Goodness - uh...maybe the adagio from Schubert's C major string quintet.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIY7jcVQZCg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIY7jcVQZCg)
A truly remarkable piece of music \[it's quite long though and weird so...\]
From Peter Hugh Reed's liner notes on the Vienna Konzerthaus Quartet performance of Schubert's C Major Quintet.
Corbett, a fine cellist in his day, knew this work intimately and often played the first or second cello parts in amateur and public performances. It was he who arranged for and officiated at its first recording (back in the 1920s). He tells a tale of the great human appeal of this work that bears repeating. "I have known four musicians, all greatly experienced in this class of music, and none in the least inclined by disposition to sentimentality, who have with strange unanimity expressed the feeling that, were they fated in their last hours to listen to some lovely strains, this would be the music of their choice. One of these, John Saunders, an accomplished leader in his time" (1868-1919) had inscribed upon his tomb "a few bars taken from this quintet," beneath which are appened two lines from Shakespeare's Sonnet XVIII.
Great choice! This along with Beethoven's Heiliger Dankgesang are probably my two favorite pieces of music!
https://youtu.be/0-jus6AGHzQ?si=OtyINT09wnYpq2Lv
Surprised and glad to see this at the top. It's my absolute favorite and a great way to introduce non-listeners to Classical music.
Esp Daphnis Suite 2 but La Valse is killer, you gotta see an orchestra playing it, mannnn
Bach's Goldberg Variations. I personally particularly like Evgeni Koroliov's version ( https://youtu.be/i4P6F9-4uq8?si=EN6Q0yCPwLCQmpf2 ) and Jean Rondeau's version ( https://youtu.be/1AtOPiG5jyk?si=768Dfy7sjN_iUUCT )
If you haven’t heard it, Dvorak’s 9th symphony—the “New World Symphony”. It’s one of the greatest ever written.
And if you have heard it, then how about the [slow movement](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lncNcNtGkJY&t=1475s) from Schubert’s final piano sonata, one of the finest he ever wrote.
I have threee that range from a little obscure to very obscure.
A little obscure: Nikolai Medtner, [Sonata Reminiscenza](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7KZ4GTTto)
A little more obscure: Einojuharvi Rautavaara, [Cantus Arcticus](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO3YRZWLvQo)
Extremely obscure outside Bulgaria: Pan(t)cho Vladigerov, [Piano Concerto #3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adqe9Fpdd5E) (the whole thing's worth your time but the second movement is unforgettable)
Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time - particularly the last movement, especially just that movement if really dissonant post-tonal works aren’t your cup of tea. If they are, you will definitely enjoy the whole piece, but anyone can easily enjoy the last movement.
Edit: Tashi quartet is by far the best recording! They actually worked in consultation with Messiaen on that one.
That's a tough one.
I've decided on the motet "Os justi" by Bruckner.
(It's rather short, so I guess sorry, it's not going hold off your death for very long...).
This is great; thanks so much! Some of these pieces I've heard, some I haven't. But I appreciate the recording recommendations and will listen/re-listen to them all.
This symphony is the one that nailed for me to dive into classical music. There is a little record shop somewhat near from my house and I went to see what they have. I bought some cheap but not so good sounding copies of classic and progressive rock. I noticed that they had a kinda big classical section and I decided to grab the best looking artwork from a composer I had heard before. I picked the Deutsche Grammophone release of this symphony and it blew me away. I was lucky enough to finally see it live at the Bellas Artes palace at Mexico City. Love this piece of music so much.
Shostakovich symphony no.13, definitely listen to it while reading the text. It is absolutely haunting, but very beautiful and one of my favourite symphonies ever.
Shostakovich Piano Trio no.2
https://youtu.be/KgVvUHxKb58?si=b6WOmipssb1NWPYl
Martha Argerich, Edgar Moreau, and Renaud Capuçon. This one is really great.
Herbert Howells - Collegium Regale Communion Service. If you're not in the world of Anglican Church music, you may never have even heard of Howells, and this is about as good as it gets. The Benedictus, short and simple as it is, gives me chills every time. That movement is all upper voices with the sopranos duetting mostly, and the altos entering to give that extra layer to push it from lovely to divine.
Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 9
"Jeunehomme" love it and it’s a so underrated piano concerto and especially the 2 movement the adagio 😭 I love it and want it to be played at my funeral.
How does one distill a universe into an atom? Is it even possible? What are the objective criteria for choosing one piece?:
- historical importance;
- musical merit;
- popularity;
- music representing humanity's best on the Golden Voyager Discs (Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, et al.);
- personal preference.
My choice is Haydn's Die Schoepfung.
It puts to the music the creation of the universe according to Judeo-Christian religious beliefs. It's a product of its times, but it is something that one should experience before one dies. I've been listening to it since 1989, but never live - that's something I want to experience before I die.
Ah, this is the ticket! I'm just now listening to Bernstein's DVD of this right now. I'm thinking of a friend that passed 2 months ago and I found out her memorial was today. I am so sorry for this friend that passed and I can absolutely feel the spiritual depth of souls from beyond in this work.
Too many friends my age die young. The grief never ends.
This friend was a close friend to a roommate I had over in 2018. I've also been writing a lot of gospel and soul inspired homages to fallen artists all my life, but particularly strong since April and seeing the new ghostbusters film (coincidentally the day my roommate's friend died and I had no idea). Feels like I'm writing a new set of blues brothers poems and songs from scratch. Really pushing my talents to the limit.
One from this century: Let Me Tell You by Hans Abrahamsen: [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy\_n3Fw1QH2rxdfHbkVBg8TGdgdd0yJ9FwtA](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n3Fw1QH2rxdfHbkVBg8TGdgdd0yJ9FwtA)
Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Violins in A Minor, RV 522 has always been one of my favourites. The version uploaded on YouTube by user HARMONICO101 is the one I usually listen to, should be within the first few that pop up as soon as you search the name
Prokofiev's [Tocatta](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVpnr8dI_50). I think Wang plays it here more aggressively than intended, but it's such a fun piece.
Normally I'd assume that you have already heard all of the great classics, but you did say "one piece... to listen to before they die", so I'm going to give you a classic:
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Tallis
Edit: wait someone already gave you that one. Okay, let's go unusual: Morten Lauridsen, [O Magnum Mysterium](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn5ken3RJBo) - I'll add that it's much better live, in a proper performance hall.
>It’s music that has no era or complication.
What does this even mean? The suites, Sonatas and partitas are hallmarks of a baroque style and his suites are very complexly written.
I didn't know this was the title of the piece; it makes me tear up. I remember it from watching the Civil War documentary many years ago. So beautiful.
I'll toss this one in for personal reasons, and because it's outside standard repetoire. Originally composed for piano, it was adapted for strings two years later in collaboration with the composer. Ralph Vaughan Williams / arr. by James Brown - The Charterhouse Suite (1923). I fell in love with my wife to this piece (played live). This recording is a good representation:
[https://youtu.be/vtgUvRp4PkM?si=yUU0LyMggueAwNOU](https://youtu.be/vtgUvRp4PkM?si=yUU0LyMggueAwNOU)
There are around 10 different recordings I can’t decide between, but I’ll say Maria Yudina’s Lacrimosa transcription https://youtu.be/cVP6uWKBMbk?si=bO4UccpUan8gH9cP
A bit different to a lot of the recommendations here.
Performing Joby Talbot's Path of Miracles is one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I would buy tickers any time anyone performs it in my city.
I can't imagine you haven't heard the 1919 Firebird Suite, but if you haven't then you're missing out! I don't know that I truly have a favorite recording, but Myung-Whun Chung conducting the Orchestre de l'Opéra Bastille is good:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc6_RrYhHynxKTv58vOi7NMCenSMD7fhN&si=rnh9uMs9UDMvRRSf
My Roman Empire is the fact that the “orchestra hit” sample popular in 80s and early 90s pop/R&B music is the first chord in the Firebird’s Infernal Dance
Mozart Requiem - Barenboim
Beethoven 7 - BPO Abbado 1997
Dvorak Cello Concerto - Rostropovich and any conductor
Rite of Spring - Boulez Cleveland
A word of advice, search for great recordings rather than great pieces, the pieces will come to you. I’d recommend EMI’s Great Recordings of the Century, many are really incredible and few are bad. You should be able to find it in a playlist on Spotify
Sibelius: Seventh Symphony.
Just 20+ minutes. His final word on symphonic form that ends with a glimpse of eternity.
https://youtu.be/wi8HqrAgoHQ?si=mn0XkZ4ty5I0P2eh
Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov. One of the few pieces that I've really been able to get into on the first listen, it has great accessable melodies and themes. The violin solos are also great.
Dvorak's 9th Symphony, more specifically the 2nd movement.
The Symphony is called "From the New World" and Dvorak wrote it evoking scenes of the discovery of America by the European sailors. While the first movement pictures all the dangers and struggles of crossing the ocean seeking something new, the second movement reflects exactly the hope reborn by having found this land.
The first time I heard it I cried very, very deeply, touched by the perfection of this work. Couldn't stop listening to it for the next two weeks at least.
https://youtu.be/pHyN3izk38c?si=58BLjk7Px82QZFPC
**It would be Tchaikovsky Symphony no. 6 op. 74 "Pathetique" 1st movement.**
Through all that tremendous energy I felt during listening, one thing can be said: Tchaikovky **just knew** where to put brass instruments. While all surounding of instruments are showing us the violent and at the same time calm storm, trombones *marcatissimo* embody the cruel lightnings that are hitting from the inside...
Culmination of that "shocking lightning" 10:21 and 11:54 (DO NOT SKIP TO THAT TIME. If you want to fully feel it you must absorb it).
[Listen here](https://open.spotify.com/track/7iFIZVZyjJEy49bIhPvXQj?si=268de16e46aa4f7b)
Mendelssohn octet in e flat, the allegro moderato and presto.
https://open.spotify.com/track/3XFIh5EHoG3xxGrHKMiEIv?si=x_7QOfFpR76bnBZKBvEcYA
https://open.spotify.com/track/50XmFtXENk1zfDqkyPAgIb?si=ueJ10CKFS8CBCw4s-KxMwg
I like a lot of them. Bernstein's version on DG is highly thought of, and has been my usual recommendation for decades. But I also like either of Klemperer's recordings, Abbado's with either Chicago or the Lucerne Festival Orchestra. Ivan Fischer's SACD is a great interpretation with great sound. I believe it's Dave Hurwitz's favorite, too.
I also love Mahler's 6th Symphony. I recommend Bernstein's first recording on CBS/Sony.
I can't pick just one.
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.
Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Symphony No. 40, Symphony No. 41.
Beethoven: Any of Symphonies No. 3, 5, 6, or 9.
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition.
Stravinsky: Firebird, The Rite of Spring.
Yoshimatau - Saxophone Concerto, Op 59 "Cyber-bird"
Sax doesn't get enough love in the classical world. This is one of my favorite pieces for sax, and just classical music overall. It's on spotify, so should be super easy to find.
Scarlatti's Sonata in E played by Horowitz was the piece that got me to seriously practice piano
https://youtu.be/4-5yWDliZZw?si=ATYzttKLgqiqUv8M
Immediately after is his Sonata in G, which made me give up learning piano
**Léon Boëllmann - Prière à Notre
Dame**
Fucking beautiful. Play it at my funeral.
This particular recording/interpretation of it, please:
https://youtu.be/YAETxHnVeOM?si=QhQ-QYlRH4AwFzcm
Arvo Pärt- Fratres (for cello and piano)
[youtube](https://youtu.be/5vO92REraUo?si=ysFDpKL9gAcKg047) not sure of the actual version, I always kind of listened to different versions and he has a few different arrangements, which I like to see. But this is my favorite setting.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4pdnZ9xmlM&t=1329s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4pdnZ9xmlM&t=1329s)
A recent unexpected favorite of mine has been the 4th movement of Beethoven's 8th symphony, Otto Klemperer conducting the New Philharmonia, live in London, 1970.
There are of course many, but one that comes to mind is Eric Whiracre‘s “Her Sacred Spirit Soars”, preferably the recording by Polyphony on the Hyperion label. Double-choir fugue with a gorgeous chorale-style soli section in the middle, powerful ending.
If you’re not familiar with Whitacre, I also highly recommend Water Night, Sleep and When David Heard (really the entire BYU Singers album is magnificent). Happy listening!
Mieczysław Weinberg: Aria, op.9 (for string quartet)
It’s a really short piece (3 minutes and a half), but it’s simply so beautiful!
Best recording (IMO):
https://open.spotify.com/track/6GewKupuOJzW9LoRs0w2dI?si=u_KAbDg5T7yZUC4e_eO1XA
Edit: for more info
Death and Transfiguration by Strauss. It's such a gorgeous piece, especially the 3rd movement. It sent chills down my spine the first time I played it with my youth orchestra.
r/anime
haven't watched it /s
In all seriousness, I love Chopin's Prelude in E Minor Op.28 No.4. It's popular enough to where a good group of people recognize the tune, but not popular enough for people to know its name. I learned of it through West Wing and I made sure it was the first piece I played when I learned to play piano.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z7rxl5KsPjs&pp=ygUeVGFyYW50aW5pJ3MgZGV2aWwgdHJpbGwgc29uYXRv
The Devil’s Trill Sonata has a pretty interesting backstory and is worth a listen.
Goodness - uh...maybe the adagio from Schubert's C major string quintet. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIY7jcVQZCg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIY7jcVQZCg) A truly remarkable piece of music \[it's quite long though and weird so...\]
This is so good, I can't imagine anyone's not liking it.
I was blown away the first time I heard it. It's so unworldly, serenely strange and beautiful.
From Peter Hugh Reed's liner notes on the Vienna Konzerthaus Quartet performance of Schubert's C Major Quintet. Corbett, a fine cellist in his day, knew this work intimately and often played the first or second cello parts in amateur and public performances. It was he who arranged for and officiated at its first recording (back in the 1920s). He tells a tale of the great human appeal of this work that bears repeating. "I have known four musicians, all greatly experienced in this class of music, and none in the least inclined by disposition to sentimentality, who have with strange unanimity expressed the feeling that, were they fated in their last hours to listen to some lovely strains, this would be the music of their choice. One of these, John Saunders, an accomplished leader in his time" (1868-1919) had inscribed upon his tomb "a few bars taken from this quintet," beneath which are appened two lines from Shakespeare's Sonnet XVIII.
Supposedly a lot of musicians ask for it to be played at their funerals.
Nathan Milstein: "Be honest with yourself until the end of your life. Then listen to the slow movement of the Schubert Quintet and kick the bucket."
Great choice! This along with Beethoven's Heiliger Dankgesang are probably my two favorite pieces of music! https://youtu.be/0-jus6AGHzQ?si=OtyINT09wnYpq2Lv
https://preview.redd.it/furixeqj107d1.jpeg?width=660&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=801e6461c227285c2fe92fa1e3a4ddc570c5642e
La valse is one of the most brilliant pieces I have ever heard
Surprised and glad to see this at the top. It's my absolute favorite and a great way to introduce non-listeners to Classical music. Esp Daphnis Suite 2 but La Valse is killer, you gotta see an orchestra playing it, mannnn
Scriabin’s Poem of Ecstasy. It is so, so lush.
Bach's Goldberg Variations. I personally particularly like Evgeni Koroliov's version ( https://youtu.be/i4P6F9-4uq8?si=EN6Q0yCPwLCQmpf2 ) and Jean Rondeau's version ( https://youtu.be/1AtOPiG5jyk?si=768Dfy7sjN_iUUCT )
Murray Perahia's set from 25 years ago is the pinnacle.
LOVE Jean Rondeau's version, listen to it at least once a week, but usually more often.
Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata in G minor op.19 https://youtu.be/KkcJBjuCuPY?si=oHNyxXLjmtq-7Qsk
great recommendation!
Bartók's Dance Suite.
Thanks for the rec!
Bach's cantata number 140
Yes! Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme is an alltime favorite
Schubert string quartet no.15 in G
Beethoven 132, particularly the third movement Heiliger Dankgesang
Prokofiev second piano concerto
https://preview.redd.it/gbweymnei07d1.jpeg?width=894&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6ec37dd4e2882962bed0a23b440bf014d69e2848 [link](https://open.spotify.com/album/0SWcnsRJS0sJAoQuDf5OEa?si=ZT_OK5RDRfiO2IgFkvmV-A)
If you haven’t heard it, Dvorak’s 9th symphony—the “New World Symphony”. It’s one of the greatest ever written. And if you have heard it, then how about the [slow movement](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lncNcNtGkJY&t=1475s) from Schubert’s final piano sonata, one of the finest he ever wrote.
Holst — Jupiter
I have threee that range from a little obscure to very obscure. A little obscure: Nikolai Medtner, [Sonata Reminiscenza](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7KZ4GTTto) A little more obscure: Einojuharvi Rautavaara, [Cantus Arcticus](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO3YRZWLvQo) Extremely obscure outside Bulgaria: Pan(t)cho Vladigerov, [Piano Concerto #3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adqe9Fpdd5E) (the whole thing's worth your time but the second movement is unforgettable)
Came here to recommend the Rautavaara! Simply gorgeous.
I almost decided on the Rautavaara, that piece is amazing!
Rautavaara is such a hidden treasure. I love Cantus Arcticus, and his 1st piano concerto is one of my favorite piano concertos of all time.
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 2
Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time - particularly the last movement, especially just that movement if really dissonant post-tonal works aren’t your cup of tea. If they are, you will definitely enjoy the whole piece, but anyone can easily enjoy the last movement. Edit: Tashi quartet is by far the best recording! They actually worked in consultation with Messiaen on that one.
That's a tough one. I've decided on the motet "Os justi" by Bruckner. (It's rather short, so I guess sorry, it's not going hold off your death for very long...).
I second Os justi. Christus factus est and Ave Maria are great, too.
Bach's Chaconne
Mozart Great Mass in C Minor, K. 427
This is great; thanks so much! Some of these pieces I've heard, some I haven't. But I appreciate the recording recommendations and will listen/re-listen to them all.
Yoshimatsu’s ‘Memo Flora’ piano concerto https://youtu.be/GLvaTn2KdeY?si=tnsglcKayl7S_Qj3
Underrated piece. Would have suggest this myself if you didn’t
YES THANK YOU FINALLY SOMEONE WHO APPRECIATES IT
[Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis](https://youtu.be/ihx5LCF1yJY)
Have to plug The Lark Ascending as well. The version I'm fond of has Zuckerman playing.
Morton Gould on the RCA Red Seal is my favorite. It’s on vinyl.
Tallis Fantasia is my recommendation as well.
Sibelius’s 5th symphony
This symphony is the one that nailed for me to dive into classical music. There is a little record shop somewhat near from my house and I went to see what they have. I bought some cheap but not so good sounding copies of classic and progressive rock. I noticed that they had a kinda big classical section and I decided to grab the best looking artwork from a composer I had heard before. I picked the Deutsche Grammophone release of this symphony and it blew me away. I was lucky enough to finally see it live at the Bellas Artes palace at Mexico City. Love this piece of music so much.
Handel - Largo from Xerxes.
Anne Akiko Meyers and Akira Eguchi's performance of Pärt's Fratres.
Nobody plays that piece like AAM. I've listened to her play it probably 100 times
Bach partita 6 e moll
Higdon’s Blue Cathedral is one of my favourites!
Love jennifer Higdon!
Debussy, "Afternoon of a Faun"
This had to be here. Thank you.
Prokofiev, Symphony No. 5 - Leningrad Philharmonic, Mariss Jansons, cond.
Shostakovich symphony no.13, definitely listen to it while reading the text. It is absolutely haunting, but very beautiful and one of my favourite symphonies ever.
Billy the Kid by Aaron Copland. Leonard Slatkin/St Louis Symphony is the best version. There is a great gunfight about two thirds in.
Quite long but Holst's Choral Symphony
Oh never heard of that. Thank you!
Yes!!! Another person who’s listened to the choral symphony! 🤗
Shostakovich Piano Trio no.2 https://youtu.be/KgVvUHxKb58?si=b6WOmipssb1NWPYl Martha Argerich, Edgar Moreau, and Renaud Capuçon. This one is really great.
Mahler 9th symphony, as for recording it's between Ozawa and Chailly for me personally.
OnePiece! (I will see myself out)
THE ONE PIECE IS REAL!!! But seriously, I recommend Brahm’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Imo one of the GOAT concertos. That and Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.
Respighi's Brazilian Impressions
Arensky's Second piano trio, specifically the third movement, Prokofiev's 3rd piano sonata
Herbert Howells - Collegium Regale Communion Service. If you're not in the world of Anglican Church music, you may never have even heard of Howells, and this is about as good as it gets. The Benedictus, short and simple as it is, gives me chills every time. That movement is all upper voices with the sopranos duetting mostly, and the altos entering to give that extra layer to push it from lovely to divine.
Mozart: Piano Concertos Nos. 9 "Jeunehomme" love it and it’s a so underrated piano concerto and especially the 2 movement the adagio 😭 I love it and want it to be played at my funeral.
Rachmaninoff op 23 no 4 in d major, not sure if you heard this one
Mathis der Mahler, Paul hindenmith
Love his Symphonic Metamorphosis, too.
Ralph Vaughan William's *The Lark Ascending*.
If OP hasn’t heard, also RVW’s Symphony no5.
His entire repertoire tbh lol
I simply recommend One Piece.
Some of it takes repeated listens before you really “get it”. That said, I love Mozart’s masterpiece Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter”
How does one distill a universe into an atom? Is it even possible? What are the objective criteria for choosing one piece?: - historical importance; - musical merit; - popularity; - music representing humanity's best on the Golden Voyager Discs (Mozart, Bach, Beethoven, et al.); - personal preference. My choice is Haydn's Die Schoepfung. It puts to the music the creation of the universe according to Judeo-Christian religious beliefs. It's a product of its times, but it is something that one should experience before one dies. I've been listening to it since 1989, but never live - that's something I want to experience before I die.
Ah, this is the ticket! I'm just now listening to Bernstein's DVD of this right now. I'm thinking of a friend that passed 2 months ago and I found out her memorial was today. I am so sorry for this friend that passed and I can absolutely feel the spiritual depth of souls from beyond in this work. Too many friends my age die young. The grief never ends. This friend was a close friend to a roommate I had over in 2018. I've also been writing a lot of gospel and soul inspired homages to fallen artists all my life, but particularly strong since April and seeing the new ghostbusters film (coincidentally the day my roommate's friend died and I had no idea). Feels like I'm writing a new set of blues brothers poems and songs from scratch. Really pushing my talents to the limit.
One piece reference??
I love Ralph Vaughan William's Piano Quintet in C minor. I listen to it on spotify but there are some pretty good interpretations on youtube!
One from this century: Let Me Tell You by Hans Abrahamsen: [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy\_n3Fw1QH2rxdfHbkVBg8TGdgdd0yJ9FwtA](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n3Fw1QH2rxdfHbkVBg8TGdgdd0yJ9FwtA)
I'm gonna go nuts and George Gershwin: An American in Paris.
Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Violins in A Minor, RV 522 has always been one of my favourites. The version uploaded on YouTube by user HARMONICO101 is the one I usually listen to, should be within the first few that pop up as soon as you search the name
Prokofiev's [Tocatta](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVpnr8dI_50). I think Wang plays it here more aggressively than intended, but it's such a fun piece.
mendelssohn violin concerto in e minor (op64)
Holst's Jupiter by The Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Karajan
Du Puy's bassoon concerto in C minor is a banger. no one ever listens to bassoon solo music so i can only assume you've likely never heard it lol
Normally I'd assume that you have already heard all of the great classics, but you did say "one piece... to listen to before they die", so I'm going to give you a classic: Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on a Theme by Tallis Edit: wait someone already gave you that one. Okay, let's go unusual: Morten Lauridsen, [O Magnum Mysterium](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn5ken3RJBo) - I'll add that it's much better live, in a proper performance hall.
The Bach Cello Suites, particularly 1 and 5. It’s music that has no era or complication.
>It’s music that has no era or complication. What does this even mean? The suites, Sonatas and partitas are hallmarks of a baroque style and his suites are very complexly written.
Gershwin’s Concerto in F
Shostakovich 13 “Babi Yar”
Ashokan Farewell - so absolutely beautiful.
I didn't know this was the title of the piece; it makes me tear up. I remember it from watching the Civil War documentary many years ago. So beautiful.
I really like Beethoven's [Christus am Ölberge](https://youtu.be/PIAx92E_bIA?si=9uLocFQQPUhVrmpm) It’s interesting to hear an oratorio from Beethoven
This is, of course, not my favorite piece, but it is an under-looked work and the only oratorio he wrote
I'll toss this one in for personal reasons, and because it's outside standard repetoire. Originally composed for piano, it was adapted for strings two years later in collaboration with the composer. Ralph Vaughan Williams / arr. by James Brown - The Charterhouse Suite (1923). I fell in love with my wife to this piece (played live). This recording is a good representation: [https://youtu.be/vtgUvRp4PkM?si=yUU0LyMggueAwNOU](https://youtu.be/vtgUvRp4PkM?si=yUU0LyMggueAwNOU)
Mass for Double Choir by Frank Martin. The Dale Warland Singers recording.
[This](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OAy-pMCJims) from The Jungle Book by Charles Koechlin. A slow burning beauty.
Danza fantástica de Enrique Soro. https://youtu.be/nXp6EmFHRgE?si=7wWOSLrDrduCPz7e
There are around 10 different recordings I can’t decide between, but I’ll say Maria Yudina’s Lacrimosa transcription https://youtu.be/cVP6uWKBMbk?si=bO4UccpUan8gH9cP
Bachs [Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major](https://youtu.be/-ssmkLIkFRY) allegro!
Chopin Ballade no. 1
svetlanov symphony
Any one out of Rachmaninoff’s 4 piano concertos, they’re amazing
Sibelius 7, Okko Kamu/Lahti Symphony
A bit different to a lot of the recommendations here. Performing Joby Talbot's Path of Miracles is one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I would buy tickers any time anyone performs it in my city.
Yes. A wonderful journey from start to finish. And the last movement is utter joy.
Beethoven string quartet 7 movement 1 and 2. I like the Emerson string quartet version.
Vivaldi spring Op8 No.1
[Smetana - Má vlast (My Country) : No. 2, Vltava (Moldau)](https://youtu.be/3ZJwlDPWEkg?feature=shared)
Prokofiev’s flute sonata
I can't imagine you haven't heard the 1919 Firebird Suite, but if you haven't then you're missing out! I don't know that I truly have a favorite recording, but Myung-Whun Chung conducting the Orchestre de l'Opéra Bastille is good: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc6_RrYhHynxKTv58vOi7NMCenSMD7fhN&si=rnh9uMs9UDMvRRSf
My Roman Empire is the fact that the “orchestra hit” sample popular in 80s and early 90s pop/R&B music is the first chord in the Firebird’s Infernal Dance
Is it really? That's a great piece of trivia!
Yes! There are videos on YouTube about it. It’s the coolest thing ever. Connecting Stravinsky to Janet Jackson.
Mozart Requiem - Barenboim Beethoven 7 - BPO Abbado 1997 Dvorak Cello Concerto - Rostropovich and any conductor Rite of Spring - Boulez Cleveland A word of advice, search for great recordings rather than great pieces, the pieces will come to you. I’d recommend EMI’s Great Recordings of the Century, many are really incredible and few are bad. You should be able to find it in a playlist on Spotify
You've probably come across parts, but I think Tristan and Isolde is the greatest work ever written so I'd have to go with that
Philip Glass, “Mishima” string quartet
Also Schubert Death and the Maiden and shostakovich’s quartets 7 and 8, those were real gateway drugs to chamber music for me
Those ones are great
Walton's First Symphony performed by Andre Previn and the London Symphony. This performance absolutely melts my face.
Adagio for Strings by Barber. I can't stop at one. Bolero-Ravel.
Sibelius: Seventh Symphony. Just 20+ minutes. His final word on symphonic form that ends with a glimpse of eternity. https://youtu.be/wi8HqrAgoHQ?si=mn0XkZ4ty5I0P2eh
Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov. One of the few pieces that I've really been able to get into on the first listen, it has great accessable melodies and themes. The violin solos are also great.
Dvorak's 9th Symphony, more specifically the 2nd movement. The Symphony is called "From the New World" and Dvorak wrote it evoking scenes of the discovery of America by the European sailors. While the first movement pictures all the dangers and struggles of crossing the ocean seeking something new, the second movement reflects exactly the hope reborn by having found this land. The first time I heard it I cried very, very deeply, touched by the perfection of this work. Couldn't stop listening to it for the next two weeks at least. https://youtu.be/pHyN3izk38c?si=58BLjk7Px82QZFPC
Verklärte Nacht - Arnold Schoenberg. Lots of great works on this list!
Scriabin poem of exctasy
Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet ballet
Psaume 24 (Lili Boulanger)
**It would be Tchaikovsky Symphony no. 6 op. 74 "Pathetique" 1st movement.** Through all that tremendous energy I felt during listening, one thing can be said: Tchaikovky **just knew** where to put brass instruments. While all surounding of instruments are showing us the violent and at the same time calm storm, trombones *marcatissimo* embody the cruel lightnings that are hitting from the inside... Culmination of that "shocking lightning" 10:21 and 11:54 (DO NOT SKIP TO THAT TIME. If you want to fully feel it you must absorb it). [Listen here](https://open.spotify.com/track/7iFIZVZyjJEy49bIhPvXQj?si=268de16e46aa4f7b)
Debussy: La Mer
Mahler 1. It’s just so beautiful.
Johann Sebastian Bach, [Fantasia and Fugue in G minor BWV 542](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tgDE3klkmtQ)
Un sospiro, from Liszt. It's the piece that taught me to fall in love again
From me flows what you call Time by Tōru Takemitsu. I saw it performed live not too long ago and it’s really good. Kind of new agey
The Golden Cockerel suite
Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto in C Minor still reliably ties my heartstrings into a beautiful, painfully chest-tightening bow.
Mendelssohn octet in e flat, the allegro moderato and presto. https://open.spotify.com/track/3XFIh5EHoG3xxGrHKMiEIv?si=x_7QOfFpR76bnBZKBvEcYA https://open.spotify.com/track/50XmFtXENk1zfDqkyPAgIb?si=ueJ10CKFS8CBCw4s-KxMwg
The Bach B minor Mass, John Elliot Gardiner, English Baroque Soloists
Mahler's second symphony
Any particular recording you recommend?
I like a lot of them. Bernstein's version on DG is highly thought of, and has been my usual recommendation for decades. But I also like either of Klemperer's recordings, Abbado's with either Chicago or the Lucerne Festival Orchestra. Ivan Fischer's SACD is a great interpretation with great sound. I believe it's Dave Hurwitz's favorite, too. I also love Mahler's 6th Symphony. I recommend Bernstein's first recording on CBS/Sony.
I had to scroll down to find this recommendation. The indignity...
Cage 4’33
I could go on forever but ill start and stop with Borodin’s Polovtian Dances
Try his string quartet number 2, third movement. Gorgeous, tender, romantic. Also his Steppes of Central Asia.
I can't pick just one. Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Symphony No. 40, Symphony No. 41. Beethoven: Any of Symphonies No. 3, 5, 6, or 9. Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition. Stravinsky: Firebird, The Rite of Spring.
john cage 4'33
Brahms' requiem, specifically mov 2 and 6. I've said it on this sub before and I'll say it again: it's some of the most amazing music composed.
Dancing Mad and One Winged Angel
Chopin Ballade #4
This interpretation of rachmaninoff's arrangement of "Loves Sorrow" https://open.spotify.com/track/38EmZT3oWA6lJE0o4ajfG8?si=opJEDjGNTHCl8rpE4CYtng
Chopin piano concerto 1 in E minor, third movement specifically.
1492 by Vangellis. The whole album as a musical essay.
https://preview.redd.it/3eu4jxezn07d1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=73e549638d9ef78b236e9cf3ef10de8a0767d893
Yoshimatau - Saxophone Concerto, Op 59 "Cyber-bird" Sax doesn't get enough love in the classical world. This is one of my favorite pieces for sax, and just classical music overall. It's on spotify, so should be super easy to find.
Scarlatti's Sonata in E played by Horowitz was the piece that got me to seriously practice piano https://youtu.be/4-5yWDliZZw?si=ATYzttKLgqiqUv8M Immediately after is his Sonata in G, which made me give up learning piano
Messiaen's Livre du saint sacrement. Live. No recordings. It can only be experienced live.
If you like vocal music: the final trio from "Der Rosenkavalier" by Richard Strauss. https://youtu.be/WmU3bHY3p4I?si=u1iQBCHvs08E2IhZ
Busoni's transcription of Bach's chaconne in d minor.
**Léon Boëllmann - Prière à Notre Dame** Fucking beautiful. Play it at my funeral. This particular recording/interpretation of it, please: https://youtu.be/YAETxHnVeOM?si=QhQ-QYlRH4AwFzcm
Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos &/or Goldberg Variations
prokofiev 5, second movement honorable mention: shostakovich cello concerto 1, fourth movement
Arvo Pärt- Fratres (for cello and piano) [youtube](https://youtu.be/5vO92REraUo?si=ysFDpKL9gAcKg047) not sure of the actual version, I always kind of listened to different versions and he has a few different arrangements, which I like to see. But this is my favorite setting.
Brahms sonata for piano and violin op 100 https://youtu.be/3gMvbCPZQZs?si=iN8pNv5HvXQRAf26
Scriabin Fantasie in B minor, Op. 28
"Time", by Hans Zimmer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YFJ3JSFubU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YFJ3JSFubU)
Homer and Jethro. Album "Down at the Country Club"
Try Homer and Jethro. "Down at the Country Club" you'll love it 😁
Erbarme Dich sung by Julia Hamari https://youtu.be/aPAiH9XhTHc?si=qkhhDrO7eDyujfTi
Shostakovich string quartet no 7
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4pdnZ9xmlM&t=1329s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4pdnZ9xmlM&t=1329s) A recent unexpected favorite of mine has been the 4th movement of Beethoven's 8th symphony, Otto Klemperer conducting the New Philharmonia, live in London, 1970.
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - Mozart
https://youtu.be/5HgqPpjIH5c?si=DvqsN7eqWQnP-99-
Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring.
Mahler Adagietto from Symph 5
Mozart oboe concerto and bassoon concerto
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis Composer - Vaughn Williams
Canticle #3 Lou Harrison https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XeFg5_M2Io
There are of course many, but one that comes to mind is Eric Whiracre‘s “Her Sacred Spirit Soars”, preferably the recording by Polyphony on the Hyperion label. Double-choir fugue with a gorgeous chorale-style soli section in the middle, powerful ending. If you’re not familiar with Whitacre, I also highly recommend Water Night, Sleep and When David Heard (really the entire BYU Singers album is magnificent). Happy listening!
[Mozart Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter" II. Andante Cantabile](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRaPWheUBxg) James Levine and the Chicago Symphony.
Beethoven's Ninth
https://preview.redd.it/0rnimj50q17d1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1b9977d87692c0403c827f67fe6f09113713f350 Clocks and clouds- Ligeti
Die Schöne Müllerin by Schubert, it's a song cycle that is about an hour long and the backstory, and the attention to details are just 😍
Charles Ives, "The Unanswered Question"
Mieczysław Weinberg: Aria, op.9 (for string quartet) It’s a really short piece (3 minutes and a half), but it’s simply so beautiful! Best recording (IMO): https://open.spotify.com/track/6GewKupuOJzW9LoRs0w2dI?si=u_KAbDg5T7yZUC4e_eO1XA Edit: for more info
Death and Transfiguration by Strauss. It's such a gorgeous piece, especially the 3rd movement. It sent chills down my spine the first time I played it with my youth orchestra.
Four Last Songs, Richard Strauss. It HAS to be the Jessye Norman version though. All time best rendition.
Claude Debussy - Clair de Lune
cONCERTO fOR tUBA by Jorge Salgueiro op. 139 performed by Sergio Carolino
r/anime haven't watched it /s In all seriousness, I love Chopin's Prelude in E Minor Op.28 No.4. It's popular enough to where a good group of people recognize the tune, but not popular enough for people to know its name. I learned of it through West Wing and I made sure it was the first piece I played when I learned to play piano.
Zapateado
Beethoven/Liszt Symphony No. 9 transcription for solo piano
The Beethoven Heilegedankgesang. The Guarneri recording.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z7rxl5KsPjs&pp=ygUeVGFyYW50aW5pJ3MgZGV2aWwgdHJpbGwgc29uYXRv The Devil’s Trill Sonata has a pretty interesting backstory and is worth a listen.
Steve Reich, [Variations for Winds, Strings, and Keyboards](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgjwiadze1w)