Music is my religion. Whether I’m listening or performing, my favorite pieces provoke strong emotions and/or provide enjoyment or relaxation. I’m sure most of you are the same with your favorites.
Recorded or live, slow or fast, with others or alone: The right chords, rhythms, and (sometimes) words can transcend this crude matter called a body. Music heightens the brain’s senses and elevates the heart’s passion to a place that, for some, just can’t be reached via visual art or prose alone. I believe that for most musicians, this is true to various degrees.
The visions, emotions, and thoughts that materialize in your head can be born not only from the music you hear, but also from the scenes, lyrics, or characters that are tied to that music. This is especially true for movie scores, and these emotions can stick with you for your entire life, sometimes even becoming part of your personal philosophy.
The following list features twelve great pieces (from oldest to newest), each including:
- Title
- Composer
- Composition year
- Musical style
- One-word description
- Data/thoughts from yours truly
When I first published this list, it started at a dozen, and expanding it to just fifteen was quite a challenge; there’s a ridiculous number of talented composers out there! But I now give you a peek into my head and heart with tunes from the last 260 years (give or take a decade).
The Rejoicing
George Frideric Handel, 1749, Baroque – CELEBRATION: This 4th movement from Music for the Royal Fireworks is a light and breezy tune. It is popular in wedding ceremonies, not only because of the title, but because the constantly running phrases give the piece a traditional buoyancy and happiness that usually accompanies revelry and dancing.
First Movement of Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata)
Ludwig van Beethoven, 1801, Classical – BEAUTY: Beethoven dedicated this piece to one of his female students, a countess. The repeated notes lead into a calm, slightly haunting piano melody that can easily cause deep thought or reflection in the listener. It can certainly help you relax after a tough workday.
The Stars & Stripes Forever
John Philip Sousa, 1896, March – PATRIOTISM: Never mind that America’s “March King” wrote this piece, or that it’s been American’s National March since 1987. Focus instead on the stirring melody that everyone knows, the enticing urge to clap along, and the ensuing joy and pride in our country (despite it’s drawbacks).
Sing Sing Sing
Louie Prima (arr. Jimmy Mundy), 1937, Swing Jazz – CRAZINESS: Made famous by Benny Goodman’s swing band, listeners all over the world recognize this arrangement, which is a necessary part of any traditional jazz library. Its crazy-go-nuts personality is evident from start to finish with Gene Krupa’s flashy drumming and syncopated, fiery lines for the instrumentalists. The original was released in 1936.
Fanfare for the Common Man
Aaron Copland, 1943, Patriotic – MAJESTY: Originally written for WWII armed forces, this beautiful brass fanfare (with accompanying percussion booms and crashes) conveys an undeniable brilliance. Hearing this piece always fills my head with visions of ragged mountain peaks, or wide-open plains beneath clear blue skies.
The Pink Panther
Henry Mancini, 1963, Contemporary Jazz – ELEGANCE: Maybe it was all those reruns of the animated Pink Panther cartoon during my 1970s childhood. The thin feline always handled situations with composure and extreme coolness, and Mancini’s music portrays that perfectly. This is a great example of how a tune can be memorable without lyrics.
Good Vibrations
Brian Wilson & Mike Love, 1966, Classic Rock – CONTENTMENT: This song is considered by many to be The Beach Boys’ all-time greatest hit, and I won’t argue that. It provides me with an inner-warmth that stems from the perfect harmonies and beach atmosphere. The relaxed groove and simple “boy-meets-girl” message is, in a word, satisfying.
You’re Only Human (Second Wind)
Billy Joel, 1985, Rock’n’Roll – HOPE: Billy wrote this piece expressly to prevent teenage suicide, but for me it meant something a little less intense. Throughout my teens and early 20s, I was still coming to terms with my own personality and my social life. This tune was a source of hope that got me through some rough patches.
Theme from Back to the Future
Alan Silvestri, 1985, Soundtrack – EXCITEMENT: I will forever associate this theme with the movie, as most fans will, but I also see it as a great portrayal of pure exhilaration. It musically illustrates the power, thrill, danger, and the adventurous uncertainty of time travel in a gull-winged DeLorean. Watch out for those pine trees, Marty!
Love is the Seventh Wave
Sting (Gordon Sumner), 1985, Jazz/Rock – DEDICATION: A love song with an infectious beat, this tune reminds us that if we dig deep and stay true to the concept of love, “nothing (else) will withstand.” This is off the Dream of the Blue Turtles album, one of my favorites from him.
Gimme Gimme
Jeanine Tesori, 2002, Early Jazz – LOVE: From the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, this tune starts slowly and accelerates to a snappy 1920’s jazz finish, yet the singer always retains her passion. She no longer wants to marry for money, but for a naturally deep, fulfilling, and barely quenchable love – something for which most of us strive.
Because (remix)
John Lennon & Paul McCartney, 2006, Soundtrack – SIMPLICITY: I know what some of you are thinking. “Beatles in 2006? Yeah, sure.” Actually, the Love remix album was created as a soundtrack for the Cirque Du Soleil show of the same name. With only the vocal harmonies from the original tune (sans instruments), I’m reminded of the Fab Four’s raw talent for harmonizing. The original was released in 1969.
Backrow Politics
Gordon Goodwin, 2008, Contemporary Jazz – GROOVE: This is one of those tunes I just can’t sit still for. Different than a classical piece where I potentially end up “air conducting,” the rhythms and trumpet lines in this one have me drumming on my steering wheel while driving, and likely whistling as loudly as possible.
Persistence
Richard L. Saucedo, 2009, Concert Band – um, PERSISTENCE: Just like the Energizer bunny, this concert band piece keeps going and going, except for a jazzy interlude in the middle. In additional to unrelenting energy, you get excellent examples of a cool effect called hemiola (two groups of three beats are changed to three groups of two beats in the same space).
Midnight on Main Street
Brian Balmages, 2009, Concert Band – EXHILARATION: I’d be remiss in my duties if I didn’t include a piece by one of my favorite rising stars in the concert band world. This piece musically tells the story of a fictional fireworks display and laser light show on (I believe) Disneyworld’s Main Street. The changing eighth note rhythms and mixture of instrument timbres should inspire you to see the crackling fireworks in your mind’s eye.
The importance of music varies from person to person, but as a society, it has become the soundtrack for our lives. It helps us celebrate, grieve, honor, relax, think, and laugh, among other things. Embrace your favorite music; let it enhance your life journey and celebrate your achievements!
What are your favorites?