Classical Music Pairings for a Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner

Do you have your music ready for Valentine's Day? insta_photos/Shutterstock

Some years ago, my wife and I decided to forego the over-crowded restaurants and parking lots on Valentine’s Day, light a few candles of our own, and enjoy a romantic dinner at home. With this year’s health concerns and, in some cases, more limited restaurant seating to compete for, it may be just the year for you to try a candlelit Valentine supper of your own. We’ve had great fun trying out some special recipes, like duck breasts in port wine sauce or lobster ravioli in sage butter.

Of course, one must also be brave and try one’s fledgling skills at wine pairing, and also at music pairing. Wait—music pairing? Can music be “paired” with food? After 30 years as a music professor, I’m going to claim that it can be. After all, if wine can have “notes,” why can’t music have flavors? So, if music be the food of love, play on.

The Music of Love

Now, I am not going to blame you if you want to start the cocktail hour with some smooth jazz on your playlist, but when it gets down to the main meal, I’m advising some classical music pairings that great food deserves, preferably music about love and great lovers. And just this one time, this professor is going to allow you to have it playing softly in the background and not give the music your full attention. Therefore, I am recommending some compositions that don’t take over the conversation with screaming sopranos or too much drama.