The parameters I would use to curate 27 records down to 10 would include the following: world significance, uniqueness in talent, and how I feel when I listen.
The first song I would select would be Bach, Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F. First Movement. Bach is considered one of the greatest composers alive and Bach was named the greatest composer by a poll by composers. For a person that is not into classical music, this music sounds very moving and a great piece of work by one of Earth’s greatest talents that ever existed. I feel elated and curious when listening to this piece.
The second song I would select would be Peru, Wedding song. When I initially clicked the link to listen to this song, I was not expecting the output that I received. I believe this is because I am accustomed to Canadian, American, and Indian wedding songs, so my mind automatically goes to that spot. Upon a deeper listen, you can hear the emotion and movement in the lyrics, it is unique and worldly.
The third song I would select is Azerbaijan S.S.R., bagpipes. I am starting to feel like my current taste in music (mainstream hip hop) needs some rethinking! This music is so calming and allows my mind to explore. It feels like I’m in a different part of the world, with a new set of ears and appreciation for what is different.
The forth song I would select is Navajo Indians, Night Chant. I loved this song! It was so lively and made me feel like I was a part of a small community ritual or event. My parents grew up in India, so I have gone back to visit their hometowns a few times, and although this song is not referring to the same “Indian” I am, I can still feel the community vibes.
The fifth song I would select is Tchenhoukoumen, Senegal, percussion. I loved this song as well! It makes me feel happy and excited, like something good is about to happen. I love how upbeat it is and unique, it is different from most of the other songs and it does not consist of sounds that I am familiar with.
The sixth song I would select is Jaat Kahan Ho by Surshri Kesar Bai Kerkar. I liked this song because I could hear the tabla in the music. Tabla’s are a type of drum that are incorporated into many Indian cultures, and it is heavily a part of the Punjabi, Sikh community. The sound of the tabla is soothing to me and it makes me feel at peace.
The seventh song I would select is China, ch’in, Flowing Streams by Kuan P’ing-hu. This song was very calming for me. I was initially gravitating towards it because of the name, “Flowing Streams”, which indicated to me that it would be meditative and peaceful. It was exactly that, and more because of its unfamiliar origin.
The eighth song I would select is Java, court gamelan, “Kinds of Flowers”. I selected this song because I have no clue if it is a happy, peaceful, religious, or sad song. You can interpret it to be whatever you want. My brain is not sure what to do with the music I am hearing, but it is gravitating towards this being a sacred song. I am also noticing now that my initial reaction to all the songs I have listened to is very emotional. I am making my selections based on how I feel, above all other parameters.
The ninth song I would select is Beethovan, Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra. I selected this song because it is also a classic. It reminds me of numerous movies I have watched with similar background music. This music is typically used when an adventurous or action scene is going on. Something suspenseful and potentially frightening. It is also upbeat and lively, making the listener want to know what will happen next or crave the next song.
The final song I would select is Mozart, The Magic Flute, Queen of the Night aria, no. 14. I feel like this song made the list on most individuals in this class, and that is mostly because the majority of us English speakers grew up knowing who Mozart was. We have developed an acquired taste for Mozart’s pieces, as many of them are works of art. But I wonder how other people would perceive them, without the knowledge of who Mozart was. Regardless, I believe this song has so much emotion and intensity to it. It makes you feel alive and awake.
