I think much Romantic Era, Baroque, and even more modern symphonic music is Gothic (not Gothic Rock, obviously, just Gothy-type music). Mendelssohn and Chopin both have a sublime melancholy. Debussy is lush, gorgeous, and introspective. Bach, come on! His toccatas! All his organ music is the stuff of Gothy wet dreams. How many Goth bands and horror movies have covered or sampled Toccata en Fugue in D minor alone?
I think the Russians bring the same gravity, darkness, and bold emotion to their music as they famously did with their literature, ieĀ Prokofiev (listen to Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet), Tchaikovsky, and crazy olā Stravinsky.Ā
Mozart was kind of the Robert Smith of Classical music (NO ONE calls him that), as his seemed either manic or depressed at times. Don Giovani, namely the final overture; āThe Commendatore Sceneā is pretty morose, even a little horrifying (in a good way ;p), and his unfinished Requiem in D Minor is in turns heart-breaking, and terrifying but always beautiful. Lacrimosa, should be familiar to most Goths.Ā
But, of course, then there is the Edgar Allen Poe of Classical music: (NO ONE calls him that) Beethoven.Ā
Bach is so skilled, Mozart so talented, Debussy so beautiful, but Beethoven makes your feelings his bitch.
Moonlight Sonata seems to redeemĀ despairĀ but nearly stops your heart in the process. His 7th Symphony, especially Opus 92, is the very sound of heartache. Even Ode to Joy only gives you that feeling of elation because of the struggle that finally gives way. Itās so intensely bittersweet it can leave you broken⦠you know, in a good way.
I barely touched on Opera with Don Giovanni. Itās all killing, ghosts, murder, unrequited love, homicide, and other tragedies.
So, now you have me confused.
I think that music is extremely Gothic, but I still think you have to like Gothic Rock, Death Rock, Positive Punk, etc as well to be a Goth.Ā
The Cure and the Banshees are a great start! I bet if you explore more Gothic music (maybe Ethereal? have you tried Dead Can Dance yet?) you will find even more Goth music you like.Ā
Youāre an interesting person with depth who cares about dark, Romantic music; it sounds like you are a part of this community! Ā Keep searching for music you like and enjoy! Do more things that make you feel good (and donāt hurt you or others, of course) and donāt be too hard on yourself.