Clay Aiken – Also Sprach Zarathustra!!??!!

I miss Clay Aiken.  I know he is on a well-deserved break away from the frantic life of a celebrity, but I still miss him.

While Clay is away, I have tried to publish many different types of articles about Clay and the important topics that are a part of his life.  Sometimes they work…sometimes not!  Today…lets celebrate music.  Wednesday will be ALL CLAY!!

Happy National Classical Music Month!

If you think that classical music has zero impact on your life you might want to think again. There are many classical songs that have made their way into our lives through traditional events, television, the big screen and modern music.  In honor of National Classical Music Month, CANN would like to post 8 Top Classical Melody picks that I am pretty sure you have heard. Even though you might not know the names of the composers or the titles of the pieces, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy and appreciate the musical compositions.

#8: William Tell Overture

This popular melody is used in situations that are frantic, fast-forwarded and hurried. The melody is frequently used in comical and humorous scenarios both on television and in the movies. It is also the theme song for The Lone Ranger.

#7:  Bach, Minuet in G, Anna Magdalena Notebook (Petzold)

Besides being in Willie Nelson’s 1986 hit version, Bach Minuet in G, the song is often heard at children’s piano recitals.  It has also been featured in many commercials and films.

#6:  2001 A Space Odyssey Opening

The original title to this popular piece is Also Sprach Zarathustra by the composer Richard Strauss. Besides being the popular beginning of 2001- A Space Osyssey the music was heard in the 2005 film “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory”, and was played by Elvis before he would perform on stage.

 #5:  Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart–Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

Arguably Mozart’s most famous piece, this number sets the stage for posh parties, banquets, or balls in movies. It was the introductory music for the original 1983 Mario Bros Nintendo game, featured in the 2006 film “Tenacious D In: The Pick Of Destiny,” and is sung by “The Four Peters” in the 2005 episode of Family Guy titled “Model Misbehavior”…now that’s a lot of fame for a song that dates back to the mid 1700’s!

#4: Händel Messiah – Hallelujah Chorus

Whether you have heard it in a religious setting or have seen it in a comedy show, when someone saves the day, this music is popular throughout the world. It is traditional that the audience stands when this piece is played.

 #3: Richard Wagner – Lohengrin, Act 3 – “Treulich geführt ziehet dahin”

Anyone that has attended a wedding, participated in a wedding, or has seen a wedding scene on the big screen, has hummed along to this song at one time or another. A song that was not intended to be a wedding song is now the signature piece for weddings around the world.

 #2 Beethoven’s 5th Symphony

Aside from being Judge Judy’s theme music, this Classical Music piece is famous around the world.  Also played during a 2007 TV commercial for XM satellite radio (featuring Snoop Dogg) this piece that is often referred to as the “Duh, Duh, Duh Duuuuuh”, is really a beautiful piece of music.

#1: Palladio by Karl Jenkins 

What girl doesn’t love this commercial?  It has moved us, and coincidentally the diamond market, when the DeBeers commercials hit television screens across the nation.

Whatever your favorite genre of music might be it is wonderful that the month of September celebrates music.  Having grown up in a home where classical music was all I ever heard, I love listening to Brahms, Mahler, Mozart and many other great composers. Yet, when I heard Clay Aiken sing the first time, my heart soared and life was just a little bit better than the day before.

Do you ever listen to Classical Music?  If so, do you have a favorite composer or composition?

Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.