Cherishing awe/Awesome Music

Awe-inspiring musical works can vary depending on individual taste, but here's a list of compositions that are often considered powerful and capable of evoking a sense of awe:

1. Sigur Rós – Hoppípolla
   • Used in experiments studying the effects of awe.
2. Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 "Choral"
   • Especially the final movement, "Ode to Joy."
3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Requiem in D minor, K. 626
   • Mozart's final and incomplete work, known for its emotional intensity.
4. Johann Sebastian Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
   • A famous organ piece known for its grandiosity.
5. Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 2 in C minor "Resurrection"
   • Mahler's symphonies are often monumental, and the second is particularly powerful.
6. Richard Wagner - Ride of the Valkyries
   • An excerpt from his opera "Die Walküre," known for its dramatic and powerful orchestration.
7. Gustav Holst - The Planets, Op. 32
   • Especially "Mars, the Bringer of War" and "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity."
8. Anton Bruckner - Symphony No. 8 in C minor
   • Bruckner's symphonies, in general, are known for their grand scale and emotional depth.
9. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - 1812 Overture, Op. 49
   • Particularly the finale with cannons and chimes.
10. Samuel Barber - Adagio for Strings, Op. 11
    • A deeply emotional and moving composition.
11. Arvo Pärt - Spiegel im Spiegel
    • Minimalist and contemplative, Pärt's work often elicits a sense of awe.
12. John Williams - Theme from Jurassic Park
    • Film scores can also be awe-inspiring, and this piece is a great example.
13. Hans Zimmer - Interstellar Soundtrack
    • Particularly the tracks "No Time for Caution" and "Mountains."
14. Claude Debussy - Clair de Lune
    • A beautifully expressive piano piece that can create a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
15. Philip Glass - Koyaanisqatsi
    • The repetitive yet evolving nature of this minimalist soundtrack can be mesmerizing and awe-inducing.
16. Ralph Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
    • This work for string orchestra has a lush and expansive quality that can be deeply moving.
17. Eric Whitacre - Lux Aurumque
    • Whitacre's choral compositions, in general, are known for their ethereal beauty, and this piece is no exception.
18. Sergei Rachmaninoff - Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18
    • Especially the second movement, which is known for its emotional depth.
19. Edward Elgar - Enigma Variations, Op. 36
    • Each variation in this orchestral work showcases a different aspect of Elgar's compositional skill and emotional range.
20. Steve Reich - Music for 18 Musicians
    • A minimalist masterpiece that unfolds gradually, creating a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring experience.
21. Ludovico Einaudi - Nuvole Bianche
    • Einaudi's contemporary piano compositions, including this one, often evoke a contemplative and emotional response.
22. George Frideric Handel - Messiah
    • Particularly the "Hallelujah" chorus, which is renowned for its power and majesty.
23. Claudio Monteverdi - Vespers of 1610 (Vespro della Beata Vergine)
    • A masterful choral and orchestral work that showcases the grandeur of the Baroque era.
24. Ottorino Respighi - Pines of Rome
    • The final movement, "Pines of the Appian Way," is especially known for its triumphant and awe-inspiring quality.
25. George Frideric Handel - "Israel in Egypt"
    • Especially the closing section
26. Johann Sebastian Bach - "B Minor Mass"
    • Entire Work, with a focus on the Gloria
27. Franz Joseph Haydn - "The Creation"
    • Part I - "Let there be light"
28. Ludwig van Beethoven - "Missa Solemnis"
    • Sanctus
29. Richard Wagner - "Die Meistersinger"
    • Overture and Act III
30. Claude Debussy - "La Mer"
    • First Movement - "De l'aube à midi sur la mer"
31. Maurice Ravel - "Daphnis et Chloe"
    • Opening Scene
32. Igor Stravinsky - "The Firebird"
    • Berceuse and Finale
33. Richard Strauss - "Alpine Symphony"
    • Part VI - "At the Summit"

These compositions span different genres and styles, but they are known for their ability to evoke powerful emotions, including awe. Keep in mind that personal preferences play a significant role in how individuals perceive and respond to music.