Portal:Featured sounds

Organised, by date of composition or (where that is not available) date of performance. Where dating is particularly ambiguous, the date is marked with "?". Arrangements not notable in their own right are listed by date of the original composition.

11th century – Victimae Paschali Laudes

The 11th-century "Victimae Paschali Laudes", traditionally attributed to Wipo of Burgundy, is one of the few traditional Latin "sequences" still used by the Roman Catholic Church today.

12th century – A chantar m'er

A 12th-century song by Comtessa Beatritz de Dia, "A Chantar" is the only existing song by a trobairitz which survives with its music.

c.1151 – Ordo Virtutum: "O frondens virga"

From Ordo Virtutum (c.1151) by Abbess Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179). Performed by Makemi

16th century – El Noi de la Mare

The 16th century Catalan Christmas carol "El Noi de la Mare", performed as a classical guitar instrumental by Wikipedian Jujutacular.

1670 – Was frag ich nach der Welt

A selection from Dieterich Buxtehude's cantata Was frag ich nach der Welt

c. 1705 – Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565

Johann Sebastian Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, performed by Ashtar Moïra.

1738 – Serse: "Ombra mai fù"

"Ombra mai fù" (and the introductory recitative) from George Frideric Handel's Serse, as performed by Enrico Caruso in 1920.

1787 – Eine kleine Nachtmusik (First Movement, Allegro)

The first movement of Mozart's Serenade No. 13.

1788 – Auld Lang Syne

Frank C. Stanley's 1910 performance of Robert Burns' Auld Lang Syne. Contains the first and last verse.

1800 – Le trompeur trompé: Dieu du bonheur, Dieu plein du charmes...

A polacca from Le trompeur trompé, an 1800 opéra comique by Pierre Gaveaux and François Bernard-Valville. Performed on historical instruments, with Montserrat Alavedra as Agathe.

c. 1800 – Sor Op 11 No 2

The second piece from Fernando Sor's Twelve Minuets, Opus 11, early 19th century.

1801 – Andante from The Creatures of Prometheus

From Ludwig van Beethoven ballet The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43 — 14. Performed by Leila Storch (oboe), William McColl (basset-horn), and Anita Cummings (piano).

c. 1828 – 24 Progressive Lessons For Beginners, Op. 31 No 1.

The first piece from Fernando Sor's Opus 31, a collection of pieces for classical guitar. Recording by Wikipedian Jujutacular.

1851 – Rigoletto: "Bella figlia dell'amore"

From Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto. This 1907 Victor Records recording starred Enrico Caruso, Bessie Abott, Louise Homer and Antonio Scotti.

1853 – Il trovatore: "Stride la vampa"

From Act II of Giuseppe Verdi's Il trovatore. Sung by Gabriella Besanzoni in 1920.

1856 — Battle Hymn of the Republic

The Battle Hymn of the Republic; lyrics by Julia Ward Howe set to a circa 1855 tune by William Steffe. Performed by Frank C. Stanley, Elise Stevenson, and a mixed quartet in 1908.

1859 - Un ballo in maschera: È scherzo od è follia

Enrico Caruso, Frieda Hempel, Maria Duchêne, Andrés de Segurola, and Léon Rothier perform "È scherzo od è follia" from Giuseppe Verdi's Un ballo in maschera (1859), in this 1915 Victor Recording.

1859 – Faust: "O merveille! ... A moi les plaisirs"

The Act I finale of Charles Gounod's Faust (1859), sung by Enrico Caruso and Marcel Journet in 1910.

1862 – Brass band arrangement of the Hunters' Chorus from The Lily of Killarney

Brass band arrangement of the Hunters' Chorus from The Lily of Killarney using period instruments. During the 19th century, brass bands began to spring up throughout Europe and America. Popular music, including operas, were arranged for them by composers and music sellers eager to cash in on the free advertising they provided.

1862 – La forza del destino: "Nè gustare m'è dato un'ora..."

From Giuseppe Verdi's La forza del destino, Act III, Scene 3. Sung by Enrico Caruso and Giuseppe de Luca.

1868 – Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: "Morgenlich leuchtend im rosigen Schein"

Leo Slezak's 1910 Edison Records recording of Walther's Prize Song from Richard Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.

1870 – Le régiment de Sambre et Meuse

An 1870 French song about the Army of Sambre-et-Meuse by Robert Planquette and Paul Cézano. Sung by Pierre d'Assy in 1905.

1870 – Die Walküre: Ride of the Valkyries

The Ride of the Valkyries from Richard Wagner's Die Walküre. Performed by the American Symphony Orchestra for Edison Records in 1921.

1875 – Carmen: Chanson du toréador

Pasquale Amato's 1911 rendition of the Toréador's song from Georges Bizet's Carmen (1875).

1877 – The Lost Chord

A 1913 recording of "The Lost Chord" sung by Reed Miller. The lyrics are by Christian mystic poet Adelaide Anne Procter, and were set to music by Arthur Sullivan at the bedside of his dying brother, Fred Sullivan, to whom the song is dedicated. "The Lost Chord" proved immediately successful and remains one of the most enduring of Sullivan's non-operatic compositions.

1880 – Kimi ga Yo

1930 recording of the Japanese national anthem, Kimi ga Yo. Includes both the vocal and instrumental parts.

1884 – The Skye Boat Song

An adaptation of the Skye Boat Song for bagpipes played by the Clan Stewart Pipe Band.

1884 – Manon: "Manon! avez-vous peur...On l'appelle Manon"

1912 recording by Enrico Caruso and Geraldine Farrar of a scene from Act II of Jules Massenet's Manon (1884).

1885 – Le Cid: "Pleurez, pleurez, mes yeux"

From Jules Massenet's Le Cid (1885). Sung by Marguerite Sylva in 1910 for Edison Records.

1885 – Le Cid: "O souverain, O juge, O père!"

From Jules Massenet's Le Cid (1885). Sung by Enrico Caruso in 1916 for the Victor Talking Machine Company.

1886 – The Carnival of the Animals

A complete recording of Camille Saint-Saëns' The Carnival of the Animals (in fourteen movements) by pianists Neil and Nancy O'Doan and the Seattle Youth Symphony. Conducted by Vilem Sokol.

1887 - Otello: "Sì, pel ciel marmoreo giuro!"

A 1914 recording by Titta Ruffo and Enrico Caruso of Giuseppe Verdi's Otello.

1887 - Otello: Niun mi tema

Francesco Tamagno, the original Otello, sings "Niun mi tema" (Morte d'Otello) from Giuseppe Verdi's Otello. This 1903 recording dates from just two years before Tamagno's death.

1889 - Navarra (Danza Espagnole)

Navarra (Danza Espagnole), Op. 33, by Pablo de Sarasate. Performed by Roxana Pavel Goldstein and Elias Goldstein (violins) with the Depaul Symphony (Chicago) conducted by Cliff Colnot. Composed in 1889.

1889 – Semper Fidelis March

John Philip Sousa's Semper Fidelis March, the official march of the United States Marine Corps. Performed by the United States Marine Band in June 1909.

1892 – Werther: "Va! laisse couler mes larmes"

From Jules Massenet's Werther; Sung by Jeanette Ekornaasvaag.

1894 – Antonín Dvořák: Ten Biblical songs (Czech: Biblické Písně), Op. 99

Antonín Dvořák's 1894 song cycle, based on selections from the Book of Psalms as translated by the Bible of Kralice.

1896 – La bohème: "O soave fanciulla"

"O soave fanciulla" from Giacomo Puccini's La bohème, sung by Enrico Caruso and Nellie Melba in 1907.

1896 - La bohème: O Mimì, tu più non torni

A 1907 recording by Enrico Caruso and Antonio Scotti of "O Mimì, tu più non torni" from Act IV of Giacomo Puccini's La bohème.

1896 – Stars and Stripes Forever

A 1909 Edison Records recording of Sousa's Band performing John Philip Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever.

1899 – Maple Leaf Rag

Maple Leaf Rag, by Scott Joplin. Performed by William J. Leslie.

1899 – Florodora: Tell me pretty maiden

The hit song from the 1899 musical Florodora, which played a major role in developing the chorus line. A circa 1908 Edison Records recording by the "Edison Sextette" (Ada Jones, George S. Lenox, Corinne Morgan, Grace Nelson, Bob Roberts and Frank C. Stanley).

1900 – Tosca: Vissi d'arte

Emmy Destinn's 1914 recording of Vissi d'arte from Giacomo Puccini's Tosca.

c. 1900? – Antonio Pasculli - Gran Concerto

Antonio Pasculli's Gran Concerto on themes from Verdi's I Vespri Siciliani . Performed by Alex Klein, oboe, and Lisa Bergman, piano.

1902 – Lillian Russell – Come Down Ma Evenin' Star

Lillian Russell's only recording, from 1912. During the production of Twirly Whirly, composer John Stromberg delayed giving her her solo for several days, saying it wasn't ready. When he committed suicide a few days before the first rehearsal, the sheet music for "Come Down Ma Evenin' Star" was found in his pocket. It became Lillian Russell's signature song.

1904 – Song of the "Ujangong" mask dance

Wax cylinder recording from German New Guinea on August 23, 1904, recorded by German anthropologist Rudolf Pöch

1904 - Castrato singing

A recording of "Hostias Et Preces" by Eugenio Terziani (1824-1889), sung the last surviving castrato of the Pope's choir, Alessandro Moreschi (1858-1922). Moreschi, as the only castrato trained in the old traditions to be recorded, provides our only insight into what a lost musical tradition was like.

1904 – Csárdás

A csárdás is a traditional Hungarian folk dance. This version was composed by Vittorio Monti in 1904 based on the traditional tunes. It was recorded in 2004 by the United States Air Force Band.

1906 – Anchors Aweigh

A modern United States Department of Defense instrumental recording of "Anchors Aweigh", the song of the United States Navy. Music by Charles A. Zimmerman, with lyrics (not here used) by Alfred Hart Miles.

1908 – Shine On, Harvest Moon

A 1909 Edison Records recording of husband-and-wife team Jack Norworth and Nora Bayes' 1908 hit Shine On, Harvest Moon. Performed by Ada Jones and Billy Murray.

1910 – How can they tell that I'm Irish?

1910 Edison Records recording of vaudeville performer Edward M. Favor's rendition of Clarence Wainwright Murphy's song How can they tell that I'm Irish?

1911 – Ramshackle Rag

A 1911 composition by Ted Snyder performed by Arthur Pryor's Band in the same year, in an arrangment by William Schulz.

1911 – That Flying Rag

Arthur Pryor's "That Flying Rag" performed by Arthur Pryor's Band in 1911. Arrangement by Louis-Philippe Laurendeau.

1912 – Memphis Blues

"Memphis Blues", composed by W. C. Handy in 1912. This is the first known recording, performed by the Victor Military Band, July 15, 1914.

1912 – It's a Long Way to Tipperary

It's a Long Way to Tipperary, written by Jack Judge in 1912 and performed here by Albert Farrington in 1915.

1914 – I Want to Go Back to Michigan

I Want to Go Back to Michigan, written by Irving Berlin, and performed by Billy Murray for Edison Records in 1914.

1916 – New York Blues

A 1916 recording of "New York Blues", composed and performed by Pietro Frosini, one of the most famous stars of the accordion.

1917 – Livery Stable Blues

The Original Dixieland Jass Band's 1917 recording of "Livery Stable Blues", by Ray Lopez and Alcide Nunez. It was the first released jazz recording. Performers: Nick LaRocca (cornet), Eddie Edwards (trombone), Larry Shields (clarinet), Henry Ragas (piano) and Tony Spargo (drums)

1918 – Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning

Irving Berlin's 1918 hit "Oh! How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning", sung by Arthur Fields in 1919.

1919 – Swanee

Al Jolson's hit 1920 recording of George Gershwin and Irving Caesar's 1919 "Swanee". Sheet music is available at Wikisource.

1920 – Crazy Blues

The first recording of vocal blues music by an African-American singer: Mamie Smith's performance of Perry Bradford's "Crazy Blues" in 1920.

1920 – Comrades of the Legion

John Philip Sousa's march "Comrades of the Legion", in a modern-day recording from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band's contemporary album "Semper Fidelis": Music of John Philip Sousa; Colonel John R. Bourgeois, Director.

1921 – I'm Just Wild About Harry

Instrumental version of the most famous song from the 1921 musical Shuffle Along, recorded during its original Broadway run. Later used as a presidential campaign song for Harry Truman.

1922 – Save A Little Dram For Me

Prohibition era song by Skidmore--Walker, sung by Duke Rogers, recorded by Thomas Edison's studio, 1922. Duration 3:29.

1930s? - "Los Cuatro Generales" and "Viva La Quince Brigada"

Two folk songs from the Spanish Civil War sung by Leon Lishner.

1933 – Chegou a hora da fogueira

Carmen Miranda and Mário Reis, recorded and released in 1933

1933 – Alô... Alô?

Carmen Miranda and Mário Reis, recorded in 1933, released in 1934

1934 – March of the Volunteers

The national anthem of the People's Republic of China, March of the Volunteers, performed by the United States Navy Band.

1935 – Por una cabeza

Carlos Gardel and Alfredo Le Pera's classic 1935 tango, Por una cabeza.

1938 – Oppaneun punggakjaengi (오빠는 풍각쟁이)

A 1938 teuroteu by Kim Song Kyu and Park Yeong Ho. Sung by Park Hyang Rim.

1943 – Oh Jonah!

A gospel song sung by the Golden Jubilee Quartet detailing the story of the Book of Jonah.

1943 – My Lord Is Writin'

A gospel song sung by the Cochran Field Singers.

1943 – We are Americans, Praise the Lord

A World War II gospel song sung by Bertha Houston and her congregation.

1950 – Qaumī Tarāna

The National Anthem of Pakistan, Qaumī Tarāna , by composer Ahmed Ghulamali Chagla. Originally composed without lyrics, in 1954 a three-stanza work by Abu-Al-Asar Hafeez Jullundhri was accepted as an addition to it. However, this performance by the United States Navy Band is purely instrumental.

1995 – Colin Ross - Etherea

An example of new age music, performed on the recorder, from the 1995 album Refractions by Colin Ross

2001 – Diavolska shterka

A song from Bulgarian folk metal band Balkandji's first album, Probuzhdane ("Awake")

c. 2003 – Still Another Wanderer

Music from the Open Source game Battle for Wesnoth, demonstrating many key features of modern video game music

[edit] George Frideric Handel — Fitzwilliam Sonatas

Handel's Fitzwilliam Sonata 1

Handel's Fitzwilliam Sonata 2

Handel's Fitzwilliam Sonata 3

[edit] Ludwig van Beethoven – Moonlight Sonata

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor Op. 27 No. 2 – Moonlight (1801)

1st Movement: Adagio sostenuto

2nd Movement: Allegretto

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor Op. 27 No. 2 – Moonlight

3rd Movement:Presto agitato

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor Op. 27 No. 2 – Moonlight

[edit] Antonio Vivaldi – The Four Seasons

Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Le quattro stagioni, 1725). Performed by the Wichita State University Chamber Players; violin, John Harrison.

Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, "La primavera" (Spring)

Spring, 1: Allegro

Spring, 2: Largo

Spring, 3: Allegro

Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 8, RV 315, "L'estate" (Summer)

Summer, 1: Allegro non molto

Summer, 2: Adagio

Summer, 3: Presto

Concerto No. 3 in F major, Op. 8, RV 293, "L'autunno" (Autumn)

Autumn, 1: Allegro

Autumn, 2: Adagio molto

Autumn, 3: Allegro

Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, "L'inverno" (Winter)

Winter, 1: Allegro non molto

Winter, 2: Largo

Winter, 3: Allegro

[edit] Franz Schubert – Impromptu in B flat

Franz Schubert's Impromptu in B flat (1827, D. 935/3; Op. 142 No. 3)

Theme: Andante

Variation I

Variation II

Variation III

Variations IV through VI

A combined version is also available:

Complete version: Theme and Variations I through VI

[edit] Ludwig van Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 28

Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101 (1816). Performed by Daniel Veesey from Musopen.com.

See also: Beethoven's original sketch of the fourth movement.

Movement I

Movement II

Movements III and IV

[edit] Charles Gounod - Petite Symphonie pour neuf instruments à vent

Charles Gounod's Petite Symphonie pour neuf instruments à vent (Little Symphony for Nine Woodwinds, 1885). Performed by the Soni Ventorum: Felix Skowronek, flute; Laila Storch, oboe; William McColl, clarinet; Christopher Leuba, horn; Arthur Grossman, Bassoon; and guest performers Ove Hanson, oboe; Julie Oster, clarinet; David Cottrell, horn; and Robert Olson, bassoon.

I. Adagio, allegro

II: Andante cantabile

III: Scherzo (Allegro moderato)

IV: Finale (Allegretto)

[edit] Johann Sebastian Bach - Sonata for Flute or Recorder and Harpsichord in B minor, BWV 1030

Johann Sebastian Bach's Sonata in B minor for flute or recorder and harpsichord. Performed by Alex Murray (traverso) and Martha Goldstein (harpsichord)

I. Andante

II. Largo e Dolce

III. Presto

[edit] Gilbert and Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore

These recordings of selections from W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore (1878) was created by Edison Records in 1911. It stars Elizabeth Spencer, Mary Jordan, Harry Anthony, Walter Van Brunt, James F. Harrison, and William F. Hooley.

"Pinafore airs", pt. 1

Includes "We have sailed the ocean blue" "Hail, men of oarsmen", "I'm called Little Buttercup", and "A maiden fair to see"

"Pinafore airs", pt. 2

Includes "My gallant crew, good morning", "I am the Captain of the Pinafore", "Sorry her lot" (second verse, beginning "Sad is the hour"), "Over the bright blue sea", and "I am the monarch of the sea"

[edit] Molière and Jean-Baptiste Lully - Le Bourgeois gentilhomme

The ballet music by Jean-Baptiste Lully from Le Bourgeois gentilhomme Molière's 1670 comédie-ballet (that is, a ballet broken up by spoken scenes). This version was performed by the Advent Chamber Orchestra in 2007.

1. Ouverture

2. Gravement

3. Sarabande

4. Bouree

5. Gaillarde Canarie

6. Gavotte

7. Loure

8. Air des Espagnoles

9. Menuet 1 and 2

10. Chaconne des Scaramouche, Trivelins

11. Marche pour la Ceremonie des Turcs

[edit] Frédéric Chopin - Cello Sonata Op. 65

Frédéric Chopin wrote his Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 65 in 1846. It is one of only nine works of Chopin published during his lifetime that were written for instruments other than piano (although the piano still appears in every work he wrote). Chopin composed four sonatas, the others being all piano sonatas. The cello sonata was the last of Chopin's works to be published in his lifetime.

The sonata was written for and dedicated to Auguste Franchomme, and it was played by Franchomme and Chopin at the composer's last public concert, at the Salle Pleyel on 16 February 1848.

This performance is by John Michel and Lisa Bergman.

Cello Sonata in G minor, 1st movement

Cello Sonata in G minor, 2nd movement

Cello Sonata in G minor, 3rd movement

[edit] Ludwig van Beethoven - The Diabelli Variations

The 33 Variations on a waltz by Anton Diabelli, Op. 120, commonly known as the Diabelli Variations, is a set of variations for the piano written between 1819 and 1823 by Ludwig van Beethoven on a waltz composed by Anton Diabelli. One of the supreme compositions for the piano, it often shares the highest honours with Bach's Goldberg Variations. The distinguished music writer Donald Francis Tovey has called it "the greatest set of variations ever written."^[1] Pianist Alfred Brendel has described it as simply "the greatest of all piano works." It also comprises, in the words of Hans von Bülow, "a microcosm of Beethoven's art."

Diabelli's theme

Variations 1 and 2

Variations 3 and 4

Variations 5–7

Variations 8–10

Variations 11–13

Variation 14

Variations 15–17

Variations 18 and 19

Variations 20–23

Variation 24

Variations 25–29

Variation 30

Variation 31

Variation 32

Variation 33

[edit] "Trois Quintetti Concertans" by Giuseppe Cambini

Giuseppe Cambini (1746 - 1825?) wrote the Trois Quintetti Concertans ("Three Wind Quintets") around 1802, making the some of the earliest ever composed. This recording was performed in 2004 by the Soni Ventorum Wind Quintet: Felix Skowronek (flute), Laila Storch (oboe), William McColl (clarinet), Christopher Leuba (horn), and Arthur Grossman (bassoon).

No. 1 in Bb major

I. Allegro maestoso

II. Larghetto cantabile

III. Rondo Allegretto grazioso

No. 2 in D minor

I. Allegro espressivo

II. Larghetto sostenuto ma con moto

III. Presto ma non tanto

No. 3 in F major

I. Allegro maestoso

II. Larghetto sostenuto

III. Rondo Allegro con brio

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