben Folds, The Luckiest
I like the imaginative romanticism of the lyrics, particularly in verses 2-3.

Rachmaninoff, Lilacs
Rachmaninoff composed his twelve Romances, Op. 21 (originally for voice and piano) as a wedding present for his wife Nataliya. He later transcribed number 5, Lilacs, for piano solo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZctDEfyT20

Andrew Peterson, Dancing in the Minefields
I’ve posted about this song before, but it’s so worth re-posting. An honest and touching expression of marriage that acknowledges both its difficulties and joy.

Brahms, Piano Concerto No. 1, Movement 2
The nature of the relationship between Brahms and Clara Schumann is one of classical music’s enduring mysteries; at the very least we know they shared a close lifelong friendship. Whether their love was romantic or not, it inspired some marvelous music. Brahms called this movement from his first piano concerto a “gentle portrait” of Clara.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voV–MQLBsc

Michael Bublé, Haven’t Met You Yet
This one kind of speaks for itself.

Wagner, Prelude & Liebestod
Wagner’s orchestral arrangement of Tristan and Isolde’s overture and Isolde’s Act 3 aria, “Mild und leise.” Tragic storyline, but glorious music (and a great harp part, too!).

Keith & Kristyn Getty, Ribbon Roads
Sweet and simple.

Bach, Goldberg Aria
This aria, which later became the theme for the famed Goldberg Variations, numbers among the compositions in the notebooks Bach compiled for his second wife, Anna Magdelena.

Stuart Townend, How Deep the Father’s Love For Us
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

(Photo)

(HT: Alex Ross)