Most achingly-beautiful music


Ultimately, we listen to music to be moved, for example, to be elated, exulted, calmed or pained. Which are the 3 most affecting pieces of music do you find the most affecting?
hungryear
Chopin's nocturne op9 no.2 performed by Arthur Rubinstein, Schubert's Ave Maria, and Hot For Teacher by Van Halen.
Sorry, but the last one is very dear to me......
"Motherless Child".

I'm thinking of the Van Morrison version in particular.

Or is "gut wrenching" a better term?
1. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." Roberta Flack version 1969. Written in 1957 by Ewan MacColl for his wife.

2. "Forever Autumn" from Jeff Wayne's 1978 album "War of The Worlds"; sung by Justin Hayward (Moody Blues).

3. "I'm Goin' Back To Harlan" Emmy Lou Harris from "Wrecking Ball" album 1995.

4. "Its Only Make Believe" Conway Twitty 1958.

5. "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" Simon and Garfunkle 1966. SF is a tradional English ballad. The counterpoint "Canticle" was written by Simon and Garfunkle later altered lyrics to include anti-Viet Nam War stuff.
I keep on promoting this Øystein Sevåg:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTeWo83I-_A&feature=related