What Are You Listening To?

[hirundine]

This is kind of the theme song for my WIP, since one of the major themes is my protagonist questioning his humanity and realising he can only answer that question by his actions.

 

[Louanne Learning]

Bizet's Overture to Carmen - is this the most recognizable piece of classical music in the world?

 

[Louanne Learning]

Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers singing "Unchained Melody" (1965) - what an incredible voice.

 

[Rath Darkblade]

Bizet's Overture to Carmen - is this the most recognizable piece of classical music in the world?

One of the most recognizable, certainly. But how many people without a knowledge of classical music could name it?

There are many other contenders to think about. Have you considered ...

- Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (1st movement) - widely considered at least one of the most recognizable piece of classical music, largely due to its iconic "Da-Da-Da-Dum" opening motif.
- Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik. A frequently used, highly popular serenade.
- Beethoven's Für Elise. A universally famous piano piece.
- Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons (Spring): An instantly recognized baroque violin concerto.
- Johann Strauss's Radetzky March. Famous for its infectious and celebratory melody. Now world-renowned as the traditional, interactive encore to the Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's Concert.
- Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 (Ode to Joy): A globally renowned anthem.

Other frequently cited, highly recognizable pieces include Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, Rossini's William Tell Overture, and Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

I would also add Carl Orff's O Fortuna (famous for its dramatic, driving intensity and intense rhythm that builds into a thunderous crescendo), as well as the setting of Dies Irae in Verdi's Requiem, a famous and dramatic rendition, utilizing massive orchestral, brass, and choral forces to portray the end of the world ... which sounds like this:

Then again, the "Dies Irae" movement in Mozart's Requiem in D minor (K. 626) is also very famous. It's a fast-paced, intense portrayal of fear and panic often regarded as one of the most intense musical pieces ever written.

And if we're talking "instantly recognizable", how can we go past Tschaikovsky's "1812 Overture", with its famous cannons?

I could probably name a few more, but I'll shut up now. Sorry for going on and on.

 

[Pik]

This song/artist was recommended to me few months or years ago, finally gave it a listen recently, liked it