TOP 10 CHOICES:
- Holborne – Paueans, Galliards, Almains and Other Short Aeirs, “The Fairie Round,” performed by David Munrow and the Early Music Consort of London. (1:17)
- Bach – Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F, First Movement, Munich Bach Orchestra, Karl Richter, conductor. (4:40)
- Bach – “Gavotte en rondeaux” from the Partita No. 3 in E major for Violin, performed by Arthur Grumiaux. (2:55)
- Bach – The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, Prelude and Fugue in C, No. 1, Glenn Gould, piano. (4:48)
- Beethoven – Fifth Symphony, First Movement, the Philharmonia Orchestra, Otto Klemperer, conductor. (7:20)
- Japan, shakuhachi – “Tsuru No Sugomori” (“Crane’s Nest”), performed by Goro Yamaguchi. (4:51)
- Mexico – “El Cascabel,” performed by Lorenzo Barcelata and the Mariachi México. (3:14)
- Chuck Berry – “Johnny B. Goode”, written and performed by Chuck Berry. (2:38)
- Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven – “Melancholy Blues.” (3:05)
- Blind Willie Johnson – “Dark Was the Night,” written and performed by Blind Willie Johnson. (3:15)
While selecting my top 10 pieces from the Golden Record, I was most drawn to a gentle or soothing melody. In contrast, I skipped over songs with strong, intense beats that felt less comforting. I often listen to music to relax, so I naturally gravitated toward softer, more calming pieces.